Leading Through Change with Melissa Agnes

What if the strongest leaders aren't the ones who never feel fear, but the ones who can hold fear AND vision simultaneously? In this episode, Melissa explores the leadership superpower that nobody talks about: dual emotionality. As a Visionary Leader navigating change, you don't have to choose between feeling scared and holding your vision. You can do both—and that's actually your advantage. Discover: Why emotional duality is your secret weapon for staying in creation mode when others are in survival How to self-resource using the full spectrum of human emotion The neuroscience behind why leaders who feel everything create more trust and resonance Plus, join in for a powerful somatic practice where you'll learn to hold both challenge and possibility in your body at once, creating the energetic foundation for transformational leadership. This isn't about emotional bypassing or toxic positivity. This is about accessing the full range of your human experience to become the leader others instinctively trust and follow. Link referenced within this episode: Learn to embody these skills in new and expansive ways. Apply to the Crisis Ready Certification here: CrisisReadyCertification.com

What if everything challenging in your leadership—the resistance you face, the conflicts that trigger you, the changes that feel impossible—is actually a mirror showing you exactly what needs to shift within? In this transformational episode, Melissa reveals the profound truth that visionary leaders understand: your external world is a direct reflection of your internal state. This isn't just spiritual philosophy. It's quantum physics meets practical leadership. You'll discover: The difference between probability leadership (leading from past patterns) and possibility leadership (creating from the quantum field) Why your triggers are actually your greatest teachers How to use the mirror of your world to accelerate your growth as a leader Plus, experience a powerful meditation designed to help you embody your possibility vision and raise your vibrational frequency to match the change you want to create. This episode will shift how you see every challenge, every difficult person, and every moment of resistance. When you understand that change begins within, you become the bridge between what is and what can be. Link referenced within this episode: Learn to embody these skills in new and expansive ways. Apply to the Crisis Ready Certification here: CrisisReadyCertification.com

We've been taught to lead with logic, suppress emotion, and control the narrative. But what if that's exactly what's keeping us stuck? In this episode of Leading Through Change, Melissa challenges the outdated belief that emotion has no place in the boardroom. She explores how emotionality—when understood, named, and strategically integrated—becomes a powerful leadership tool. You'll learn: Why emotion is not the enemy, it's simply energy in motion How low-frequency emotions like anger and grief can become catalysts for connection What "meeting people in their emotionality" really looks like in practice Plus, a powerful drop-in practice to help you build emotional capacity in your body, not just your mind. This isn't soft leadership. It's strategic. It's embodied. It's visionary. Links referenced within this episode: Learn to embody these skills in new and expansive ways. Apply to the Crisis Ready Certification here: CrisisReadyCertification.com Brené Brown's Atlas of the Heart.  

Why do people resist change—even when it's clearly good for them? If you've ever felt frustrated trying to lead people through transformation, only to hit wall after wall of resistance, this episode will change everything. The breakthrough insight: Resistance isn't something to overcome—it's a signal that people don't feel safe enough to transform. In this episode, discover the four levels of safety every leader must master to dissolve resistance and create the conditions where real transformation becomes possible. You'll learn why one's level of transformation is directly linked to their level of safety, and how you can only create as much safety for others as you feel within yourself. What You'll Discover: The four types of safety most leaders miss (and why missing even one blocks transformation) Why your best logical arguments fail when people are in resistance mode The energetic reality of leadership that no one talks about but everyone feels A powerful somatic practice to cultivate unshakeable inner safety Plus: A 12-minute guided experience to help you embody the calm, regulated presence that naturally dissolves others' resistance. These are next-level leadership skills. This episode explores the foundation of visionary leadership that transforms challenges into opportunities for meaningful change. Links referenced within this episode: Learn to embody these skills in new and expansive ways. Apply to the Crisis Ready Certification here: CrisisReadyCertification.com

