The Audacity to Fail: Misstepping Into Success!

We’re back for the Season Five kick-off with a remarkable guest and friend to the show Dr. Chad “Chai” Kessler! On this season opener, Dr. Shari Dade sits down with Dr. Kessler and explores what it means to keep steady when the path forward is unclear, how to embrace mistakes as stepping-stones to growth, and ways to cultivate resilience. Whether you’re dealing with rapid change or simply wondering how to prepare for the unexpected, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice that couldn’t be more timely or essential!   Dr. Kessler is the National Director of Emergency Medicine for the Veteran’s Health Administration, and he is currently consulting and acting as a liaison for the Veteran’s Experience Office. He has also made an incredible contribution to our organization with his weekly vlog C20 and much anticipated blogs and emails on life and leadership.  Closed Caption Transcript is available at:  https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S5E1.pdf  ===============================   Key Lessons:        There are moments when you overcome uncertainty because there are big things that need to get done and you may be the best person, in that moment, to get it done.    Getting started is the hardest part, but it can often lead to a sense of accomplishment that helps you keep moving during periods of change and uncertainty.       Be sure to find your support team during moments of uncertainty and lean on them when you feel overwhelmed or like a failure.     Interested in learning more about services offered by the National Center of Organization Development? Please check out additional services here:  VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

We’ve all had those moments – when life, opportunity, or circumstance presents us with a choice—to step up, lead, and embrace a new direction. How do you recognize that call, and more importantly, how do you find the courage to answer it?  On this episode Dr. Shari Dade is delighted to sit down with the Honorable Tanya Bradsher to discuss how to answer life’s most important call – your purpose! Ms. Bradsher is VA’s first woman deputy secretary, first woman of color to serve in the position, and the highest-ranking woman in VA’s more than 90-year history. A fourth-generation Veteran, Ms. Bradsher—a combat Veteran of the Iraq War—served in the United States Army for 20 years and retired as a lieutenant colonel. Since retiring, she served as the VA’s Chief of Staff and in senior positions with the Department of Homeland Security and on the White House National Security Council.    Whether you’re on the brink of a new opportunity, feeling stuck in indecision, or just curious about how leaders handle those pivotal moments, this episode will give you the insight and inspiration you need.   Closed Caption Transcript is available at:  https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E10.pdf  ===============================  Key Lessons: Your journey does not have to be planned to be purposeful. There are times, you are taken down the unconventional path to get to where you are supposed to be. Your experiences, identities, and values can leave you with just the right mix of life that will help you be successful at what you do. Allow those experiences to give you the learning you need to be prepared when the call comes. When the door closes, it’s best to accept that the opportunity may not be for you and another opportunity may be your calling.    Interested in learning more about services offered by the National Center of Organization Development? Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

A supportive culture is the cornerstone of a workplace where people can fully engage and contribute – it’s central to any thriving team. It takes a delicate balance of both leaders and team members working together to create a culture where everyone feels supported and empowered. On this episode Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Dr. Alyshia Smith to discuss the idea of trust and authenticity—not just as a one-way street but as a dynamic relationship between leaders and their teams. Dr. Smith is the Executive Director of the Durham VA Health Care System and is responsible for setting the strategic and operational direction for the entire health care system.  Through her role, Dr. Smith engages with employees, Veterans, Veteran service organizations, Veteran service officers, academicians, and the broader community to accomplish the VA’s overall mission.   This episode isn’t just about leadership from the top down; it’s about the collaboration of building a workplace where authenticity, trust, and a shared commitment to well-being creates something truly special. Get ready to join us as we explore the journey to a supportive work culture. Whether you’re leading a team, a part of one, or just curious about what makes a great workplace, stick around.   Closed Caption Transcript is available at:  https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E9.pdf  ===============================Key Lessons:  Communication is essential to developing a supportive work environment and, both, leaders and employees play a significant part in this.     Leaders can use storytelling as a beneficial tool to help build connection and trust with employees.   Making space for work-life integration is imperative. Ask employees what they need and encourage them to share their needs by active listening. Interested in learning more about services offered by the National Center of Organization Development? Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

