Shows
THIS Leader PodcastEp 52 How Are You Measured?In this episode, you'll hear about: The Three Types of Clarity Every Leader Needs: Strategic Clarity (what work moves the needle), Responsibility Clarity (who owns what), and Progress Clarity (how we're tracking)—and why Strategic Clarity is the foundation for everything else. Claire's Personal Burnout Story: How working at a job she loved without knowing how she was measured led to exhaustion, and the specific steps she took to create her own clarity when her manager couldn't provide it. The Three Questions Framework: Powerful questions to ask your manager in a clarity conversation—What are my 3 most important outc...
2026-02-0332 minTHIS Leader PodcastEP 51 How Crisis Reveals the Leader Within with Frances RobustelliYou're committed to developing your people, but what happens when a crisis hits and you need results now? This is the tension between being patient and decisive—one of the hardest parts of leadership. My guest, Frances Robustelli, City Manager of St. Pete Beach, Florida, faced this challenge head-on. Just months into her new role, back-to-back hurricanes devastated her community, shutting down 90% of the city's structures overnight. Crisis revealed exactly where talent lived and where dysfunction amplified chaos—and forced her to make staffing decisions faster than ever before. Fran's Framework for Building Healthy Organizations:
2026-01-2729 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 50 The Leadership RetrofitWelcome to Episode 50! We've made it to the top 1% of podcasters—and in this milestone episode, we're talking about why leadership transitions are so hard and what actually needs to change when you move to a new level. In this episode, you'll hear about: The Peter Principle: Why people rise to their "level of incompetence" (spoiler: it's not about your capability—it's about operating at the wrong level) The Leadership Pipeline Framework: The three things that must change at every transition—your skills, time allocation, and work values The First Major Passage: Moving from individual contributor to mana...
2026-01-2026 minTHIS Leader PodcastEP 49 Building Your GOAT Mindset with Natalia Rivera-EspañaIn this episode, I explore how physical fitness serves as a powerful laboratory for leadership development—and why the lessons you learn pushing your body are the exact skills you need to lead yourself and others well. The Translation Between Fitness and Leadership If you're like most leaders I work with, you've heard yourself say: "I don't leave my desk for lunch." "I don't take breaks." "I don't have time to exercise." Sound familiar? But here's the paradox—when we pause to take care of ourselves, when we refuel and connect, everything else gets better. The...
2026-01-1329 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 48 Happy 2026 Friends!Welcome to Episode 48 of THIS Leader! As we step into 2026, I'm inviting you to pause before diving headfirst into another year of endless demands and obligations. In this episode, you'll hear: The Power of Intentional Reflection: Why getting clear on what you truly want - not what you think you should want - changes everything about how you lead and live Your Multiple Roles as Opportunities: How each role you play (leader, partner, parent, friend) is a chance to understand yourself better and show up with more generosity and joy Questions That Matter: Reflection prompts to he...
2026-01-0607 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 47 The Power of Non-Verbal Communication with Dr. Jared FujishinIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jared Fujishin—who wrote his PhD dissertation specifically on nonverbal communication—to explore how leaders can close "the trust gap" between their good intentions and actual connection with their teams. You might spend hours crafting the perfect message, but if your nonverbal signals are sending a different story, your carefully chosen words won't land. Jared breaks down the often invisible ways leaders accidentally communicate disinterest or unavailability, even when their hearts are completely in the right place. Start with Authenticity: The Inside-Out Approach Befo...
2025-12-3048 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 46 Leading Through ResistanceWelcome to Episode 46! After the incredible response to my recent episode on leading change, so many of you reached out asking, "But what about when people resist anyway?" This episode is for you. In this episode, you'll hear about: The many faces of resistance and what those behaviors are really telling you The most common sources of pushback (and why they're usually legitimate) How to lead change proactively so resistance doesn't take root What to do when you're leading a change you don't fully believe in How to engage constructively when you're the one feeling resistant
2025-12-2328 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 45 The End-of-Year Ritual that Actually WorksWelcome to Episode 45! In this episode, I'm sharing my all-time favorite end-of-year ritual, a powerful reflection process that transforms lessons learned into actionable guidelines for the year ahead. In this episode, you'll discover: The three essential reflection questions that reveal meaningful patterns in your year How to turn lessons learned into memorable "guidelines"—short, powerful statements that become your North Star Why identifying your "big wins" matters more than creating an overwhelming goal list The magic that happens when teams do this work together How to plan for what truly matters without adding to your overwhelm Key...
2025-12-1620 min
University of WhyThe Working Genius Framework Every Leader Needs ft Claire Laughlin“Teams work better when they understand their chemistry. It’s not a weakness — it’s a strength map.” - Claire LaughlinIn this powerful episode of The University of Why, Dr. Sonia Chopra sits down with organizational effectiveness consultant and Working Genius Master Facilitator Claire Laughlin to explore how understanding your “working genius” can transform team culture, leadership, and burnout.Claire breaks down the six types of Working Genius in an easy, relatable way and shows how identifying your strengths and your team’s strengths can reduce overwhelm, improve communication, and help every person operate in their zone of...