There's one "truth" everyone accepts without question. It shapes how leaders respond to crisis. How organizations handle change. How teams navigate conflict. How entire societies function. And it's actively destroying everything. In this paradigm-shattering episode, Melissa Agnes exposes the lie that's been driving failed leadership responses, broken systems, and endless cycles of division and suffering. From Wells Fargo's $3 billion crisis to Peloton's 94% stock collapse, every leadership failure traces back to this single illusion. But here's what makes this episode transformational: Melissa doesn't just reveal the problem—she presents the quantum physics and neuroscience that prove we've had the solution all along. The moment you see through this illusion, everything changes. From how you lead through resistance, to how you handle conflict, and ultimately, how you choose connection when others create division. This isn't theory. This isn't another leadership framework. This is about fundamentally rewiring how you see reality—and discovering the competitive advantage that emerges when you lead from truth instead of illusion. Melissa guides listeners through the science proving separateness is a lie, shares real-world examples of leaders who transformed crises by choosing connection over control, and provides a powerful somatic exercise to help you embody this shift in your nervous system. Warning: Once you see this truth, you can't unsee it. And once you understand the power you have to choose connection over separateness, you'll never approach leadership the same way again. The world is not as broken as it appears. The solution has been here all along. And you have more power to create more meaningful change than you've ever realized. If you're interested in diving deeper into this work, the Crisis Ready® Certification is where purpose-driven leaders learn to embody these powerful skills that transform how you lead through change and uncertainty. Learn more at CrisisReadyCertification.com.

In this transformative episode, Melissa challenges one of leadership's most fundamental assumptions: that we should think our way through decisions. But what if our overreliance on logic is precisely why leaders feel paralyzed during times of uncertainty and change? Through the lens of the 2020 pandemic response, she illustrates how even the most powerful leaders became frozen when lacking cognitive answers – creating a dangerous leadership vacuum that amplified fear and suffering. The solution? Accessing our three intelligence centers: the brain (cognitive intelligence), the heart (emotional intelligence), and the gut (intuitive intelligence). Melissa reveals how these intelligence centers communicate, why 90% of vagus nerve signals travel upward from body to brain (not the other way around), and how tapping into this integrated wisdom creates a resonance others instinctively trust. In this session, you'll also experience a guided practice to activate all three intelligence centers and begin accessing the wisdom that's always been within you. Your body already knows the answers to your most challenging leadership questions. It's time to remember how to listen. If you're interested in diving deeper into this work, the Crisis Ready® Certification is where purpose-driven leaders learn to embody these powerful skills that transform how you lead through change and uncertainty. Learn more at https://crisisreadycertification.com.

In times of crisis and change, the most powerful person in the room isn't the loudest or the most authoritative—it's the calmest. But what creates this calm, and how does it transform chaos into clarity? In this episode, Melissa explains the science and practice of heart-brain coherence—a leadership superpower that few have been taught. She reveals how your emotional state directly influences your ability to lead others through change, backed by fascinating research from the HeartMath Institute (https://www.heartmath.org/). When fear and resistance run high, logic alone fails. Discover how coherence bypasses resistance by creating physiological safety that allows true transformation. Whether in-person or virtual, your nervous system speaks louder than your words ever could. This eye-opening episode includes a guided coherence practice that demonstrates how quickly you can shift from survival to creation mode—and transform your leadership presence in the process. If you're interested in diving deeper into this work, the Crisis Ready® Certification is where purpose-driven leaders learn to embody these powerful skills that transform how you lead through change and uncertainty. Learn more at https://crisisreadycertification.com

