The Courage of a Leader

We all want to do things well — to be responsible, stay on top of it, make sure nothing slips through the cracks. But when does that turn into control?In this episode of UNFILTERED, Daphna Horowitz and Amy Riley get honest about the fine line between responsible leadership and the need to control everything. They unpack why leaders grip so tightly, what it costs in terms of energy, creativity, and trust, and how letting go can actually be a deeper form of wisdom.Join Daphna and Amy for a raw, relatable conversation on hidden control, delegation of authority, and the courage it takes to loosen your grip without letting things fall apart.Key Highlights01:15 - The Illusion of Holding It All Together03:15 - Hidden Control: Responsibility in Disguise08:40 - The Bottleneck of Decision-Making13:30 - The Illusion of Being ‘On Top of It’17:45 - The Fear Beneath Control22:00 - From Dependency to Capacity: The Real Leadership Shift27:15 - Control Lives in the Body30:30 - The Four Shifts: Transparency, Collaboration, Curiosity, Boundaries34:15 - Moment of Stillness: Letting Go as WisdomConnect with Your Co-Hosts  Daphna Horowitz  www.daphnahorowitz.com   https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/   https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions   https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573     Amy L. Riley  http://www.courageofaleader.com   https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley   https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/    Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.  Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.  

Join us as we explore how courageous leadership helps us integrate technology with purpose instead of pressure. We look at leaders who chose clarity over complexity and used vision to guide innovation. Their success came from reconnecting to why the work matters, asking better questions, and shaping tools around real human needs. When we lead this way, we create space for confidence, trust, and momentum. We also show how cultures shift when leaders speak openly, encourage small tests, and celebrate learning. Bold, people-centered goals create energy and push teams to think in new ways. We share a simple framework built on clarity, communication, connection, and commitment that keeps us steady when change feels messy. When we act with courage, our teams feel it, and they follow with more creativity and readiness.  Key Takeaways: Lead with Purpose - Learn how to anchor any new technology or change in a clear why that brings people with you. Build Confidence Through Clarity - Expect tools to land better when you speak openly about what you know, what you don’t, and what matters most. Create a Culture That Learns - Why small experiments, curiosity, and honest reflection spark stronger engagement than perfect plans. Set Human-Centered Goals - How bold goals tied to human outcomes help people think differently and fuel innovation. Use the Four C’s to Stay Grounded – A simple framework you can use the next time change feels heavy.  Resources Mentioned Get your FREE Copy of Chapter 11 from Amy’s book, Courage of a Leader, by emailing rachelle@courageofaleader.com – Put “Visionary Chapter” in the Subject Line Want a Complimentary Leadership Conversation?  Email rachelle@courageofaleader.com – Put “Courage Conversation” in the Subject Line The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done.  Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/  You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Host:  Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.  As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results.   Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are:  The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership Legacy  The Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System Collaboration The Courage of a Leader:...