2025-12-1143 minTHIS Leader PodcastEP 44 Leading Your Team Through ChangeLast week, we explored how change affects you personally. This week, we're focusing on YOUR ROLE as a leader when change is happening—because your team is looking to you to guide them through their transitions. In this episode, you'll hear about: Managing Your Team's Threat Responses (The SCARF Model) Status: How to provide reassurance without making promises you can't keep Certainty: Sharing what you know about the change and the process, even when details are unclear Autonomy: Giving people choices and a sense of control during un...
2025-12-0928 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 43 Navigating ChangeChange is exhausting - even when it's a good change. In this episode, I share a story about my own recent emotional roller coaster ride and walk you through the neuroscience and psychology of why navigating change hits us harder than we think. You'll learn practical frameworks to understand what's happening in your brain and a simple exercise to map what you're actually carrying so you can take better care of yourself through transitions. In this episode, you'll hear about: The SCARF Model: Neuroscientist David Rock's framework reveals five ways your brain perceives threat during change...
2025-12-0228 min
Only If You Get CaughtIs It Even Possible to Cheat on The Bachelor?What does cheating look like on a reality show where the goal is to find love? In this episode, Emma Gray and Claire Fallon from Love to See It join us to talk through the fiction of "for the right reasons" on The Bachelor franchise. Episode transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GS4u1CpTtjs7hvdKroTnLZCLRNxd5etfg841_66Y1-8/edit?usp=sharingYou can contribute to Radiotopia's fall fundraiser with a tax-deductible donation here! Show CreditsOnly If You Get Caught is written and hosted, by Patrick Redford. It’...
2025-12-0226 minOnly If You Get CaughtIs It Even Possible to Cheat on The Bachelor?What does cheating look like on a reality show where the goal is to find love? In this episode, Emma Gray and Claire Fallon from Love to See It join us to talk through the fiction of "for the right reasons" on The Bachelor franchise. Episode transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GS4u1CpTtjs7hvdKroTnLZCLRNxd5etfg841_66Y1-8/edit?usp=sharingYou can contribute to Radiotopia's fall fundraiser with a tax-deductible donation here! Show CreditsOnly If You Get Caught is written and hosted, by Patrick Redford. It’...
2025-12-0226 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 42 A Love Letter to Life: A Thanksgiving ReflectionJust days before Thanksgiving, I'm sharing something deeply personal—a practice that keeps me grounded, energized, and honestly, keeps me from becoming a grumpy old person. This episode is about the power of soaking in what's right and good, even when life feels overwhelming. In this episode, you'll hear about: Why gratitude can feel complicated – and why this isn't about toxic positivity or pretending hard things aren't hard The turning point – How a desperate decision to take just 10 minutes of peacefulness each morning transformed my life My daily practice – The simple steps I take each morning to fill m...
2025-11-2421 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 41 Finding Your Inner Drive with Stephanie SonnenshineIn this episode, I explore the tension between capability and genuine desire with Stephanie Sonnenshine—a former CEO who led one of California's most influential organizations through a pandemic and major transitions, then made the intentional choice to step away and pursue coaching and consulting work that truly lights her up. If you're a high-achieving leader who finds yourself saying yes to opportunities simply because you can, this conversation will help you pause and ask the more important question: Is this what I actually want? The Capability Trap: When "I Can" Becomes "I Must" ...
2025-11-1835 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 40: Strategic Career Rebranding with Sherri ThomasDo you wake up Monday mornings with subtle dread—not because you hate your job, but because you've stopped growing? You're competent, maybe even excellent, but you've plateaued. Meanwhile, opportunities surround you, but you're not sure how to position yourself to seize them. Sherri Thomas has successfully rebranded herself four times across different industries—from radio DJ to Fortune 100 career strategist. Her journey includes impressive wins (like a 56% salary increase) and devastating setbacks that taught her how to strategically navigate career transitions. The Three Types of Career Opportunities: Given opportunities: Jobs posted on boards like LinkedIn and...
2025-11-1146 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 39 The Power of Assertiveness (Find Your Voice!)In this personal episode, I share my journey from chronic people-pleaser to assertive leader and reveal practical frameworks for finding your voice. Growing up too agreeable cost me career opportunities and wrong relationships. The key insight: when nothing is important to you, it's easy to get pulled into anything important to others. Key Concepts: Three Communication Styles: Passive - Avoiding conflict, not advocating for needs Aggressive - Bulldozing over others' needs Assertive - Being honest about needs while respecting others (the sweet spot) Two Types of Assertiveness:
2025-11-0423 min
KFM On DemandThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni - The ID Pairing with Claire LaughlinHow does being an Inventor-Discerner shape your leadership style when guiding a team?In episode 99 of the Working Genius Podcast, In this episode, Pat Lencioni and Cody Thompson welcome master facilitator Claire Laughlin to unpack the unique strengths and quirks of the Inventor-Discerner (ID) pairing. Together, they explore how people with this Working Genius pairing constantly generate, refine, and iterate ideas in real time. Claire Laughlin is a dynamic trainer and coach who helps teams communicate better and lead with purpose. As one of The Table Group’s master facilitators, she teaches the Working Genius mod...