As leaders, we often face tough choices, and not every decision will turn out the way we hoped. What do you do when you find yourself in a sticky situation? How can you manage missteps, failure, regret and turn things around? On this episode Dr. Shari Dade sits down with Dr. Thuy Boardman to discuss how to navigate the role of leadership when decisions are tough. Dr. Boardman is an Organization Development Psychologist for VISN 8. In this role she provides executive and leadership coaching, team development, and leadership development services to VISN 8 facilities.  Get ready to join us as we explore the journey through sticky leadership. Whether you're currently facing a sticky situation or simply want to be better prepared for the future, this episode is packed with valuable information you won't want to miss.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E8.pdf ===============================Key Lessons: Sharing your experiences with regrets or missteps in leadership helps increase authenticity and innovation. When done with intention, others can then feel free to express themselves more authentically.    Don’t shy away from sticky decisions due to fear of failure or uncertainty. Instead, enter them with a team of support and an open mind.       When on the lookout for a coach or mentor, avoid the echo chamber by taking the time to diversity your team and include those who may carry a different perspective, outlook, or experience than you.Interested in learning more about services offered by the National Center of Organization Development? Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

What does it truly mean for a team to feel a sense of ownership? How can leaders cultivate an environment where every team member is invested, engaged, and feels responsible for the success of the team? On this episode Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Kirsten Aghen as they dive deep into the nuances of these questions and more. Kirsten Aghen is the Director of the VHA National Improvement Office (NIO), within the Office of Quality Management, in the VHA Office of Quality and Patient Safety (QPS).   Get ready to join us as we explore an incredibly important topic to discuss; how leaders can inspire ownership within their teams. Whether you're leading a team or working on your own leadership development, this episode is packed with actionable insights that you can start implementing right away!   Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E7.pdf ===============================Key Lessons:     By instilling ownership on a team, you move team members from simply doing what’s in front of them and drive them to lead themselves and each other’s for the good of the organization.When inspiring ownership, it’s important to communicate the vision in ways the team can align with. When there’s resistance, take a pause and ask what can be done to close the gap of understanding.   Interested in learning more about services offered by the National Center of Organization Development? Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

Leading others often takes an incredible amount of courage and on this episode Dr. Shari Dade is joined by fellow consultant Dr. Courtney Barrett Smith to explore what qualities enable some to push through while others might falter. Dr. Barrett Smith is a Supervisory Senior Organization Development Psychology and leads the Systems and Analytics team in the Consulting Service at the National Center for Organization Development.   Get ready to join us as we explore the journey of MisStepping into success as we uncover strategies that can help any leader rise to the occasion, even when it seems like the easier path is to yield.   Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E6.pdf ===============================Key Lessons:  There are times when being courageous is knowing when to use your voice or use your privilege in spaces to create room for others.   Courageous leaders understand that going full throttle into every situation and challenge can carry risks both personal and professional. They take time to do a risk analysis and allow that to inform their decisions. When figuring out how much to lean into a challenge, consider whether the risk is worth it to you and aligns with your value and purpose. Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

As we continue to explore what it takes to effectively lead others; Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Luke Steinbach. Mr. Steinbach is an Associate Director for the High Reliability Support Team.  He provides leadership for the High Reliability Consultation and High Reliability Academy workstreams who are responsible for supporting and developing HRO Implementers across facilities and VISNs.   This episode will motivate those who are searching for tips on how to find success by discovering the key principles, strategies, and insights that leaders can employ to cultivate a culture of high reliability within their teams and organizations. Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E5.pdf ===============================Key Lessons:        Everyone is responsible to engage in actions that will create an atmosphere and culture for the Five HRO Principles to take hold in the organization and on their teams.      We can all engage in HRO behaviors that fit our needs and the needs of our teams. There are “no cookie cutter” ways to implement the principles.    The HRO principles are a blend of the process and the person.  The improvement and growth in our organization can only go as far as we our own self-improvement and awareness.  Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

In accordance with executive order titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing and Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions this episode has been removed.

In accordance with executive order titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing and Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions this episode has been removed.

On this episode, Dr. Shari will be joined by Dr. Jacquelyn Paykel. Dr. Paykel holds the position of the Women’s Health Medical Director for the Tomah VA Medical Center. She also serves on the new VHA Physician Advocacy Council and is one of the developers of the THRIVE (Transforming Health and Resiliency through Integration of Values-based Experiences) whole health clinical program. Listen in as Dr. Jacquelyn Paykel discusses how leaders can move beyond defining success through numbers and metrics, but instead lean into thriving by leading themselves first! Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E2.pdf =============================== Key Lessons: The first step to burnout can be untamed passion. Be sure to take note of how your passion fills you and depletes you.Take time to slow down and reflect on where you may be in the S Shape of your career and life. Journal to see where your values are and how you are integrating them into your work life.Meaningful relationships at work impact your satisfaction, engagement, and susceptibility to burnout.Enough is a word that’s available in our vocabulary!Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