In today’s world of endless notifications, overflowing inboxes and constant noise, focus and presence feel harder than ever to hold onto. In this episode of UNFILTERED Courageous Conversations about Focus and Presence in a Distraction-Heavy World, Daphna and Amy take an unflinching look at the cost of distraction from information overload (the equivalent of 16 movies a day!) to the hidden toll of multitasking.This isn’t about productivity hacks or quick fixes. It’s about courageous conversations. How distraction shapes our leadership, our relationships and even our sense of self. Through personal stories, science-backed insights and practical tools, they explore what it really takes to reclaim focus and choose presence in a world that thrives on pulling us away.If you’ve ever felt scattered, reactive or simply longed to slow down and be fully here, this episode is for you. Timestamps[00:01:11] Information overload and distractions[00:05:25] Distraction vs intention[00:09:14] The importance of human connection[00:12:35] Presence and focus in team engagement[00:19:24] Tech boundaries for focus[00:22:56] The benefits of being present[00:26:36] Full presence in conversations[00:30:24] Commitment to personal challenges Connect with Your Co-HostsDaphna Horowitzwww.daphnahorowitz.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/ https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutionshttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573Amy L. Riley http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Grief is one of the hardest things to talk about, yet it touches every one of us. In the latest conversation in the UNFILTERED Series, Amy and Daphna open up about loss, leadership, and the human side of work. Together, they explore why grief feels so overwhelming, how words often fall short, and what it means to truly show up for someone. They look at the role of leaders in creating safe spaces, why presence matters more than perfect answers, and how simple language can help us navigate messy emotions.  Grief doesn’t follow rules, but when we allow it to change us, it deepens empathy, strengthens relationships, and reshapes how we lead.  Listen to Learn: How to Talk About the Unspoken - Learn ways to acknowledge grief without fear, giving people space to share on their own terms. Why Listening Builds Connection - Discover why silence, presence, and genuine care often say more than any “right” words. Leading Through Humanity - Understand how to support others with flexibility and compassion when grief enters the workplace. Practical Tools for Everyday Check-Ins - Pick up language and cues that help teams communicate energy levels and emotional needs. The Power of Modeling Openness - See how sharing your own needs creates trust and encourages others to do the same.  Connect with Your Co-Hosts Daphna Horowitz www.daphnahorowitz.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/  https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions  https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573   Amy L. Riley http://www.courageofaleader.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley  https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/   Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.  Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.   

What if the quietest voice in the room held the most valuable insight?  In our next episode of the UNFILTERED Series, Daphna and I explore what it really means to be an introvert in an extroverted workplace. We uncover how introversion is defined by energy, not shyness, and why so many workplaces miss out on the best thinking when only the fastest talkers are heard.  Together we highlight practical ways to design meetings and team environments that invite thoughtful contributions, protect energy, and celebrate differences. Daphna shows how introverts can lean into natural strengths like observation, focus, and 1:1 influence, while extroverted leaders can take responsibility for guiding the process, so every voice is valued.  The result is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about volume, yet about creating space for authentic impact. Listen in to: Redefine Introversion Design Better Meetings Discover ways to make space for processing  Lead inclusively as an Extrovert Play the introversion/extroversion continuum  Connect with Your Co-Hosts Daphna Horowitz www.daphnahorowitz.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/  https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions  https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573   Amy L. Riley http://www.courageofaleader.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley   Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.  

Céline Williams, founder of reVisionary and an award-winning executive coach, reminds us that critical thinking is one of the rarest yet most vital skills a leader can bring to the table. With over 20 years of experience in leadership development and organizational transformation, she shows how being intentional in our decisions means recognizing biases, questioning assumptions, and digging deeper to uncover root causes. We explore how to pause, reflect, and step back from automatic responses so that we can choose stronger, more sustainable solutions. Critical thinking is not about overcomplicating things. It’s about courageously examining perspectives, challenging comfort zones, and modeling a better way of leading.  Highlights 1. See Beyond the Obvious - We learn how to move past surface symptoms and uncover the real problems that need solving. 2. Recognize Hidden Biases - Every leader has biases. The skill lies in acknowledging them and not letting them drive decisions. 3. Question Assumptions - By naming and testing assumptions, we open doors to new insights and stronger strategies. 4. Practice Reflection Before Action - Individual reflection before group discussion creates space for fresh, unbiased ideas. 5. Courage in Leadership - It takes courage to step into uncomfortable conversations and model true critical thinking for our teams.  Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?  You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity. In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/   About the Guest:  Céline Williams is the founder of reVisionary, a boutique consulting firm that partners with growth-minded leaders and executive teams around the world. With over 20 years of experience in leadership development, culture design, and organizational transformation, she brings a rare blend of strategic insight and human-centered expertise.  Céline is an award-winning executive coach, international speaker, and trusted advisor known for her mix of empathy, edge, and practical wisdom. She also hosts two acclaimed podcasts, lectures at top business schools, and helps leaders unlock clarity, connection, and momentum in the moments that matter most. She can be reached at: http://revisionary.ca/  https://www.facebook.com/revisionary.ca    About the Host:  Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary...