2025-11-0427 minThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniThe ID Pairing with Claire LaughlinHow does being an Inventor-Discerner shape your leadership style when guiding a team?In episode 99 of the Working Genius Podcast, In this episode, Pat Lencioni and Cody Thompson welcome master facilitator Claire Laughlin to unpack the unique strengths and quirks of the Inventor-Discerner (ID) pairing. Together, they explore how people with this Working Genius pairing constantly generate, refine, and iterate ideas in real time. Claire Laughlin is a dynamic trainer and coach who helps teams communicate better and lead with purpose. As one of The Table Group’s master facilitators, she teaches the Working Genius mod...
2025-11-0427 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 38 Learning Control, Appreciation, and Letting Go with Kate TerrellHow much of your day do you spend trying to control things that are actually outside your control? As leaders, we plan and strategize, but often find ourselves spinning our wheels on things we simply can't influence. What if recognizing the limits of our control isn't a weakness, but the key to building stronger teams and achieving better results? Kate Terrell, former Chief Human Resources Officer with over 15 years of leading transformation at billion-dollar companies, shares how her battle with stage-four cancer taught her the most powerful leadership lesson of her career: focus relentlessly on...
2025-10-2838 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 37 Escaping the Drama TriangleIn this transformative episode, I show you how to escape the Drama Triangle pattern that exhausts leaders and robs them of power. If you've ever said yes when you want to say no, then felt resentful about your obligations, and then got angry at others for your situation, congratulations! You've just cycled through all three Drama Triangle roles: Rescuer, Victim, and Persecutor, and you've given your power away in each position. Key Concepts: The Drama Triangle Roles: Rescuer - "Ill save the day!" Saying yes when you should say no, thinking "if...
2025-10-2126 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 36 Freedom from Being Emotionally Hijacked by Difficult Situations with Allison LivingstonIn this conversation with parent coach Allison Livingston, we explore how high achievers get emotionally hijacked in difficult situations and learn a 5-step framework to stay connected without getting hooked. Why High Achievers Get Emotionally Hijacked High-achieving people often struggle with emotional regulation because they expect to be good at everything, including relationships. They have high expectations of themselves and others, but lack practice giving grace when things don't go as planned. This creates vulnerability to emotional enmeshment, where they try to control outcomes rather than connect authentically. The 5 Steps to Connect Framework
2025-10-1440 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 35 Developing Influence and Impact: A Leader's Guide with Salvatore ManziIn this conversation with communication expert Salvatore Manzi, we explore how analytical minds and introverted leaders can transform technical brilliance into authentic influence. The Foundation: Presence = Comfort + Authenticity Salvatore defines presence as the intersection of comfort and authenticity—being comfortable being yourself while knowing your topic, understanding your audience, and communicating from that genuine center. The "You Then Me" Framework The core principle that transforms communication effectiveness: Start with understanding your audience's hopes, fears, and perspectives Build relevance before moving to your agenda Create connection that opens people to hearing yo...
2025-10-0734 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 34 Living Your ValuesIn this personal episode, Claire shares how her father's Alzheimer's diagnosis became a wake-up call about the urgency of living authentically. She explores why your values, not productivity systems, are the key to fulfillment and effective leadership. The Personal Wake-Up Call Claire opens with a touching note her father wrote: "Claire, I want to go to the grocery store with you." A year later, he no longer writes or speaks much due to Alzheimer's. This experience forced Claire to confront the reality that "someday" plans might never happen, shifting her entire approach to how she...
2025-09-3024 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 33 The Facilitative Leadership ToolkitIn this practical episode, I reveal specific skills that transform ordinary meetings into powerful collaborative sessions where everyone contributes fully. The difference between meetings where leaders do all the talking versus those where everyone leaves energized isn't personality, it's facilitative leadership skills. Understanding Work Flow All meaningful work follows predictable stages: Ideation - Identifying problems and brainstorming Activation - Deciding and prioritizing Implementation - Planning and executing Learning - Evaluating and improving Five Simple Meeting Techniques Round Robin - Everyone shares input, no skipping Pair Share - Small groups process bef...
2025-09-2324 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 32 Why Influence Outweighs Titles with Jessica DeakyneIn this conversation with Jessica Deakyne, we explore how she accelerated from transportation coordinator to Chief Operating Officer through servant leadership and intentional community building. The Power of Community and Connection Jessica's career transformation wasn't a solo journey. She emphasizes that successful leaders understand advancement happens through community, not isolation. Her approach involves constantly connecting people to opportunities, maintaining broad networks, and remembering that "I didn't become an ACM by myself." The UpNext Program: Building Ladders for Others In 2022, Jessica co-created UpNext, a nine-month leadership development program for emerging public sector...
