Shows
The Executive Exhale Podcast89 | It’s Always Darkest Before Dawn: A Heart-to-Heart ShareSend us a textThis episode is a little different. It's more raw, more real. I’m not here today with a toolkit of strategies or leadership hacks. I’m here to speak from the heart.If you’ve been moving through a heavy season, questioning your path, doubting your choices, or just feeling completely and utterly exhausted, this one’s for you. I’ve been there. More than once. And recently, I found myself back in that space, wrestling with grief, identity shifts, and the pressure to hold it all together.In this short...2025-07-1513 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast88 | The Myth of Balance, Burnout Prevention & Brave Boundaries with Dr. Denise BrownSend us a textIn this episode of Executive Exhale, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Denise Brown who is a physician, former CEO, and now the self-described “Fairy God Doctor.” With over 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership, Denise brings a refreshing, no-BS approach to helping women in business avoid the burnout trap before it begins.We talked about her career shifts, the value of taking a pause, and about her journey in the writing of her book The Fairy God Doctor’s Guide to a Good Life. What started as a l...2025-07-0939 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast87 | The One Ball You Can’t Drop: A Conversation with The Dutch MentorSend us a textIn this episode of The Executive Exhale Podcast, I’m joined by Walter Dusseldorp, also known as The Dutch Mentor. He shared a powerful story that stuck with me. He said life is like juggling six or seven balls, but only one of them is made of glass. That glass ball is your family - but could also represent your health or your well-being. Drop that one, and it shatters. It was a simple but profound reminder of what truly matters, especially when you are leading under pressure.Walter brings deep ex...2025-06-3035 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast86 | Time Management Won’t Save You — This WillSend us a textIf you’ve ever said, “I just need to manage my time better,” this episode is for you.In today’s session, I’m pulling back the curtain on why time management strategies and productivity hacks aren’t enough to keep burnout at bay, especially for high-achieving leaders. Because the real issue isn’t your schedule… it’s your nervous system.🎯 Take the free Leadership Energy & Stress Resilience Score to get personalized insight and tools to reset your system: [Insert link here]This isn’t about doing more. It’s...2025-06-2109 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast85 | The Best Leadership Podcast Episode Ever? (Well, Okay, Maybe Second Best?)Send us a textWhat if being a great leader meant being less essential? In this episode, Jeff Matlow, a 3x entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, and creator of The Best Leadership Podcast Ever, helps me unpack why the best leaders make themselves replaceable, how imposter syndrome can actually sharpen your leadership, and what accountability looks like when it’s done right.Whether you’re navigating burnout, new to leadership, or leading at the highest level, this episode delivers perspective-shifting advice, with a few laughs along the way.To connect with or learn more abou...2025-06-1136 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast84 | Hormone Shifts and Women in the C-Suite: A Candid Talk with Amita SharmaSend us a textIn this episode, I’m joined by Amita Sharma, co-founder of NourishDoc, for an honest and much-needed conversation about peri-menopause, menopause, hormone shifts, and the impact they have on women in leadership, especially those of us navigating the C-suite or other high-pressure roles.We talk about:✔️ What’s really happening in our bodies during perimenopause and menopause✔️ Why so many women in leadership suffer in silence✔️ How we can better support ourselves, and each other, through this transition✔️ What Amita and NourishDoc are doing to bring culturally sensitive, science-b...2025-06-0639 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast83 | You Feel Like a Fraud? Good.Send us a textIf you’ve ever felt like a fraud, like you’re just waiting for someone to “find you out,” I want you to know: you’re not alone. And more importantly? That feeling might actually mean you’re exactly where you need to be.In this episode, I’m digging into imposter syndrome, why so many high-performing leaders feel it and how it might actually be a good thing.I’ll share a reframe I recently heard from fellow coach and thought leader, Jeff Matlow from The Best Leadership Podcast Ever, t...2025-06-0509 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast82 | Burned Out or Just Done? Retire, Pivot, or Push ThroughSend us a textHave you ever whispered to yourself, "I think I'm done"? I have and I know how overwhelming that moment can feel.In this solo episode of The Executive Exhale, I speak directly to the leaders, helpers, and high-achievers who are questioning whether to retire, walk away, change careers, or just find a way to survive the pressure.I share my own story of burnout and recovery, and guide you through the real questions to ask when you're standing at the edge of exhaustion:Is this burnout or misalignment...2025-05-3016 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast81 | Why We Hesitate to Invest in Ourselves (and How to Move Through the Fear)Send us a textIn this episode, I’m digging into something I see all the time with high-achieving leaders; especially those in healthcare, non-profits, and other helping professions.We’re burned out. We’re exhausted. We know we need support. And yet… we hesitate to invest in ourselves.Maybe you’ve felt that quiet resistance before. You come across a coaching offer, a retreat, or a program that sparks something inside you but then you talk yourself out of it. You wonder if it’s worth the money, if it’s selfish, or if you shou...2025-05-2616 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast80 | How to Stop Playing Small and Advance Your CareerSend us a textIn this episode of the Executive Exhale Podcast, I’m joined by Rosie Zilinskas, a 30-year corporate veteran and women’s leadership advocate. We talk about why so many women feel stuck in their careers and what it really takes to move forward. Rosie shares practical strategies to help you unlock your leadership potential, advocate for yourself, and navigate the challenges of corporate life. If you're a woman in leadership, or aspiring to be, this conversation offers insight and tools to help you take the next step in your career with clarity and conf...2025-05-2135 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast79 | You're Not Broken. Your Nervous System Needs a Reset.Send us a textAre you a high-performing leader who feels stuck, exhausted, or unfulfilled, even after trying all the "right" fixes like therapy, job changes, or mindfulness practices? You're not alone. In this episode (replay of YouTube content), I share my perspective on why so many accomplished professionals still feel drained and disconnected, and how to begin resetting from the inside out.I also introduce the Leadership Energy & Stress Resilience Score, a free tool that helps you pinpoint your stress zone and guides you toward your next best step.2025-05-1511 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast78 | You Can’t Lead Clinical Excellence on a Fried Nervous SystemSend us a textIn this episode, I’m speaking directly to the healthcare leaders who feel like they should have it all together, but inside, they’re running on fumes.If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t focus like you used to or why your patience is thinning, or why you feel tired but wired all the time. It’s not because you’re broken. It’s because your nervous system is over capacity, and no one ever taught you how or supported you to come back to center.In this conv...2025-05-0810 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast77 | I Had It All—So Why Was I Miserable? A C-Suite Wake-Up CallSend us a textWhat if everything you worked for—the title, the house, the team, the success—left you feeling nothing? In this eye-opening episode of The Executive Exhale Podcast, I welcome guest Jo Stone, award-winning executive coach and founder of The Balance Institute, to unpack what truly happens when high-achieving women hit the top... and still feel unfulfilled.Jo takes us into the pivotal moment of realization that despite reaching the C-suite, building her dream life, and ticking all the boxes, joy and peace were still out of reach. Together, Jo and...2025-04-2434 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast76 | Silently Burning Out: Still performing. Secretly struggling.Send us a textIn this episode of The Executive Exhale Podcast, I open up about the reality of executive burnout—how it doesn’t always look like falling apart. Sometimes, it looks like high-functioning chaos: checking all the boxes, leading meetings, and keeping it together on the outside… while slowly unraveling on the inside.I share my own story—how I gained 40-50 pounds, slipped into depression, and kept performing while feeling completely disconnected and exhausted. It’s a version of burnout many high-achievers don’t recognize until it’s taken hold.2025-04-1111 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast75 | The Ally Mindset: How to Lead with Heart and Still Deliver ResultsSend us a textWhat if success as a leader isn’t just about what you know or do—but about the strength of your relationships?In this episode of The Executive Exhale Podcast, I’m joined by Morag Barrett, global leadership expert, founder of SkyeTeam, and author of You, Me, We. Morag has helped over 15,000 leaders in 20+ countries transform how they lead by transforming how they connect.We explore what she calls the connection crisis in today’s workplaces, and how her Ally Mindset framework—built on five powerful practices—can help lea...2025-04-0847 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast74 | Empathy Isn’t Weak—It’s Your Superpower!Send us a textIs leading with empathy really a weakness or too 'woke'—or is it the smartest strategy we have?In this