Susan Inouye is a transformational executive coach and best‑selling author who helps leaders build cultures of engagement and belonging. We explore her Sawubona approach, which means “I see you,” and the five leader shifts that move teams from control to connection, conformity to seeing and accepting, expectations to intentions, authority to authenticity, and bottom‑line myopia to belonging. We learn to ask people what it takes to engage them, spot their innate gifts, and align work to strengths. We also see how receiving feedback without judgment opens trust across generations. Susan’s stories show how leaders who get present, praise the gift behind the action, and create meaningful work see retention rise and results follow. We leave with practical ways to create workplaces where we feel seen, heard, and part of something bigger. Highlights 1. Lead with connection - Learn to be present, listen without judgment, and make people feel seen so trust and ideas flow. 2. Spot innate gifts - Identify what energizes each person and align roles and projects to those natural strengths. 3. Shift expectations to intentions - Trade rigid “shoulds” for clear intentions that encourage learning, ownership, and creativity. 4. Model authentic leadership - Share real experience, invite two‑way dialogue, and let credibility come from wisdom, not title. 5. Build belonging on purpose - Tie work to shared meaning and values so we stay engaged, resilient, and motivated. Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?  You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity. In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/   About the Guest:  Susan Inouye is a transformational executive coach who has guided leaders in 600 companies across 40 industries. Her coaching blends practices of mind, heart, and body, influenced by training with a 7th-degree Black Belt Aikido sensei and insights from the HeartMath Institute. This holistic approach strengthens emotional intelligence and transforms organizations into sustainable, thriving cultures. At the core of her work is Sawubona Leadership, inspired by the Zulu phrase “I see you,” which promotes inclusive cultures that value authenticity. A bestselling author of Leadership’s Perfect Storm, Susan highlights the influence of millennials on leadership today while also championing women leaders who create compassionate, purpose-driven organizations. Based in Los Angeles with her husband Tony, she continues to inspire leaders worldwide through coaching, retreats, and culture-building initiatives. She can be reached at: https://susaninouye.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-inouye-083384b/   About the Host:  Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2...

We’re excited to bring you an encore presentation with Eric Larson, Co-Founder, Co-CEO, and Chairman of Tilia Holdings. Eric shares how his leadership legacy connects science, design, and business to transform the food supply chain, focusing on food safety, nutrition, and sustainability. He shows us that purpose is the gravity that holds organizations together and guides decisions, even in times of disruption. Through his clarity, innovation, and commitment to the “three P’s”—public health, personal health, and planetary health—we see how leaders can inspire change, build stronger organizations, and create lasting impact.Takeaways1. The Power of a Leadership Legacy - Great leaders define their legacy by aligning purpose with every part of their life and work.2. Clarity Creates Gravity - A clear purpose grounds organizations and helps guide decisions through shifting dynamics.3. Innovation Through Collaboration - Breakthroughs often come when people and organizations work together across functions and industries.4. Capital Beyond Finance - Leaders should steward brand, human, and social capital—not just financial returns.5. Storytelling as a Leadership Skill - Clear narratives repeated consistently build alignment and inspire collective action.Resources MentionedThe Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment)How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity.In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done.https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/About the Guest:Eric Larson, Tilia’s Chairman, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, has built a distinguished career in private equity since 1986. Before co-founding Tilia in 2017, he established Linden Life Science (now Linden Capital Partners), a leading healthcare-focused firm, where he served as Chairman and senior investment professional shaping its strategy and growth. Earlier in his career, he co-founded First Chicago Equity Capital (now One Equity Partners) and was a Partner and Investment Principal at First Chicago Venture Capital (now Madison Dearborn Partners).Beyond Tilia, Eric contributes his expertise to several technically oriented organizations. He is a member of the Nutrition Roundtable at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a trustee and Chairman of the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology, an Executive Fellow with the Center for Higher Ambition Leadership, a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, and actively engaged with the National Geographic Society.https://tiliallc.com About the Host:Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are:The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership...