2025-09-1638 min
The Non-ProphetsCatholic App Sniffs Out ‘Sinful’ InvestmentsA new "Catholic investing scorecard" promises to help the devout align their portfolios with church teachings by dodging investments in anything supporting abortion, pornography, or LGBTQ+ rights. While some applaud this "faith-based stewardship," others—including us heathens—see it as a transparent, hypocritical weaponization of finance in the ongoing culture wars. A financial advisor, who evidently didn't use divine intervention to amass his own wealth, is now offering a tool based on "faith not seen" rather than evidence, potentially leading to exclusion and bad investments. We’re just wondering if the Vatican is secretly funding the White Sox now. Talk about...
2025-09-1320 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 31 Strengths: The Hidden Key to Extraordinary PerformanceThis episode explores why most leaders are unknowingly operating at only 70% of their potential and how aligning with your natural strengths can transform your leadership impact. The Research on Strengths The data from Marcus Buckingham, Don Clifton, and the Gallup Organization is compelling. People who use their strengths daily are three times more likely to report an excellent quality of life and six times more engaged at work. Teams focusing on strengths see 12.5% greater productivity and 8.1% more profitability. What Are Strengths? Strengths aren't just learned skills; they're the intersection of natural...
2025-09-0924 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 30 4 Ways to Be Irreplaceable at WorkIn this episode, I share four core strategies that will help you consistently add more value, and make yourself indispensable at work. In this episode, you'll hear about: The Current Landscape Forbes reports that 77% of people are concerned about AI causing job loss within 12 months, but there's a crucial flip side: wages are rising twice as quickly in industries most exposed to AI. The people adding real value have the opportunity to become more valuable and reap the benefits, not less. Also, employee engagement fell to its lowest level in a...
2025-09-0218 minTHIS Leader PodcastEP 29 Transforming Workplace Tension into Trust with Theresa PhillipsIn this episode, Theresa Phillips, a veteran HR professional who has conducted over 700 workplace investigations, we explore how challenging workplace conflicts can become opportunities for transformation and trust-building. From Fact-Finding to Healing Theresa's journey evolved from simply gathering facts to truly seeing people in their pain and fear. She discovered that when people feel genuinely heard—without bias or predetermined judgments—healing begins immediately, even before any resolution is reached. When Mediation Goes Sideways One of Theresa's most impactful lessons came from a failed mediation between two colleagues who hadn't spoken in se...
2025-08-2640 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 28 The Brave Choice that Transforms RelationshipsIn this episode, I explore how our brains are wired to misinterpret others' behavior and I share the life-changing principle that everyone acts from their own "good reasons." I begin with a painful personal story of being falsely accused of "stealing" a client by a colleague. This experience illustrates how we all "tell stories" about what's happening around us, but real as they may seem, they're just stories; our brain constructs narratives that may be a far cry from reality. In this episode, you'll hear about: The I:I Gap (Interpretation vs. Intention)
2025-08-1921 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 27 Workplace Boundaries with Irene van der ZandeIn this conversation with Irene van der Zande, founder of Kidpower International, we explore how to set and respect workplace boundaries with confidence and kindness. The Boundary Bridge Technique Skilled boundary-setters always start with something positive—what Irene calls a "boundary bridge": Connect first with something positive Use 'and' not, 'but'—bridges don't cut off communication Be specific and focus on behavior, not character Keep it simple and don't over-explain Real Scenarios We Practiced We role-played common workplace situations, from supervisors addressing chatty employees to colleagues setting limits on interruptions. The key is...
2025-08-1235 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 26 The 5 Silent Culture KillersIn this episode, I expose the sneaky forces that gradually erode team culture—subtle issues that well-meaning leaders overlook until significant damage is done. The biggest threats aren't obvious disasters but silent forces that creep in slowly, robbing teams of energy, focus, and trust. These culture killers are correctable, but first, you need to spot them. In this episode, you'll hear about: The 5 Silent Killers: The Curse of Chaos: Failing to align on shared priorities. When everything is a priority, nothing is. Solution: Schedule a 90-minute meeting asking, "What's the ONE mo...
2025-08-0520 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 25 Change Agility with Stefka AndersonIn this conversation with Stefka Anderson, HR Director for Global R&D at Driscoll's, we dive into how Driscoll's Global R&D is training leaders to increase change agility. Together, they designed and delivered a comprehensive 10-month "Change Agility" program, that transformed how their entire function (which includes hundreds of employees and spans multiple disciplines and time zones) engages in decision-making and the change process. The Challenge: Speed vs. Engagement Driscoll's faced a classic leadership dilemma: how to move quickly in a rapidly changing world while still engaging their brilliant, passionate workforce in meaningful ways. Wi...
2025-07-2943 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 24 Growth by Design - Making Professional Development IntentionalIn this inspiring episode, I challenge leaders to shift from "accidental learning" to intentional development that accelerates career growth and impact. Most leaders treat professional development like a luxury, squeezing it between priorities or leaving it to chance. This reactive approach keeps you scattered and at risk of becoming irrelevant as leadership demands evolve. In this episode, you'll hear: The Problem with Accidental Learning: I share the story of a brilliant new director who felt stuck despite being hardworking and respected. When asked about her development plan, she laughed—she was consuming leadership content but had...