Hello and welcome to the 4th season of the Audacity to Fail Podcast, where we embrace the audacity of leading within our organization, when met with failure! On this Season Opener, Dr. Shari Dade will sit down with the podcast’s producer, Jan Johnson to invite you behind the mic for an intimate look into the creation, sustainment, and success of the show.  Listen in to a discussion focused on how to make positive waves in our organization through the creation and sustainment of innovative ideas, projects, and products!Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E1.pdf ===============================Key Lessons: Creation: When in the creation stage, take time to secure your team. Ask who may be a viable co-creator in your process.Sustainment: Understand that it takes audacity to sustain long term impact and change within our organization. Be bold with your choices, however, keep your core in mind.Success: Take time to express gratitude to those who have given life to your endeavors. Ask them for feedback and listen with an open ear and hands ready for action.Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On the Season 3 close out episode, Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Dr. Maureen Marks! Dr. Marks began her VA career in 1992 as a psychology intern at the Cincinnati VAMC and was hired on as a permanent staff member in March 1996. Dr. Marks has served as Executive Director of the VHA National Center for Organization Development since January 2020. NCOD’s mission is to support leaders in creating highly engaged work environments, and it provides services across all of VA. She has been with NCOD since 2010 in various roles including Director of Organizational Health and Deputy Director. She served as Acting VHA Chief of Staff from May 2022 through June 2023. In this episode, Dr. Marks shares wisdom and insight into ways stretch assignments can take leaders out of their comfort zones, challenging them to reach beyond their current capabilities and acquire new skills. Whether you're a seasoned executive looking for your next big challenge or an emerging leader eager to climb to the next step on the career ladder you’re in for a treat because this episode will explore the powerful role that stretch assignments play in the growth and development of leaders.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E10.pdf ===============================Key Lessons: If you are seeking a stretch assignment, be sure to have conversations that give you an understanding of what the role really is, what the vision for the role is, and if it is a vision that you care about.If you find yourself terrified, then that's typically a good sign that you're about to step into something that's about to be an exciting adventure that you will really grow from.For seasoned leaders who are questioning whether stretch assignments are what they need at this phase of their career, think about ways that you can be of service that you may have never considered before.Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade takes a moment to chat with Paul Harman. Paul is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been the Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health at the Montana VA for 7 years, during this time he has held several details including the Eastern Colorado Healthcare System as their Acting Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health and currently on detail to the Roseburg Healthcare System as their Acting Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health. Listen in to a discussion on how leaders can become trauma informed and build workplaces that allow employees to thrive and provide the best care to our veterans. Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E9.pdf ===============================Key Lessons: Start building a healthy workplace by creating a workplace community based on people and their needs and experiences.Trauma-informed leaders seek to look for factors within the system, structure, processes, and policies that may compound stress reactions for employees.Check out VA Voices!Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode of the Consultant Corner, you get a front row seat as podcast host, Dr. Shari N. Dade opens the VA Psychology Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Tx and shares how to begin becoming the audacious leader many of us hope to be! Listen in to the talk focused on helping leaders harness the Audacity to BE Uncertain, Relentless, and Authentic while on their leadership journey. Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E8.pdf ===============================Key Lessons: Lessons of Uncertainty: It’s important to remember: The beauty of uncertainty is INFINITE possibility.Audacious living can transform panic into purpose. Relentlessness Actions: Understand your Mission!Understand your Hand!Authentic Reflections: Know your value. Understand your worth.Lean on each other – tell your peers how priceless they are!Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Dr. Maia Carter. Dr. Carter is the Director of Virtual Care Integration in the Office of Primary Care. In this role, she works to help implement and expand virtual tools throughout primary care services through the nation. As a TelePrimary Care Physician, Dr. Carter sees patients virtually throughout VISN 21. She is also the thought leader and host of the dynamic VA VLOG entitled “Let’s Talk Virtual Care” produced by the office primary care virtual care integration team. Listen in for a discussion on how leaders can experience some of the best professional development by looking into the face of fear and choosing to embrace it.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E7.pdf ===============================Key Lessons: Sometimes you must remind yourself of your accomplishments to remind yourself that you are where you need to be. Check your resume!Be sure to give yourself grace when leaping into situations that lead to fear. Work to establish your support team and your success circle to help you navigate the fear.Focus on your get up and not your fall!Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Jessica Bonjorni. Ms. Bonjorni was appointed to the position of Chief, Human Capital Management, for the Office of Human Capital Management for the Veterans Health Administration in April 2020. In this capacity, Ms. Bonjorni leads the strategic integration of Workforce Management and Consulting; Institute for Leadership, Education, and Development; and the National Center for Organization Development to support the human capital systems for nearly 380,000 VHA employees and over 120,000 health professions trainees. In her role, Ms. Bonjorni provides guidance, information, and consultation to VHA Central Office components, VHA health care facilities, Veterans Integrated Service Networks, and external entities such as health professional organizations, Congress, and other Federal agencies. Listen in for a discussion on the importance of showing up authentically and candidly and how this can often inspire and engage your workforce in significant ways. Closed Caption Transcript is available at:https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E6.pdf===============================Key Lessons: Take time to ask yourself the question, “What type of leader do I want to be?”. Actively work to become that leader. Challenge yourself and have to courage to act against any behaviors that conflict with the answer to that question. Candid leaders have the confidence to be authentic in their spaces. Psychological safety is needed to create pathways for candidness. Confidence is often what we want but courage/audacity is the first step we need to get there. We all have a responsibility to create candidness in the workplace! Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Dr. Adam Sumner a staff psychologist with the VISN 23 Clinical Resource Hub focusing on outpatient mental health in a rural setting. Dr. Sumner’s path to becoming a psychologist led through a variety of settings including community mental health, higher education, and now the VA for almost 7 years. He enjoys working in rural communities, health psychology, and the opportunity to serve Veterans. He also loves getting up way too early to go running, trying to stay upright on a gravel bike, watching the never-ending soap opera of English soccer, and coaching youth sports. Listen in for a discussion on the importance of juggling how to give, receive, and seek feedback to improve workplace relations and engagement.Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E5.pdf =============================== Key Lessons: Don’t expect to be an expert when it comes to giving, receiving, and seeking feedback – but do it anyway!Lean into embracing the surprise-mind and allow yourself to be open, curious, and authentic in your reactions to feedback.Use the 5:1 ratio – remember positive feedback and feedback focused on continuing behaviors is essential to behavior change and alignment.Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