There is an engagement crisis in our workplaces currently! Elizabeth “El” Lages, Chief People and Culture Officer at Flexera, shares how strong values, intentional leadership, and accountability fuel high engagement across global teams. Join us as we hear how her approach blends communication, transparency, and people-first practices to keep culture aligned and performance strong even through acquisitions and change. We learn how regular one-on-ones, clear expectations, and open feedback loops empower employees to contribute meaningfully and speak up. El gives us practical insight into building trust, supporting leaders at all levels, and creating real ownership across the organization. We’re reminded that culture doesn’t live in a handbook, it shows up in every conversation, decision, and recognition. When leaders model values and engage their teams consistently, people feel seen, heard, and motivated to show up with purpose.  Highlights 1. Leadership Starts with Listening - Frequent check-ins and open conversations help leaders stay grounded in what their teams really need. 2. Clarity Is the Cornerstone of Accountability - When expectations are clear and consistent, people feel supported—not micromanaged. 3. Culture Lives in Daily Habits - Core values show up in actions, not posters. Recognition and transparency reinforce them. 4. Feedback Builds Trust - Employees want feedback—positive and constructive—because it drives growth and connection. 5. Support Leaders to Show Up Well - Ongoing development and real-time coaching help managers lead with clarity and confidence. Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?  You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity. In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/   About the Guest:  El Lages is the Chief People and Culture Officer at Flexera. Flexera is a global company that helps organizations gain the visibility and insight they need to optimize spend, minimize risk, achieve sustainability goals, and make data-driven decisions to propel their business forward. El has been with the company since 2004, focusing on building high-performing teams and enabling a culture rooted in candor, accountability, and celebrating success. She leads with a people-first mindset and a #keepscorephilosophy - driving engagement, developing leaders, and aligning performance with purpose.  She can be reached at: elages@flexera.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethlages/   About the Host:  Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of...

When the ground keeps shifting beneath us, courageous leadership means leaning into what’s real; our experience, our humility, and our values.  Mary Lynn Fayoumi, President and CEO of HR Source, brings decades of wisdom in workplace culture and HR leadership. She guides organizations through disruption with a clear focus on purpose and people, and she shows us how to do the same. We talk about what it takes to lead right now, when answers aren’t clear and the pressure to act feels constant. Courage today looks less like having all the answers and more like pausing to process, listening deeply, and staying grounded in what matters most. It’s about creating space for others, knowing your true north, and responding instead of reacting. Mary Lynn reminds us that it's okay not to know everything, and that strength often shows up as steady presence, not quick decisions. We slow down, reflect, and lead with calm, curiosity, and a focus on what truly matters. That’s how we move forward together. Highlights 1. Calm Is a Superpower - Learn how to find your center and lead from it—even when everything around you feels chaotic. 2. Authenticity Builds Trust - Being real, showing emotion, and admitting you don’t have all the answers creates space for others to do the same. 3. Processing Takes Practice - Hear why leaders need built-in reflection time and how routines can anchor clarity in the middle of noise. 4. Humility Creates Momentum - Letting go of control opens the door to innovation and stronger team engagement. It’s about leading with people, not above them. 5. Purpose Is the Compass - When the path is uncertain, returning to your mission helps guide every decision with confidence and care. Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?  You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity. In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/   About the Guest:  Mary Lynn Fayoumi, CAE, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is the President and CEO of HR Source, a Chicago-based employers’ association with over 1200 member organizations. She is a highly respected speaker, trainer and advisor and an accepted authority on a variety of workplace issues including culture, employment trends, and HR management. Countless organizations have benefited from her expertise during her long tenure at the association.  Mary Lynn is a prolific writer, quoted and published regularly in a variety of industry publications. She currently serves as the Lead Director of the World at Work Board and is Past Chair of the Board of Directors for both the Association Forum of Chicagoland and the Employer Associations of America. She is also an Advisory Board Member of the Community Memorial Foundation. Mary Lynn was honored by Crain’s Chicago Business as a Notable Leader in HR in 2020 and was named the 2021 Woman of Influence by the Association Forum.    Mary Lynn is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Business Administration in...