2025-07-2223 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 23 The Hidden Cost of Artificial HarmonyIn this episode, Claire explores the dangerous middle ground between unhealthy conflict and artificial harmony, and why smart teams sometimes hold themselves back by avoiding necessary strategic disagreements. The Hidden Costs of Artificial Harmony Most conflict avoidance comes from a good place—leaders trying to maintain relationships and avoid hurting feelings. But we've gotten really good at telling ourselves stories that justify our silence. Sound familiar? "This isn't the hill I'm going to die on." "She's already made up her mind." "I don't have time to fight this right now." "If I argue for my appro...
2025-07-1520 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 22 Project Management for The Rest of UsIn this episode, I share a collaborative approach to project management that actually works, without overwhelming complexity. Fresh from facilitating a 3-hour session where 50 managers successfully drafted project plans, I reveal why traditional project management training fails and what works instead. The secret? You're not managing projects—you're managing people. In this episode, you'll hear about: The Problem with Traditional Project Management I share the story of "Fred," an expensive consultant who delivered 40 hours of training that nobody used because it was too complicated. This pattern repeats everywhere: brilliant PMOs can't get teams to a...
2025-07-1025 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 21 Freedom, Conflict & The Path to Self-Awareness with Roxanne HarrisonIn this conversation with Roxanne Harrison, we explore how ancient wisdom meets modern leadership through the powerful combination of the Enneagram and Qigong practices. From Resistance to Choice Roxanne's journey began with a neck injury that forced her to slow down and discover a pattern of constant resistance—always saying "no before yes." This resistance was actually a protective mechanism covering up her natural gifts. The Golden Buddha Metaphor Like the famous Thai Buddha statue covered in clay for protection during wartime, we often cover our natural gifts with protective strategies. The...
2025-06-3049 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 20 Taming the Chaos (Special Episode)In this special AMA episode, I tackle two real leadership scenarios that feel like herding cats: uniting a fractured team and creating unified execution from scattered individuals. Both situations share the same fundamental challenge: bringing people together to create order out of chaos, whether that involves building a shared team culture or driving collective results toward a strategic vision. In this episode, you'll hear about: Scenario 1: "How do I unite a fractured team after leadership turmoil?" Meet "Julie," who inherited a 12-person team that has undergone multiple leadership changes. There's an...
2025-06-2429 min
Beyond Beauty: the business of beautyStuds Founder: Anna Harman is Building Gen Z’s Favorite Ear Piercing BrandShow Notes:In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, Anna Harman, CEO and co-founder of Studs, shares her journey of launching a modern ear piercing brand. Anna discusses overcoming challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights the importance of customer experience, technology, and work-life balance. She reflects on lessons learned as an entrepreneur and mother, offers advice on prioritizing well-being, and shares her beauty must-haves. The episode provides insights into building a successful brand in the beauty industry and Anna’s vision for Studs’ future growth.About Anna: With nearly a deca...
2025-06-1830 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 19 You Have the Right to Love Your JobIn this episode, I challenge the idea that workplace misery is normal. You have a right to fairness, respect, psychological safety, and meaningful work—but rights without responsibility are just complaints. In this episode, you'll hear about: The Three Essential Roles: Everyone plays these roles in creating workplace culture, regardless of job title Owner Role - Orienting energy toward both happiness and productivity Manager/Leader Role - Establishing expectations and protecting culture Producer Role - Bringing your best self to work daily I share how a director transformed her team's energy by simply as...
2025-06-1728 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 18 Keys for Connection with Jared FujishinIn this inspiring conversation with communication expert Jared Fujishin, we explore his powerful "connection's key is less of me" framework that transforms how leaders build trust, influence, and loyalty. The Foundation: Less of Me, More Connection The most effective leaders aren't focused on themselves—they're genuinely invested in others. When leaders operate from a "me, me, me" mentality, people comply but don't commit. They'll leave for slightly better opportunities because there's no real connection holding them there. Moving from Authority to Influence There's a huge difference between authority ("do it because I'm...
2025-06-1044 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 17-The Power of Mentoring with Kara Reddig & Femi OmoteshoIn this episode, I explore how to build and sustain a successful mentoring program with Kara Reddig, Deputy City Manager, and Femi Omotesho, Management Analyst from the City of Elk Grove. Why Mentoring Matters More Than Ever Mentoring isn't just a nice-to-have, it's foundational to developing confident, capable leaders. The City of Elk Grove's program grew organically from a 2019 staff meeting on gender equity, proving that the best development initiatives come directly from your team's expressed needs. The Secret Sauce: How to Structure a Mentoring Program That Actually Works Cross-departmental pairing process: Br...
2025-06-0335 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 16 Leaders Shape Culture with Jonathan BissellIn this inspiring conversation with leadership expert Jonathan Bissell, we explore how to transform your leadership from reactive to intentional and create the kind of culture where people thrive. The Foundation: Belief Creates Transformation Everything starts with a powerful belief: investing in your people pays incredible dividends. When you truly embrace development as a core strategy, you'll create the kind of culture that attracts talent and drives results naturally. The Upstream vs. Downstream Framework Imagine spending your days building and developing instead of constantly fixing problems. Jonathan shares a game-changing approach:...