Welcome to the very first episode of Leading Through Change — a space for leaders who know the old models of control, fear, and reactivity aren't working… and who feel deeply called to lead differently. In this premiere episode, Melissa Agnes pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood forces in leadership: fear. Not the kind you name out loud. The kind that creeps in under the surface. Hijacks decisions. Clouds clarity. And shapes cultures silently and powerfully. You'll explore: Why fear is the costliest risk in leadership (and the one most leaders ignore) How your ego reacts to change — and what to do instead The science of survival mode and how it shuts down your clarity and innovation How to identify your unique fear signature A guided somatic practice to shift from survival to creation mode This episode isn't just something to listen to. It's an experience — designed to help you drop in, regulate, and begin leading from a different place. ✨ Because you're not just meant to manage change. You're here to lead through it — and into something better. If you're interested in diving deeper into this work, the Crisis Ready® Certification is where purpose-driven leaders learn to embody these powerful skills that transform how you lead through change and uncertainty. Learn more at https://crisisreadycertification.com

Connection is at the heart of any good crisis communication strategy.   However, we've all seen leaders attempt to connect with their audience with all the right words, and yet something feels… off.  While a Crisis Ready Hindrance is often blocking that connection, understanding near and far emotional enemies is a powerful tool to help you overcome those Hindrances to resonate and connect in meaningful ways.   Within this podcast, which is the audio version of a recent Crisis Ready blog post, Melissa Agnes explores how near and far enemies give leaders and crisis communicators the language to better understand why some attempts at emotional connection fall flat, and to better resonate with stakeholders in critical moments. Links: ➡️  The whole article can be found here, on the Crisis Ready Blog. ➡️  If this message resonates with you and you'd like to truly master the art of crisis communication and leadership, enrol in our Crisis Ready® Course, which is the first step in becoming certified in crisis comms.  

Make no mistake: AI absolutely will affect crisis communication — and crisis in general, for that matter. Recently, my friend and the queen of PR herself, Gini Deitrich said something that got me thinking about predictive AI even further: Could AI predict the emotional escalation of a crisis… before it begins to happen? This episode explores this concept and what it could mean for the crisis communication industry. This is the audio recording of a blog post, written and narrated by Melissa Agnes, and published to CrisisReadyInstitute.com.

How you make your customers feel… is the powerful differentiator from your competitors, lends to the emotional connection you build with your stakeholders, and can ultimately make or break your brand's invincibility. Author and Customer Retention Expert, Joey Coleman, joins the Invincible Brand Podcast to discuss strategic ways to foster a culture whereby increased customer retention leads to brand advocacy, business resiliency, and ultimately, brand invincibility. About this episode Studies show that 20% – 70% of your new customers will likely decide to stop doing business with you before they reach the 100-day mark. Meanwhile, if you can retain 5% of your customers who would otherwise stop doing business with you, you can increase your profits by 25% – 100%. In his work as an author, keynote speaker, and consultant, Joey Coleman helps organizations strengthen the relationships they share with their customers and clients, with the goal of building long-lasting, emotionally connected relationships. In this discussion, Joey shares some of the specific steps he takes to achieve this. The strategies and insights he shares apply to all entities, whether in the public or private sector. This episode explores: Interesting ways that working with the CIA has shaped Joey's leadership and how that mindset can be adapted for your organization. Strategic ways to raise important points with leadership and gain buy-in for cultural improvement and evolution. How focusing on the customer experience makes team members' jobs easier and speaks directly to the bottom line in substantial ways. Real world examples, stories, and tactical strategies that can be applied to your organization. Links to things discussed in this episode Pick up a copy of Joey's book, Never Lose a Customer Again The podcast with Mountain View Police Department: How To Get Ahead Of A Crisis When You're Already Behind – Invincible Brand Podcast Connect with Joey Coleman: Interested in working with Joey? Learn more here: joeycoleman.com