Is it hot in here, or is it… Menopause?In this powerful episode of UNFILTERED, Daphna and Amy crack open one of the most misunderstood and under-discussed life transitions: menopause. From brain fog to emotional turbulence, night sweats to shifting identities, they share their raw, personal experiences and invite you into a conversation that too often happens in whispers, or not at all.This isn’t about medical jargon or “grin and bear it” advice. It’s about real talk: how menopause shows up in our bodies, our moods, our relationships, and our work and why it’s time we stop pretending it doesn’t exist. If you’ve ever felt alone in your symptoms, invisible in the workplace, or unsure of what’s “normal,” this episode is for you. Let’s break the silence and make space for truth, humour, and healing.  Timestamps[00:02:11] Menopause experiences and challenges[00:07:10] Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause[00:09:10] Impact of menopause[00:14:15] Redefining identity in change[00:18:51] Sharing personal struggles[00:21:40] The journey of self-acceptance[00:27:06] Leadership and menopause[00:29:27] Authentic conversationsConnect with Your Co-Hosts: Daphna Horowitzwww.daphnahorowitz.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutionshttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573Amy L. Rileyhttp://www.courageofaleader.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshooprileyThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Leave us an Apple Podcasts reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Feel guilty for not joining the 5am club? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong.In the latest episode of the Unfiltered Series, Amy and Daphna break down the myth that success has to start before sunrise. Explore why early wakeups aren’t a magic formula and how tuning into your natural energy leads to more focus, creativity, and confidence throughout the day. Morning routines aren’t about checking off boxes. They’re about anchoring yourself with what feels right for you. Whether it’s a cup of coffee in silence, a walk in nature, or journaling at lunch, the key is to find moments that support your well-being. Together they share honest stories, practical ideas, and simple ways to create routines that leave you feeling grounded—not pressured.Key Takeaways:1. Stop Forcing Routines That Don’t Fit - Trying to copy someone else’s morning habits can leave you drained. Start with what actually supports you.2. Define What “Morning” Means to You - Whether your day starts at 6am or 11am, your rhythm matters more than the clock.3. Build Anchors, Not Checklists - The power of routine is in creating grounding moments, not ticking boxes. Even five minutes of reflection counts.4. Make Space for Joy and Curiosity - Whether it’s coffee in a park or journaling before bed, choose practices that feel good—not just productive.5. Success Starts With Self-Trust - The most courageous move is listening to your body, experimenting, and trusting what works for you.Connect with Your Co-Hosts: Daphna Horowitzwww.daphnahorowitz.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutionshttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573Amy L. Rileyhttp://www.courageofaleader.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshooprileyThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Leave us an Apple Podcasts reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Unfiltered, hosts Daphna and Amy explore the complex and often hidden experience of imposter syndrome. They unpack its psychological roots, how it shows up across different identities and careers, and why it’s so pervasive, affecting up to 70% of people at some point in their lives.Drawing from the original 1978 research that identified the phenomenon among high-achieving women, they reflect on how imposter syndrome continues to impact leaders today. This candid conversation offers thoughtful insight into recognizing, navigating, and challenging these internal doubts, opening the door for greater confidence and self-awareness.Timestamps[00:00:14] Imposter syndrome awareness and admission.[00:04:53] Types of imposter syndrome.[00:11:14] Courage in the face of fear.[00:14:56] Imposter syndrome and growth.[00:20:06] Leadership under pressure.[00:22:18] Unique value and self-awareness.[00:26:40] Normalizing imposter syndrome discussions.[00:30:25] Imposter syndrome discussions.Connect with Your Co-Hosts: Daphna Horowitzwww.daphnahorowitz.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutionshttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573Amy L. Rileyhttp://www.courageofaleader.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshooprileyThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Leave us an Apple Podcasts reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Kim Becker, President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, is leading a bold transformation at the San Diego International Airport—starting from the inside out. We explored how she’s intentionally cultivating a culture that supports change, empowers leaders at every level, and aligns with a fast-evolving environment. Coming out of the pandemic, Kim knew the way they worked had shifted. Rather than revert to what was, she saw the opportunity to design something stronger.We heard how she started with the executive team and expanded the conversation across directors and managers—uncovering surprising gaps and building a shared culture statement together. We’ve seen how she uses everyday team meetings and real-life moments to embed new leadership mindsets, from listening to thoughtful decision-making. It’s not a program. It’s a way of thinking and working that’s now infused into coaching conversations, strategy sessions, and hallway chats. Her story reminds us that culture change doesn’t require sweeping declarations—it starts with intention, consistency, and the courage to have real conversations.Key Takeaways:1.    Culture Grows from the Inside - Start with leadership alignment but let the full team help shape and own the culture.2.    Empowerment Changes Everything - When mid-level leaders are trusted and included, they bring energy and clarity that transforms the whole.3.    Real Conversations Matter - Culture shifts happen when we’re brave enough to name gaps, share reactions, and stay at the table.4.    Make Mindsets Practical - Embedding culture happens when values become part of everyday language, meetings, and habits.5.    Start with You - Culture change begins with modeling what you want others to adopt—even before you announce it.Resources MentionedThe Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment)How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity.In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done.https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/About the Guest:Kimberly J. Becker is President and CEO of San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, the owner and operator of San Diego International Airport (SAN). Ms. Becker is responsible for fiscal management and operational oversight of the San Diego International Airport. She has been in the role since 2017, overseeing several capital improvement projects including the $3 billion New T1 program that will replace Terminal 1 with a larger, more efficient facility and other improvements that enhance the airport experience.   Before joining the Airport Authority, she was the Director of Aviation for Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) and held operations and environmental positions at Lockheed Air Terminal, now Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) in California, and Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey.  Under her leadership, SAN has been recognized for its environmental and sustainability efforts, including being named the second-ever carbon neutral airport in North America. She has been named “Woman of the Year” by the San Diego Chapter of Advancing Women in...