2025-05-2740 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 15 Building Psychological Safety - Communication Strategies That Make All The DifferenceIn this episode, I explore the concept of psychological safety and share specific communication practices that can transform your team culture. Understanding Psychological Safety: The Four Stages. Building on Harvard professor Amy Edmondson's research and Timothy Clark's framework, I explain how psychological safety develops through four distinct stages: Level 1: Inclusion Safety – "Do I belong here? Can I be myself?" Level 2: Learner Safety – "Can I take risks and make mistakes without fear of judgment?" Level 3: Contributor Safety – "Are my unique gifts valued? Am I adding value?" Level 4: Challenger Safety – "Can I question things, including authority and established ways?"...
2025-05-2024 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 14 Plan, Delegate, DepartIn this episode, I explore why taking real time off is crucial for your leadership. I share my proven framework for making it happen without everything falling apart in your absence. There's never a convenient time to take vacation; there's always another deadline, another project, another reason to stay connected. But I've discovered that my boldest ideas and biggest breakthroughs happen when I commit to true disconnection. Here's how you can do it too. In this episode, you'll hear about: PLAN: Clearing the Path for Departure. I share my pre-vacation process for evaluating wh...
2025-05-0618 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 13 Emotional Contagion - Why Broadcasting Positivity is EssentialIn this episode, we dive into the science of emotional contagion and how being intentional about the emotions you project can transform your leadership impact. Have you ever seen someone walk into a room and instantly shift the energy? That's emotional contagion in action. Emotions silently spreading from person to person, often without us realizing it. As leaders, learning to manage this contagion is one of the most powerful, and underused, tools at our disposal. The Science of Emotional Contagion Research from Princeton reveals how our brains use "mirror neurons" to unconsciously mimic the emotional...
2025-04-2926 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 12 Leverage Your StrengthsIn this episode, I explore how identifying and leveraging your natural talents can transform your energy, impact, and results, both for you and your team. Have you ever felt like the daily grind is draining the life out of you? Many leaders I talk with feel this way - not because they don't like their jobs, but because they're spending too much time on tasks that exhaust them and not enough on work that brings them energy and fulfillment. In this episode, you'll hear about: What Strengths Really Are I explain the difference...
2025-04-2220 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 11 Goal Getting - Your Blueprint for SuccessIn this episode, Claire Laughlin shares her team's complete goal-setting system that keeps strategic priorities front and center all year long. Learn how to transform vague annual objectives into actionable steps that create real momentum. We're officially into Q2, and if you're like most leaders, those ambitious January goals might be fading into the background as daily demands take over. This episode walks you through our exact process - from annual planning to weekly execution - that has transformed how the team approaches goals. In this episode, we'll dive into: The Annual Blueprint: He...
2025-04-1515 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 10: Reclaim Your Time: The Strategic Leader's Approach to Effective MeetingsIn this episode, Claire Laughlin dives into the art of effective meetings and how to transform them from time-wasters into productive, energizing experiences. What You'll Learn: The invisible workflow that underlies all good work and why understanding it matters for meeting design The five essential meeting types that every leader should master: Ideation Meetings for defining problems and generating solutions Decision-Making Meetings for evaluating options and making clear choices Planning and Enabling Meetings for creating actionable roadmaps Implementation Meetings (or "huddles") for alignment and quick adjustments Learn and Review Meetings for continuous improvement How to define clea...
2025-04-0825 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 9 You Are a Change LeaderIn this episode, we delve into the complex reality that change is inevitable in our workplaces. Whether you formally lead a team or not, developing skills to navigate change effectively makes you an invaluable asset in today's rapidly evolving environment. Understanding the Three Dimensions of Change Change we choose versus change imposed upon us Change that feels favorable versus unfavorable Change we can anticipate versus change that catches us by surprise I introduce the powerful "change bridge" metaphor that explains why executives and team members often experience the same change in completely different ways. Leaders...
2025-04-0116 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 8 Welcome FeelingsIn this episode, we explore the critical relationship between emotional intelligence and effective leadership, with practical tools to enhance your impact through emotional awareness. The Leadership Imperative for Emotional Intelligence: Emotions are valuable data points, not workplace liabilities. Research confirms that leaders who accurately identify and manage emotions consistently outperform those who can't. When we disconnect from our emotions, we disconnect from our leadership power. Building Your Emotional Vocabulary: Moving beyond "mad, sad, glad, afraid" to a richer emotional palette Using emotion wheels and charts for greater emotional precision Implementing daily emotional chec...
2025-03-2521 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 7 Rest and Recovery RitualsIn this episode, we explore: The surprising truth about rest and recovery - they're not just ways to avoid burnout, but essential components of high performance leadership. I share my personal journey from being someone who couldn't imagine taking meaningful breaks to understanding how strategic recovery enhances productivity. The Science of Rest & Performance: Why sleep is the keystone to good health and leadership effectiveness How your brain "power washes" itself during deep sleep The connection between REM sleep, creativity, and problem-solving Breaking the Busy Mindset: Many leaders pride themselves on responsiveness an...