episode, I challenge the outdated belief that heart-centered leadership is soft or impractical. Drawing from leadership science, personal experience, and coaching insights, I unpack why empathy is a superpower and why leading with heart is a competitive advantage in a world that often feels cold and isolating. You'll learn:Where the “soft leadership” myth comes fromResearch-backed evidence on the power of empathy in leadershipHow to bring more heart into yo...2025-04-0409 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast73 | Resilient Leadership: Building Trust & Preventing Burnout with Dr. Barb ThompsonSend us a textIn this episode of The Executive Exhale Podcast, I had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Barb Thompson—a board-certified organizational and business consulting psychologist and former U.S. Army operational psychologist.Barb shared powerful insights from her leadership journey and military experience, and we dug into what truly drives high-performing teams. We talked about the importance of trust, transparency, vulnerability in leadership, and why those qualities matter more than ever.We also explored:✅ What it takes to build trust on a team and why it's foun...2025-04-0231 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast72 | Decision Fatigue and the Power of Simplifying Your LifeSend us a textIn this episode of The Executive Exhale Podcast, we’re exploring the sneaky energy drain that’s hitting so many leaders hard right now — decision fatigue.From choosing what to wear to making complex leadership calls, your brain is working overtime, but it doesn’t have to. You’ll learn how to recognize the signs of decision fatigue and get real-world strategies for reducing your mental load and protecting your focus and well-being.✨ Inside this episode:What decision fatigue is and why it mattersHow to reclaim your time an...2025-03-2717 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast71 | Overwhelmed? Fix Your Mindset, Fix Your BusinessSend us a textIn this episode of The Executive Exhale Podcast, we explore why mindset is the foundation of both business success and personal wellness. You can have the best tools and strategies, but if your mindset isn’t aligned, stress and overwhelm will take over—making it nearly impossible to create a thriving, sustainable business. Our guest, Eric, shares how getting your brain right, setting clear goals, and structuring your business effectively can not only enhance performance but also reduce stress and improve overall well-being.Looking for ways to streamline and systematize your work...2025-03-2439 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast70 | Finding Joy & Self-Discovery Through Art Journaling with Susan HensleySend us a textIn this episode of The Executive Exhale Podcast, Tammy welcomes Susan Hensley, a transformational coach, speaker, and author, who shares her journey from corporate executive to art journaling advocate. Susan discovered art journaling as a creative escape during burnout, and it quickly became a powerful tool for self-discovery and emotional processing.Together, Tammy and Susan explore how leaders and executives can use art journaling to process emotions, gain clarity, and reconnect with their inner creativity. Susan shares practical exercises, including a three-minute music-led drawing practice, to help break through mental barriers...2025-03-1843 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast69 | Narcissistic Boss? Take Your Power Back!Send us a textAre you dealing with a narcissistic leader at work? Struggling with gaslighting, manipulation, and power plays? In this episode of The Executive Exhale Podcast, I share my personal experience navigating narcissistic leadership—both in the workplace and in my own life. We’ll break down the traits of narcissistic bosses, expose their tactics, and, most importantly, give you the strategies to outmaneuver them. From setting boundaries to managing up and knowing when to walk away, this episode is packed with practical tools to help you reclaim your power. Let’s dive in.Supp...2025-03-1121 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast68 | Overcoming Overwhelm: Moving Beyond the FreezeSend us a textIn this episode of Executive Exhale, host Tammy discusses the challenges of overcoming overwhelm and maintaining mental health during difficult times. Tammy shares her personal experiences with anxiety and overwhelm, particularly in light of current geopolitical tensions and financial strains. She emphasizes that feeling overwhelmed is a common experience, especially for empathetic leaders. The episode provides practical strategies for managing overwhelm, including breaking tasks into smaller steps, limiting negative news consumption, prioritizing joy, and maintaining positive connections. Tammy stresses the importance of self-care and creating a sustainable life despite external chaos. The discussion...2025-02-2715 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast67 | Navigating Triggers with IntegritySend us a textWelcome back to The Executive Exhale podcast. In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into a topic that many of us have faced—those moments when we feel triggered by a comment, a statement, or a situation that doesn’t sit right with us. Whether it's bias, offensive remarks, or just a response that hits too close to home, how do we find the courage to challenge without letting our emotions take over?I’m sharing some personal reflections today, including a mistake I made in a recent conversation where I let myse...2025-02-1410 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast66 | 5 Signs It’s Time to Leave Your Executive RoleSend us a textIn this episode of The Executive Exhale podcast, I’m diving into five key signs that might mean it’s time to rethink your career path. I know this struggle firsthand—I had a six-figure executive role, but deep down, I felt completely misaligned. On paper, everything looked great, but inside, I knew something was off.I’ll walk you through the five biggest red flags: feeling disconnected from your mission or that of who you work with, noticing how stress is impacting your health and wellness, feeling stagnant, staying in your rol...2025-02-0415 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast65 | Leading Through Stress: Protecting Your Well-BeingSend us a textIn this episode of The Executive Exhale podcast, host Tammy interviews Andrew O'Brien, founder of The Mindblowing Coach, about stress management and burnout. Andrew shares his personal journey of overcoming burnout and developing a science-based approach to stress mastery. With 25+ years of experience and multiple certifications, Andrew discusses the impact of chronic stress on individuals and organizations. He introduces his 'O'Brien 10' framework, which consists of 10 domains for optimizing well-being. The conversation covers the biological aspects of stress response, the importance of self-compassion, and practical strategies for managing stress. Andrew emphasizes that both...2025-01-2750 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast64 | Leading with Impact: Turning Challenges into OpportunitiesSend us a textIn this episode of The Executive Exhale podcast, host Tammy interviews Carly Pepin, an international speaker and consultant specializing in leadership and business growth through human behavior principles. Carly shares her journey of overcoming challenges, insights on viewing obstacles as opportunities, and strategies for aligning business success with personal fulfillment.The conversation dives into leadership wellness, managing business challenges, and creating impact while staying true to your values. Carly also shares success stories of clients who transformed their businesses and lives by aligning with their vision. Don’t miss this insightful di...2025-01-2142 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast63 | Leadership Wellness Reimagined: A Conversation with Kim WilsonSend us a textWelcome to The Executive Exhale Podcast, where we pause, exhale, and explore strategies for reclaiming your well-being as a leader. In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Kim Wilson, the CEO of the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce. Kim and I go way back to high school, and we’re reconnecting today to discuss leadership, wellness, and community advocacy. Kim shares her journey from high school to becoming a powerful advocate for local businesses in Moncton, New Brunswick. She offers valuable insights on the importance of bala...2024-12-1945 min
Authentic Tea - Mindful Career Change for DoctorsMedical leadership with mindfulness, intention and humanity with Tammy Delaney-Plugowsky- Episode 55In this conversation, Dr. Rachel Beanland interviews Tammy Delaney-Plugowsky, a retired critical care nurse turned executive wellness coach, who shares her journey through burnout and her transition into coaching. Tammy discusses her extensive career in public health, the impact of burnout on her health and career, and her path to rediscovering wellness. She emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with one's true self and explores various therapeutic approaches, including mindfulness and breathwork, to aid in recovery. The conversation highlights the significance of personal growth and resilience in the face of challenges.TakeawaysTammy experienced significant burnout...2024-12-1141 min
The Executive Exhale Podcast62 | The Charisma Edge: Resilience, Leadership, and Wellness with Richard ReidSend us a textThis podcast episode features Richard Reid, an organizational psychologist and strategic consultant with over 20 years of experience in driving organizational change and enhancing corporate wellbeing. Richard discusses his career journey, the importance of charisma in leadership, and strategies for building resilience and maintaining wellness in high-pressure executive roles. He emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence, and psychological safety in diverse workplaces. Richard also shares insights on mindfulness, trauma-informed leadership, and the power of self-reflection in personal and professional growth. The conversation touches on the challenges of burnout, the importance o...2024-12-0328 min