We often talk about diversity in terms of background or culture, but age diversity plays just as big a role in team success. In this episode, we explore what happens when you bring together different generations at work and create space for all voices to be heard.Gary Danoff, a global leader at Google and an experienced executive coach, shares how he builds strong, multigenerational teams. He explains how to recognize and work with the different experiences that shape each generation. His approach centers on curiosity, active listening, and what he calls leading with love. Gary also shares how he encourages open conversations on teams and why understanding strengths is more useful than relying on labels.This is a practical look at how to create respectful, high-performing environments where people of any age feel valued and motivated.Key Takeaways:1.    Curiosity is the bridge - Asking questions and staying open to others’ experiences helps create understanding across generations.2.    Labels are only starting points - Generational terms can guide conversations but should never limit how we see or support people.3.    Love belongs in leadership - Caring about your team as people helps build trust and brings out their best work.4.    Strengths matter more than age - People thrive when leaders match work styles to individual strengths, not generational stereotypes.5.    Tough moments create growth - When conflict shows up, leaders need to step in, listen, and help teams learn through it.Resources MentionedThe Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment)How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity.In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done.https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/About the Guest:Gary Danoff is an Advisor, Executive Coach, Content Creator and Global Leader of Alliances for Google Workspace at Google. Gary loves working with people in leadership and contributor roles regardless of title. What matters most is the curiosity they have to overcome obstacles, create new paths for themselves and their organizations, and do so while employing a mix of humor, determination and with an open heart/desire to create work they and others love.  As an executive coach, Gary serves founders, entrepreneurs, executives from all over the globe and those around them. With a focus on improving human connection in a digital world, Gary is the executive producer and host of What's Next Now! Guests share their stories of blending business goals, public interest, personal passion, and their best human strengths to create positive outcomes for themselves, citizens, customers and the employees they serve.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/garydanoff  https://www.instagram.com/garydanoff/?hl=en  

