In this insightful podcast episode, host Daryl Dittmer speaks with leadership coach Rayna Schroeder about the journey from dissatisfaction to purposeful living. Rayna shares her unique upbringing as the child of deaf parents and her early immersion in responsibility, which shaped her initial understanding of leadership. She describes her evolution from a command-and-control approach to a more collaborative and empowering leadership style, a change sparked by training and her own experiences coaching a high school dance team. This shift in perspective laid the groundwork for her future as a leadership coach, focused on helping others find joy and meaning in their work.
Rayna recounts a pivotal period in her career marked by unhappiness and disconnection, which ultimately led her to reevaluate her path and embrace positive psychology. She emphasizes that leadership is about influence, not titles, and that anyone can choose to lead by creating environments where people feel valued and engaged. Through her coaching, Rayna helps clients move away from a victim mentality and take ownership of their responses, encouraging small, intentional actions that foster lasting change and fulfillment.
The conversation explores the challenges of breaking out of comfort zones and the importance of embracing incremental progress toward big goals. Both Daryl and Rayna reflect on the common tendency to expect rapid transformation, highlighting the value of small, consistent steps and self-compassion along the journey. They discuss the role of gratitude, self-care, and mindfulness in building resilience and maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity.
Finally, the episode delves into the difference between genuine positivity and toxic positivity, advocating for authenticity and constructive venting when times are tough. Rayna underscores the importance of aligning actions with core values and purpose, and both speakers affirm that true leadership is grounded in service, empathy, and the desire to uplift others. The conversation concludes with practical advice for cultivating a meaningful life and workplace, as well as ways to connect with Rayna for further guidance on the leadership journey.
Find Rayna here:
https://positiveimpactleaders.com/meet-rayna/