In accordance with executive order titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing and Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions this episode has been removed.

On this episode of Consultant Connection, Dr. Shari Dade takes time to slow down and dive into the world of coaching with Dr. Scott Muhs. Dr. Muhs is a versatile leader and organizational development psychologist whose purpose and drive is to assist leaders and organizations in achieving greatness. With over 20 years in leveraging psychological and human behavior principles in personal growth, leadership development, and organization change, he is currently the head of Leadership Coaching Services with the Veterans Health Administration National Center for Organization Development. He leads the collective efforts in delivering and coordinating impactful coaching to thousands of leaders across the enterprise. He has designed and directed accredited coach development programming, helping individuals learn to be coaches, applying coaching skills to day-to-day as well as supporting a wide range of coaching engagements. Listen in for a discussion of how coaching can be a powerful resource in any leadership journey! Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E3.pdf ===============================Key Lessons: 1) Coaching is different than mentoring and teaching. It’s truly focused on exploring and expanding rather than telling. “Mentoring is about who you choose. Coaching is about YOU!” 2) Coaching is more than just a conversation. It’s a discovery journey of self-exploration and curiosity! 3) Organizations that developing a culture of coaching allows space for employees to gain clarity and growth by approaching situations with curiosity and exploration.Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade sits down with Dr. Gayle Iwamasa, the National Director of Inpatient Mental Health Services in the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in the VHA Central Office. Along with this role, Dr. Iwamasa is currently detailed to lead the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee for the Department of Defense. In this conversation, Gayle shares the missteps leaders may confront when unintentionally finding themselves in a leadership role. This conversation explores the complicated task of accidental leadership. Listen in to uncover the key lessons that were hiding behind this leader’s missteps. Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E2.pdf ===============================Key Lessons:1) If you are feeling like an imposter in your role – check to see if you have been thrust into a role you have not been developed for. You may be an accidental leader. 2) Accidental leadership is difficult for people because they are often given the responsibility with no support or given the title with no training. Accidental leaders can overcome this by requesting training or asking for support from others. 3) Mentorship is vital when moving through your leadership journey. Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)