We all want teams that are energized, engaged, and operating at full potential. The key? Tap into what truly drives people. When we leverage strengths and give flexibility around how work gets done, we create an environment where people don’t just perform—they thrive. It starts with knowing our team members well and aligning their work with what lights them up. From there, we shift from rigid expectations to empowering autonomy—keeping the “why” and “what” clear while letting the “how” be a co-creation. Trust deepens when we take the time to connect beneath the surface, share our own leadership purpose, and show real vulnerability. That’s when teams bring their best—not because they have to, but because they want to.Key Takeaways:1.    Lead with Strengths. Recognize and align work with what energizes each team member to unlock resilience, flow, and creativity.2.    Flex the How, Anchor the Why. Be clear on purpose and outcomes, but flexible on the path forward to fuel ownership and innovation.3.    Know What’s Below the Surface. Get curious about what drives behavior and create space for deeper understanding and connection.4.    Lead from Your Legacy. Clarify your leadership purpose and use it as a consistent thread that inspires and guides your actions.5.    Vulnerability Builds Trust. Showing up authentically encourages others to do the same and strengthens team engagement. Resources MentionedThe Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment)How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity.In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done.https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/About the Host:Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are:The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid TeamHer new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results.http://www.courageofaleader.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley  Thanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think...

Mary Lynn Fayoumi, President and CEO of HR Source, brings a wealth of insight on how leaders can retain top talent in today’s evolving workplace. She reminds us that retaining great people isn’t about copying broad strategies—it’s about staying curious, asking the right questions, and creating personalized solutions that match each team and organization. From conducting spot surveys to simply checking in with employees more intentionally, Mary Lynn offers thoughtful ways to listen, learn, and respond. She encourages us to shift from reactionary fixes to ongoing processes rooted in empathy, flexibility, and real communication. Retention isn't one-size-fits-all—it's a journey that takes clarity, courage, and consistent attention.HighlightsRetention Starts with Listening – Learn how tuning in regularly, not just annually, makes a measurable difference in engagement.There’s No One-Size-Fits-All – Discover why tailored approaches beat standardized policies every time.Recognition Drives Loyalty – Explore how specific, timely appreciation helps employees feel truly valued.Act on What You Learn – Understand why collecting feedback is only half the job—responding is what builds trust.Make Culture Intentional – Find out how leaders can foster connection and inclusion in the new work environment.About the Guest:Mary Lynn Fayoumi, CAE, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is the President and CEO of HR Source, a Chicago-based employers’ association with over 1200 member organizations. She is a highly respected speaker, prolific writer, facilitator, advisor and an accepted authority on organizational issues including workplace culture, employment trends, people management and leadership. Countless organizations and their teams have benefited from her expertise during her twenty-nine years at the Association.Mary Lynn is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Industrial Relations/Human Resources. She holds an MBA with Honors from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. In addition to serving HR Source’s 1200 member organizations, she volunteers on several business association and charitable boards and advisory councils. Although the line between Mary Lynn’s personal and professional life is almost non-existent, she manages to find time to be a mother, a sister, a friend, a mentor, a Hawkeye, a yogi, a world traveler, a researcher and a pop-culture fan.https://www.hrsource.org/maimis/About the Host:Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are:The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid TeamHer new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results.www.courageofaleader.coma...