In a world where distractions are thrown at us at every corner, Attention Expert, Neen James, joins the Invincible Brand Podcast to share techniques for being mindful and intentional about where you dedicate your attention, in a way that prioritizes the things that matter most to your business, your team, your stakeholders, and your career. You can also listen to this episode on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube. About this episode We live and work amongst an overload of distractions and requirements that pull us in every direction, in almost every moment. This can make it difficult to give dedicated and mindful attention to the things that matter most to us, both personally and professionally. And yet, when we give our attention to the right things, we give and receive an abundance of opportunity and rewards in a myriad of ways. In this episode of the Invincible Brand Podcast, Neen James discusses what it means to be intentional with our attention and how it helps foster cultures of trust, resilience, and business and reputational rewards. This episode explores: The 3 ways people pay attention. The ways in which attention pays. Techniques to use attention to gain buy-in–and even progress your career. Cheat sheet: how to build processes that systemize your attention to strengthen relationships, progress your career, and foster the right kind of culture. Links to things discussed in this episode Pick up a copy of Neen's book, Attention Pays Connect with Neen James: Check out the ways in which Neen helps leaders pay attention at neenjames.com Neen is fun to follow on Instagram! Connect with Need on LinkedIn  

Each month Melissa answers questions from real people doing real work in–or learning about–crisis readiness. This month's question comes from Natalia who asked some core questions that pertain to crisis management and crisis readiness, such as: "What is crisis management and what does it mean to be a crisis management professional?" "What are some of the most common mistakes organizations make in the midst of crises and issues?" "What are some of the qualities and characteristics that lend to being great in this profession?" … and a question that caught Melissa by surprise, but she loved: "What does she think of the show Scandal in the context of crisis management?" You can also listen to this episode on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube. Links to things discussed in this episode: The Crisis Ready Model Do you have a question you'd like Melissa to answer, and are you willing for that discussion to be recorded (in a way that respects your privacy and confidentiality)? If so, click here to set up some one-on-recorded-one time with Melissa and have your pertinent crisis ready questions answered.

Utility companies are no stranger to the multitude of challenges that present themselves in times of crisis. As a result, they have a ton of real-time crisis management experience that others can learn from. Alectra is one such organization. With a 1,250 m2 (or 2,000 km2) service territory delivering power to approximately one million customers in Ontario, Canada, Alectra deals with issues and crises on a regular basis. In this episode, Blair Peberdy, Vice-President of Government and Corporate Relations at Alectra, joins the Invincible Brand Podcast to share the many crisis management lessons he has learned throughout his career. About this episode It's always great to learn from the mistakes, successes, and lessons learned by others—hopefully saving you from having to learn them the hard way. In this episode, Blair shares the structure behind Alectra's crisis ready program, along with the many lessons the company has learned throughout its years of managing dozens of real-life and simulated incidents. This episode provides a behind the scenes look at the different strategies and tactics that Alectra has implemented into its crisis ready program. These strategies and tactics continue to help the organization further strengthen its crisis ready culture, and the best part is that each of the lessons that Blair shares within this conversation are directly applicable to your organization and team. This episode explores: The multi-tiered prongs that facilitate Alectra's crisis communication to its different key stakeholders. The structure of the company's crisis management governance, including the different roles they've designed and how they ensure these roles are scalable with employee turnover and the growth of the company. The role that crisis simulations play in helping Alectra continuously strengthen its crisis ready program and its team's skills. A look at Alectra's post-crisis debriefing structure and processes. How social media has changed the crisis management landscape. Connect with Blair and Alectra: Email Blair with any questions: blair.peberdy@alectra.com Learn more about Alectra at alectra.com