2025-03-1825 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 6 Breaking the Burnout CycleIn this episode, we dive deep into the burnout epidemic affecting today's leaders and what you can do to break free from this destructive cycle. The Burnout Crisis Among Leaders The statistics are alarming—76% of employees experience burnout, with mid-level leaders being especially vulnerable as they juggle multiple responsibilities. When a leader burns out, it creates a ripple effect, impacting team motivation, collaboration, and trust. The True Cost of Burnout: Health impacts: persistent exhaustion and physical symptoms Emotional toll: negativity, cynicism, and loss of hope Organizational cost: re...
2025-03-1122 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 5 Energize Your TeamIn this episode, we explore how to re-energize teams that feel disconnected and flat in our post-pandemic workplace reality. Understanding the Post-Pandemic Workplace Challenge I introduce the concept of "pandemnesia" and examine how our adaptations to remote work have created: More meetings but less quality collaboration More communication channels but less genuine connection More work volume but less focus on impact The Need for an Energy Reset: Rather than throwing out the positive changes we've made, we need a strategic reset that reclaims sh...
2025-03-0420 minTHIS Leader PodcastEpisode 4- Adding Strategic Value in Uncertain TimesIn this episode, we explore: The Strategic Value Gap: Understanding why even accomplished professionals struggle to articulate how they're measured at work The Job Pie Exercise: A visual tool to determine where your time and energy should be allocated for maximum impact Practical Value-Adding Strategies: Creating your Strategic Value Proposition using ideal vs. real job allocation Implementing the TIE (Time, Impact, Energy) tracker to identify time drains Developing Quarterly Action Plans that demonstrate measurable outcomes Building Professional Resilience: Designing a Strategic Development Blueprint Aligning your growth with organizational needs Having va...
2025-02-2517 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 3 Fostering Engagement at Work through Creating a Culture of RecognitionFeeling undervalued at work can be discouraging, and workplace loneliness is at an all-time high. Join in as Claire Laughlin teaches how genuine recognition and appreciation can transform team engagement and retention. Understand the key reasons why appreciation matters and how leaders can build a culture where employees feel seen, valued, and motivated. In this conversation: The alarming statistics on workplace recognition and disengagement Common misconceptions leaders have about giving praise The connection between recognition and employee engagement Understanding individual strengths with the Working Genius model Actionable strategies to create a recognition-rich workplace How clea...
2025-02-1717 minTHIS Leader PodcastEp 2 Setting Leadership StandardsIf you've ever felt overwhelmed by leadership challenges or struggled with defining your leadership standards, this episode is for you! In this powerful episode, we dive into one of the fundamental secrets of high-impact leaders: setting clear leadership standards. Discover the 5 Cs of leadership that can transform how you show up as a leader, even in the most challenging situations. Learn practical ways to define and live by your own leadership standards to create more meaningful connections and drive better results. In this episode, we explore: The hidden power of...
2025-02-1723 minTHIS Leader PodcastEP 1 Welcome to This Leader- The Podcast.Welcome to THIS Leader! We all know that leadership is rewarding but can also be challenging! In this episode, join Claire as she shares: Why your leadership impact matters more than your title (and how this realization will transform your approach to team development) The surprising truth about leadership that will free you from the constant pressure to have all the answers How to stop feeling guilty about taking care of yourself first (and why it's essential for your team's success) The connection between personal wellbeing and leadership effectiveness that no one talks about...
2025-02-1712 min
THIS Leader PodcastThis Leader Podcast TrailerThe 'THIS Leader' podcast explores the transformational, high-impact secrets that turn the ordinary people into extra-ordinary leaders! THIS Leader is hosted by Claire Laughlin, an organizational development consultant. She and her guests will explore: How individuals can enhance their leadership impact by showing up as their personal best, how teams can leverage connection and clarity to experience tremendous results, and how organizations can increase trust and engagement and improve outcomes by putting people and relationships at the center of the business.
2025-01-2602 min
Love to See It with Emma and Claire‘Sleepless in Seattle’ Is The First Great Parasocial Love Story w/ Alex Sujong LaughlinBefore online dating and social media, there were radio therapy shows. This week, we’re diving into Sleepless in Seattle, one of the first great parasocial love stories! Joining us to break it down is friend of the pod and Normal Gossip producer, Alex Sujong Laughlin!
To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-12-101h 52
I'M TRIGGERED!Episode 24: That's too much screaming- The BabadookAustralian horror film The Babadook delighted audiences with its clever script, gruesome scenes, and that delightfully creepy character. In this episode, we discuss the challenges of widowhood and the ongoing effects of grief. And, in a show dedicated to triggers, Jess and Megan find a scene in this film so triggering that they can barely talk about it. Buckle up for the Babadook! Sources:Dederer, Claire. Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma. Vintage Publishers, 2023.Gobbel, Robyn. Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2023.Hawbaker, L.A. "The Black Rose in the Garden: A Second Lo...