The power has shifted from organizations to people. How do you meet the new expectations employees have? How do you retain your top performers? My guest today is El Lages, Chief People and Culture Officer at Flexera, and we talked about how she and her team are strategically and creatively planning for a flexible work environment, while also not forgetting the basics. I’m glad you’re here to listen in. And, then we’d love to hear from you. Leave a message in the comments about your lessons learned about working virtually or in a hybrid setup.Resources MentionedThe Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (the Courage Assessment)How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity.In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done.https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/About the Guest:Elizabeth Lages is a change agent. El, as she is known, has spent her time building operational excellence throughout the organization. She is known for increasing employee engagement, driving rigor in our sales processes, and building relationships with her optimism and warmth.She is instrumental in making Flexera a “top workplace” through performance management, manager training, and continuous employees feedback. El has been with the company since 2004 in various sales and operations leadership roles before moving into organizational effectiveness in 2017.Born and raised in New York City, El has a B.S. in communications at State University of New York.https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethlages About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are:The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results.www.courageofaleader.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley/ Links mentioned in the episodewww.managertools.com Call to actionWe’d love to hear from you. Leave a message in the comments about your lessons learned...

In this solo episode, Amy challenges our thinking about how we can make virtual and hybrid meetings more productive, engaging, and worth everyone's time. She shares how to shift away from default routines and instead be more intentional about the purpose, structure, and flow of our meetings. Amy offers practical strategies that help create meaningful connections, foster collaboration, and reduce wasted time. From rethinking meeting lengths to setting clear norms for collaboration tools, this episode encourages us to transform meetings from energy-drainers into powerful spaces for alignment and action. HighlightsStart with Purpose – Learn how clarifying the "why" behind your meeting can lead to better engagement and outcomes.Connect Like It Matters – Discover ways to build authentic connection that turns routine meetings into meaningful experiences.Keep Interaction Flowing – Explore methods for using platform features that drive real-time collaboration and focus.Rethink Your Time Blocks – Consider how breaking free from the 30- and 60-minute defaults can improve energy and attention.Align on Tools and Expectations – Uncover how clear agreements on tool use can streamline communication and collaboration.  Resources MentionedThe Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (the Courage Assessment)How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity.In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done.https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/About the Host:Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are:The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results. http://www.courageofaleader.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley  Thanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this...

In this encore episode from 2022, Gloria Everett, President and CEO of The Mutual, shares her forward-thinking approach to making hybrid work effective and sustainable. She challenges traditional workplace models by focusing on what truly works for employees and organizations rather than forcing a return to outdated norms. Gloria emphasizes the importance of listening, experimenting, and co-creating solutions with employees to build a model that balances flexibility, collaboration, and business success. She highlights how trust, open communication, and a commitment to continuous learning help create a culture where teams thrive in both remote and in-office settings.HighlightsCo-Creation Over Mandates – Discover why collaborating with employees leads to more effective and adaptable hybrid work policies.Redefining Productivity – Explore how shifting the focus from hours worked to meaningful contributions creates a more engaged workforce.Making Office Time Valuable – Learn how structured in-office collaboration strengthens culture and teamwork without unnecessary time on-site.Trust as a Leadership Foundation – Understand why empowering employees with flexibility and autonomy leads to higher performance and satisfaction.Continuous Learning and Adaptation – See how staying open to new insights and industry trends helps leaders refine hybrid work strategies for long-term success. Resources MentionedThe Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment)How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity.In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done.https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/About the Guest:Gloria H. Everett President & Chief Executive OfficerGloria has more than 35 years of experience in insurance risk management, sales, marketing and management, including over 20 years of experience in medical professional liability insurance with The Mutual. Before joining The Mutual, Gloria held key leadership roles at TIG/Fairfax, Fireman's Fund, NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company and Kaiser Permanente. Gloria has served on multiple Boards including Pacific University, National Risk Retention Association (NRRA), the UC Berkeley, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Board and Medical Professional Liability Association (MPLA) formerly the Physician Insurers’ Association of America (PIAA), where she served as Chair of the Board from 2014 – 2016. Gloria was the recipient of the 2019 MPL Association Award of Excellence in Honor of Peter Sweetland.Gloria holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary’s College in Health Services Administration.https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-everett-b247924/https://www.tmrrg.com/About/management.aspx  About the Host:Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and...