Episodes

Ever wondered if being “nice” at work could actually be making everything worse? Picture this: a leader so shielded by everyone’s politeness that a single, cringeworthy comment in the halls of Congress nearly tanks a $9 million deal—while everyone else sits silent, protecting comfort over honesty. Turns out, our obsession with not rocking the boat isn’t just awkward... it can be downright destructive. But here’s the twist: the real danger isn’t ego or greed. It’s this sneaky, everyday culture of niceness that’s quietly costing us big, more than we realize. So what’s the true price we pay for keeping the peace, and how can we start to flip the script? Amira K.S. Barger, MBA, CVA, CFRE is an award-winning communications and change management executive, author, and professor. She is on the podcast talking about her new book The Price of Nice.

What if the real reason your best people are leaving isn’t about paychecks or perks, but something way bigger, something you might not even be measuring yet? There’s a quiet shift happening in the workforce that’s turning traditional retention strategies upside down. And here’s the kicker: companies that embrace it aren’t just keeping their talent. They’re watching productivity and promotions soar, with results that might surprise you. So, what’s the one move that could help your people see a fu...

Ever heard these myths floating around about leadership and work-life balance? Myth #1: True leaders have to hustle nonstop to be successful. Myth #2: Burnout just means you’re not cut out for the job. Myth #3: Neuroplasticity is only for scientists—not something leaders can actually use. I’m about to spill the truth on how to flip these old stories on their head—so you can actually lead with clarity, energy, and a life that feels good. Ready for a totally different take? Stick around!

In this ...

Does this sound familiar? You’ve been told that “just learning every new AI tool” is the secret to staying relevant and leading your team into the future. But after hours tinkering with the latest apps and features, you’re still feeling overwhelmed and wondering if you’re actually making any real progress—or just adding more noise to your workflow. If you’re tired of chasing shiny objects and still feeling uncertain about how to lead responsibly with AI, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about what a...

Ever wondered what really happens behind closed boardroom doors when leaders are faced with uncomfortable truths, especially when speaking up could cost them their job? This conversation isn’t just about corporate buzzwords or performative change. It’s an unfiltered look at how fear quietly shapes decisions, and how a handful of micro-courage moments can actually flip the script for whole organizations. If you think courage at work is all about bold speeches, think again. There’s a twist here th...

Want to build a leadership bench that thrives no matter how fast the world changes? Imagine having a team that’s not just ready for what’s next, but actually thrives in the face of new tech, shifting cultures, and all the surprises global business throws at you. I’m about to break down exactly how you can shape leaders who are adaptable, digitally sharp, and able to retain top talent across borders—without losing sight of what makes your people tick. Stick around and I’ll show you how to make your leadership pipeline absolutely unstoppable.

Are you ready to finally escape the soul-crushing grip of toxic bosses and workplaces for good? Imagine waking up on Monday actually excited for work, feeling confident you can spot the red flags before you ever get trapped again, and knowing exactly how to protect your peace (and your career) no matter who’s in charge. I’m breaking down the real-life strategies, warning signs, and support systems you need to get there—so you can stop surviving and start thriving, even if you’re not ready to quit just yet.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Pamela Donnelly, founder of the American Access Institute, as she shares her mission to support vulnerable teens, including those aging out of foster care. Discover how the Catapult platform is transforming lives through trauma-informed care, AI mentorship, and innovative partnerships.

Key Highlights:

Dr. Donnelly's journey from college admissions professional to ed-tech innovator. The impact of the Catapult platform on justice-involved youth and ...

. If you're feeling exhausted from trying to process your third culture kid or MK experience—maybe you've already read memoirs, joined support groups, or tried to explain the complexity of evangelical politics to your friends, but still end up feeling misunderstood, unmoored, or even invisible, then you are not alone! If you've spent hours wrestling with the tension between your parents' good work and the darker sides of white evangelicalism, but instead of clarity, you get more tangled up in guilt or frustration, then you are not alone! If you've tried to fit your global perspective into conversations about Christian nationalism and end up hitting a wall of resistance, silence, or even shaming from your own community, then you are not alone! And if you've hoped that being resilient would be enough to heal the grief of never truly belonging anywhere, but find that the pain lingers no matter how many times you reinvent yourself, then you are not alone!

Ever wondered if the very things that make you feel “too much” at work are actually what your team needs most? What if being highly sensitive or neurodivergent isn’t just something to manage, but a legitimate edge—one that could actually shape the future of leadership? In today’s conversation, you’ll hear a take on empathy, burnout, and workplace inclusion that might flip how you see yourself (and your coworkers) on its head. But there’s one perspective Rachel shares—about a hidden risk most sensitive leaders never see coming—that left me rethinking what real leadership looks like. Curious? Let’s get into it…

Ever wondered if your people strategy is actually holding your business back? Yvonne Jackson—who’s helped companies like Apple untangle their most stubborn people challenges—just dropped a truth bomb that might surprise you: equity isn’t a culture problem, it’s a process problem. And the fix? It’s way less complicated (and a lot quicker) than most leaders think. In this episode, you’ll hear how duct-tape solutions and “cute” values might be costing your business more than you realize—and what to...

Ever wondered what really happens when you bring together people from over a hundred countries—all tuning in for one simple reason: to embrace their differences and actually change the world? Five years ago, Lori was just longing for connection during lockdown, learning podcasting on the fly. Now, this community has quietly become a global experience, sparking conversations that ripple into boardrooms, classrooms, and living rooms everywhere. But there’s one lesson Lori never expected to learn a...

Does this sound familiar? You’ve been told to just keep grinding it out in your current job until the “right” opportunity magically appears, but all that’s gotten you is more stress, second-guessing, and the nagging feeling you’re wasting your potential. It sucks watching your energy drain away while your values get sidelined and you wonder if you’ll ever feel truly fulfilled at work. You deserve a career that’s actually aligned with who you are and the impact you want to make. Let’s talk about ...

What if I told you that the real threat to your organization's future isn't just scandal or a viral headline—but something quietly brewing in your own leadership team? It's not about one bad apple, or even just making the right hires. There's a hidden factor that erodes trust, tanks retention, and costs far more than you think—yet most boards and executives still overlook it. And what neuroscience reveals about burnout and empathy in leaders might just change how you approach integrity forever. Want to know what most leaders miss (and how you can avoid being one of them)? Let’s unpack it together…

If you're feeling the frustration of being silenced in your workplace, despite wanting to make a difference, then you are not alone! Maybe you've stayed quiet in meetings or felt the weight of cultural norms, and it's impacting your ability to contribute. It's time to unlearn silence and reclaim your voice for real impact.

Unexpectedly, trauma-informed leadership skills are not just for disaster relief workers, they're crucial for leaders in any workplace. Dive into this podcast to uncover the surprising stories from a world-renowned trauma therapist who translated pain into understanding and despair into dignity. Hear how trauma manifests in the body and why creating a psychologically safe environment isn't just a nice-to-have, it's essential for high performance. Plus, get insights on navigating workplace cultur...

Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a cycle of stress and burnout, despite following the traditional advice to just tough it out? The constant pressure and lack of results can be exhausting, leaving you feeling drained and unfulfilled. If this sounds familiar, it's time to break free from the ineffective methods of managing stress and discover a new approach that actually works. It's time to cultivate effective leadership skills through self-awareness and empathy, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life. Say goodbye to the cycle of stress and hello to a new way of thriving.

Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a cycle of stress and burnout, despite following the traditional advice to just tough it out? The constant pressure and lack of results can be exhausting, leaving you feeling drained and unfulfilled. If this sounds familiar, it's time to break free from the ineffective methods of managing stress and discover a new approach that actually works. It's time to cultivate effective leadership skills through self-awareness and empathy, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life. Say goodbye to the cycle of stress and hello to a new way of thriving.

Get ready to be blown away by a Silicon Valley powerhouse turned leadership consultant's unexpected journey from tech industry leader to trailblazing author. This story will inspire you to rethink your approach to leadership and human connection. Stay tuned to learn how a pivotal event led to a powerful career pivot and a mission to create psychologically safe work environments. You won't want to miss this eye-opening conversation.

Get ready to be blown away by a Silicon Valley powerhouse turned leadership consultant's unexpected journey from tech industry leader to trailblazing author. This story will inspire you to rethink your approach to leadership and human connection. Stay tuned to learn how a pivotal event led to a powerful career pivot and a mission to create psychologically safe work environments. You won't want to miss this eye-opening conversation.

Are you ready for a surprising truth? The key to creating a healthier workplace might lie in the hands of those who are unintentionally contributing to toxicity. Intrigued? Let's uncover the unexpected impact of abrasive leaders and how they could be the catalyst for positive change. Keep those earbuds in, because there's a whole new perspective waiting for you.

Are you ready for a surprising truth? The key to creating a healthier workplace might lie in the hands of those who are unintentionally contributing to toxicity. Intrigued? Let's uncover the unexpected impact of abrasive leaders and how they could be the catalyst for positive change. Keep those earbuds in, because there's a whole new perspective waiting for you.

If you're feeling like your workplace culture is draining the life out of you, constantly leaving you feeling exhausted and undervalued, then you are not alone! It's time to stop waiting for a change to happen and start building a culture that actually works for you and your team. Garry Ridge is the Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company, where he spent 25 years as CEO, building a culture of trust, belonging, and engagement that drove both business success and human flourishing. Now, as The Culture Coach and founder of The Learning Moment, he shares his wisdom with leaders worldwide, helping them create workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and inspired. Named one of the Top 10 Most Admired CEOs in the World by Inc. Magazine and a Top 30 Global Guru in Organizational Culture, Garry is also an executive coach, adjunct professor, and co-author of Helping People Win at Work with Ken Blanchard. His latest book, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It, promises to challenge and inspire leaders to build cu…

If you're feeling like your workplace culture is draining the life out of you, constantly leaving you feeling exhausted and undervalued, then you are not alone! It's time to stop waiting for a change to happen and start building a culture that actually works for you and your team. Garry Ridge is the Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company, where he spent 25 years as CEO, building a culture of trust, belonging, and engagement that drove both business success and human flourishing. Now, as The Culture Coach and founder of The Learning Moment, he shares his wisdom with leaders worldwide, helping them create workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and inspired. Named one of the Top 10 Most Admired CEOs in the World by Inc. Magazine and a Top 30 Global Guru in Organizational Culture, Garry is also an executive coach, adjunct professor, and co-author of Helping People Win at Work with Ken Blanchard. His latest book, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It, promises to challenge and inspire leaders to build cu…