Humor Engineer, Drew Tarvin, joins the Invincible Brand Podcast to discuss how humor can be used to effectively help solve so many common workplace issues, such as a lack of employee engagement, stress management, communication issues, and much more. About this episode Drew's outlook on life and the way he helps organizations use humor to solve internal issues, build a stronger culture, and increase productivity is unique and effective. It also aligns with the crisis ready philosophy and mindset, providing another piece to building brand invincibility. During this conversation, Drew shares how a humoristic outlook and application improves communication, helps build relationships, improves problem solving skills, increases productivity, and helps to strengthen leadership. And the best part, is that it is simple to implement whether you believe yourself to be a funny person or not! This was not only a fun and interesting conversation, but it's so applicable and offers so many advantages. Tune in, laugh a little, learn, and then pass it on. This is one of those conversations that applies to and offers something valuable to everyone! This episode explores: How to leverage humor to turn mundane tasks into amusing and productive moments. How to use the strategy of humor to highten meeting attendance and engagement. How being funny is a learnable skill… Drew even took me to do standup comedy and proved this to be right! (More on this story in the episode). The Don'ts of using humor in the interest of mitigating preventable risks for you and your organization. Connect with Drew Tarvin: Check out Drew's work: humorthatworks.com Watch Drew's TedX Talk that has over 2.4 million views: The Skill of Humor Order and read Drew's awesome book: The United States of Laughter: One Comedian's Journey Through All 50 States Follow Drew on Twitter: @drewtarvin Connect with Drew on LinkedIn Subscribe to Drew's videos on YouTube

Dr. Nick Morgan, author of Can You Hear Me?(amongst other great books) and founder of Public Words, joins the Invincible Brand Podcast to discuss the impacts that the virtual world have on internal teams and the conscious efforts and actions that leaders can take to mitigate the risks that these impacts present on company morale, team-building, and ultimately the organization's culture and reputation. About this episode Virtual communication deprives us of the emotional knowledge that helps us understand context. This presents risks to relationships with stakeholders–especially in regards to your internal teams and departments. In this episode, Nick Morgan explores new research that dives deeper into this reality, the challenges it presents to leaders and their teams, and provides strategic insight into how we can mitigate the risks that come along with this reality and build more connected teams and a stronger internal culture. This episode explores: New research and data that demonstrates the emotional impacts, voids, and effects that the virtual world presents. The way in which leadership can use this information to form stronger connections with their teams during conference calls, virtual meetings, email communications, and more. Helpful verbal and nonverbal cues to consciously deliver. Tips for creating trust in a virtual context. Links mentioned in the episode: Pick up a copy of Nick's new book, Can You Hear Me? How To Connect With People In A Virtual World. Nick's book that I referenced at the beginning of the podcast, Power Cues Connect with Nick Morgan: Check out the great work Nick and his team do at Public Words Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Each month, Melissa answers your crisis ready questions. This month's question comes from Bridget… and, in fact, Bridget had a handful of really great questions that Melissa got to provide responses to. Here's a sampling of what these questions were: "Is crisis management different from industry to industry?" "What is the best way to manage controversial issues that spark heated emotion within a subset group of stakeholders?" "Who should be a part of the issue management team, when an incident doesn't need to escalate straight through to leadership?" This discussion explores: Strategic ways to successfully manage controversial viral issues. The power of banking goodwill and trust prior to experiencing an issue or crisis. Strategies of response when your hands are tied and you are not legally able to share information. Where the crisis management nuances lie and how to be prepared for all forms of incidents. A look at how to make your crisis management governance structure scalable across all forms of issues and crises. Links discussed in this episode: Crisis Ready Issue Management Response Flowchart Crisis Ready Formula for Managing Controversies If you're in Tavares Florida, check out Jones Brothers Seaplane Adventures! Do you have a question you'd like me to answer, and are you willing for that discussion to be recorded (in a way that respects your privacy and confidentiality)? If so, click here to set up some one-on-recorded-one time with me.