2024-10-151h 06Love to See It with Emma and Claire‘Bachelorette’ S20e6 Hometowns: Getting Real w/ Alex LaughlinGrab your knitting needles and let’s head to decor-less AirBnBs to meet the family of Charity’s four final men! Are they being their real, true selves? To help us figure it out is producer of Normal Gossip, Alex Laughlin!
To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-08-011h 50
Small Town MissingLady of the Dunes: The Case of Ruth Marie TerryJoin the team as they discuss the listener requested case of Ruth Marie Terry. You can follow us on Instagram at smalltownmissing.Sources:“How to find out more about the ‘Lady of the Dunes,’ identified as Ruth Marie Terry”- article by ClaireVoeglein of the Cape Cod Times, published on November 1, 2022.“Provincetown 1974 cold case: ‘Lady of the Dunes’ timeline”- article by Zane Razzaq of the Cape CodTimes, published on November 8 th , 2022.FBI.gov- “Ruth Marie Terry”- for any information about Ruth Marie Terry’s characteristics“FBI identifies ‘La...
2022-11-1226 min
Normal Gossip | YouTubeSpot the Scammer with Claire Fallon and Emma GrayClaire Fallon and Emma Gray join us for our season 1 finale to hear about a girls trip gone horribly wrong.
Follow Claire on Twitter @ClaireEFallon and follow Emma @emmaladyrose.
Episode transcript here.
Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP. And don't forget to send us your FAMILY GOSSIP for our special between-season bonus episode.
Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).
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2022-02-231h 02Normal GossipSpot the Scammer with Claire Fallon and Emma GrayClaire Fallon and Emma Gray join us for our season 1 finale to hear about a girls trip gone horribly wrong.
Follow Claire on Twitter @ClaireEFallon and follow Emma @emmaladyrose.
Episode transcript here.
Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP. And don't forget to send us your FAMILY GOSSIP for our special between-season bonus episode.
Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).
Subscribe to...
2022-02-231h 02
Eye of the Swarm PodcastEye of the Swarm - Season 2, Episode 9On the show this week hosts Jon Garver and Matt Johnson are joined by Dan Laughlin, head coach of the Yellowjacket women's hockey team to talk about their season and their upcoming playoff game against UW-Eau Claire.
2021-03-161h 16
Cabot Coverage: A Murder, She Wrote Podcast31. Snow White, Blood Red (Season 5, Episode 4) (First Aired on November 13, 1988)A snow storm leaves Jessica snowed in with the U. S. World Cup Ski Team and a murderer is on the loose.This episode stars Emma Samms! And can be streamed on IMDb TV (Amazon) and Peacock.Guest Stars include:1. Emma Samms (Dynasty) as Pamela Leeds2. George Wyner (Spaceballs) as Dr. Lewis3. John Laughlin (The Rock) as Mike Lowery4. Jamie Rose (Falcon Crest) as Anne Lowery5. Eric Allan Kramer (Robin Hood: Men in Tights) as Gunnar Tilstrom6. Barry Newman (Daylight) as Ex-NYPD Lt. Ed McMasters7. Ronnie Claire Edwards (T...
2020-12-091h 10
Dead Ladies Show PodcastDoreen Valiente & Martha MaxwellEpisode 26 brings you spooky Dead Lady tales all the way from NYC! First, Claire Carroll introduces us to England's Doreen Valiente, known as the mother of modern witchcraft. In the UK and beyond, she was key in the spread of modern day Wicca, now a world-wide religion. Doreen also had more than a few secrets under her cape. **SECOND TALK CONTAINS ENTHUSIASTIC SWEARING** Then, it's time for a live lady taxidermist talking about a Dead Lady taxidermist! Divya Anantharaman of Gotham Taxidermy brings us the story of American naturalist and taxidermy pioneer Martha Maxwell. The talks were recorded live...
2019-10-1738 min
Dead Ladies Show PodcastBessie Blount & Florynce KennedyIn this episode, it's New York City, baby! Our sister spin-off show — hosted and curated by Molly O'Laughlin Kemper at KGB Bar — represents with two excellent talks about fantastic American Dead Ladies. First up is Amy Padnani on BESSIE BLOUNT. Amy is an obit editor at the New York Times, and creator of the acclaimed Overlooked series. Much like our Dead Ladies Show, Overlooked corrects history, by recognizing women who were left off the NYT's obituaries pages over the decades. Amy introduces us to dedicated nurse, brilliant inventor, and skilled forensic handwriting analyst BESSIE BLOUNT. Then, we go big with...
2019-05-1639 min
Sirenicide"Revealed By Receding Water"In our Season 3 premier: Morston, TX and its surrounding areas have been devastated by three Category 5 hurricanes, Xavier, Yara and Zephon. However a much needed light for these dark times, has finally arrived... This episode features our largest cast to date. Ronda D. - Christina Nicholls Neal P. - Joshua Navarro Amber B. - Amber Blake Gladys N. - Lauren Turner Landon F. - JB Margret Sharpe - Amy Bowlin of Sirenicide Ross M. - Kenneth Bryant Mitch Placker - Dan LeFebvre of Based on a True Story Podc...
2018-03-1325 min