Shashank Nigam, author of Soar and CEO of Simpliflying, joins the Invincible Brand Podcast to share some powerful strategies on how today's leading airlines have managed to build sustainable trust – and how that serves them when undesirable incidents risk occurring. About this episode The airline industry is tough. The risks are exponential; profit margins are difficult to maintain; the general public is critical, emotional, and has the ability to instil a world of impact on brand equity and reputation; regulatory compliance is strict and severe… and the list goes on. And yet, there are some airlines out there that just simply get it. These airlines continue to do phenomenal work in creating brands that deliver an experience and put people first, fostering a culture that aspires to achieve brand invincibility and works proactively towards this objective every day. Fortunately for the rest of us, there are so many crisis ready lessons and strategies that can be taken from these airlines and adapted into your own organization, no matter its industry. In this week's episode of the Invincible Brand Podcast, Shashank sat down with me to discuss the strategies, mindsets, and crisis management failures and successes that he has seen in his work with over 90 of these airlines over the past several years. This episode explores: What the strongest, most profitable, and beloved airlines have in common-and what you can learn from their success and strive for invincibility. Why achieving brand invincibility should be aspirational. How the CEO of AirAsia, Tony Fernandes, single-handedly raised the bar for airline crisis management, and the important lessons you can learn from his decisions and actions. A fascinating example of how a stagnant crisis management plan hindered Thai Airways's chance to effectively manage an issue. Links mentioned in the episode: Order a copy of Soar More on Thai Airways's issue management fail. Shashank's daily show, Simpliflying Live Connect with Shashank Nigam: Learn more about the great work that Simpliflying does. Connect with Shashank on LinkedIn Follow Simpliflying on Twitter: @Simpliflying

Charlie Maclean-Bristol, one of the Founders and Directors of PlanB Consulting, joins the Invincible Brand Podcast to discuss how organizations can get around the lack of certification in the profession of crisis management, to make sure they're partnering with the right professionals for their company's crisis ready needs. About this episode If you follow my work, then it's quite possible that you know of a grievance that has been frustrating me more and more lately. The grievance is that, as a result of the thrilling allure and hype around the crisis management profession, combined with a lack of industry certification requirements, organizations are being put at risk by hiring "experts" who are causing more harm than help. I recently published a video addressing this grievance which sparked an interesting conversation on this subject with Charlie, which I thought would make for a compelling and hopefully beneficial podcast conversation. This episode explores: Thoughts on how to make sure you are an "informed buyer", when shopping for the right crisis ready advisor for your organization and its needs. How professionals need to know and accept their limitations and focus on excellence in their strengths, and transparency with their clients. What to look for in a crisis management professional. Thoughts and observations on where the profession is going and how experts need to keep up with the trends and escalating risks, expectations, and opportunities. Connect with Charlie Maclean-Bristol: Learn more about Charlie's consulting firm Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn

Jackie Ford, partner at the law firm Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, joins the Invincible Brand Podcast to discuss proactive legal strategies in your crisis readiness and the practice of compassionate compliance. About this episode In my experience, one of the biggest challenges organizations face is forming a crisis ready alliance with their legal department where everyone is on the same page, understands each other's different realities and challenges, and proactively supports and compliments one another's crisis management functions. And yet, once this alliance is formed it is such a powerful asset to the organization's crisis readiness. Jackie Ford is a partner at Vorys and has a practice in employment law, privacy issues, internal investigations, and crisis management. Not to mention that she is a brilliant attorney whom I enjoy partnering with as often as possible in the interest of helping our clients strengthen their crisis readiness. Her work, her mindset, and the outcomes she provides to her clients are all testaments to the powerful advantages of creating strong relationships with legal for issue and crisis prevention and management. In this conversation, Jackie provides great perspective and shares powerful stories to help you bridge these potential gaps and strengthen your crisis ready governance and culture. This episode explores: Strategies to get legal onboard for your crisis readiness—in the way they need to be. How to reduce risk by always keeping aligned with your organization's values and culture. Strategic ways to help prevent risks, such as acts of violence in the workplace, that go beyond the typical approaches. What compassionate compliance is and how it empowers your crisis ready culture. Real-world examples of how taking a proactive approach to issue management helps mitigate the risk of lawsuits, legal liability, and escalated risk. Connect with Jackie Ford: Learn more about Jackie and her practice at Vorys Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn