Comfy Chairs

Tiny conversations: A conversation about workplace gossip. Workplace gossip has a reputation problem — but what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong?In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate Johnson sits down with Rebecca Taylor, co-founder of SkillCycle and host of HR Confessions, to explore the nuance behind “tiny conversations.” They define gossip, unpack its role in shaping culture, and discuss how leaders can use it as a powerful source of insight rather than just a source of frustration.Together, they look at how power, proximity, and trust influence what people say behind closed doors — and how leaders can respond with empathy, not ego. Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn.Follow SkillCycle on LinkedIn and visit their website to learn more.And be sure to listen to the HR Confessions podcast! Books and other resources we mentioned:You Didn’t Hear This from Me, by Kelsey McKinneyNormal Gossip podcast Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq www.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay These notes contain affiliate links to Bookshop.org, a site dedicated to supporting independent bookstores. As an affiliate, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Enjoy this rerun of "What, why, how: A comfyHQ Q&A"In this bite-sized episode of the comfy chairs, we’re diving into two essential leadership questions:How can you delegate effectively without micromanaging?What’s the best approach to giving constructive feedback?Join me as we break down common misconceptions about micromanagement, explore how clarity is the key to delegation, and discover the “what, why, how” of delivering impactful feedback.These shorter episodes are designed to spark reflection and build your leadership toolkit. Have a question for comfyHQ? Share it with us here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhqwww.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Seek understanding: A conversation about questions and learning.Questions can unlock more than answers ever will.In this conversation, Amber Johnson, PhD, joins Kate to explore the power of great questions in leadership and learning. They talk about curiosity, empathy, and why a playful mindset matters just as much as a strategic one.Connect with Amber on LinkedInLearn more about her businessSubscribe to her SubstackFind her on InstagramAdditional resources mentioned during our conversation and from Amber's Substack: Dialogue: The Art of Thinking Together, by William IsaacsThe Center for Creative LeadershipThe Drexler-Sibbet Team Performance ModelA Playbook for Humble Questioning Integrative QuestionsWhy Questions MatterGot something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq www.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from PixabayThese notes contain affiliate links to Bookshop.org, a site dedicated to supporting independent bookstores. As an affiliate, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is often described as the “soft side” of leadership — but in practice, it’s the lever that turns leadership effort into real influence.In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate Johnson unpacks the four dimensions of EQ: self-awareness, self-management, awareness of others, and relationship management. Along the way, she shares why empathy is the through line connecting them all.From giving feedback to navigating meetings, Kate shows how leaders can use emotional intelligence to avoid “bull in the China shop” moments, build trust, and foster connection.Whether you’re leading a team or just beginning your leadership journey, this episode will help you understand why EQ isn’t optional — it’s essential.👉🏻 Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions.👉🏻 Subscribe to the “as easy as” newsletter from onetwentythree ltd.www.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Part of being human: A conversation about vulnerability and bias.Bias isn’t always intentional—it’s often unconscious, shaped by survival instincts and reinforced by daily habits. In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate Johnson sits down with leadership coach and licensed clinical social worker Sarah Harris to explore how bias influences workplace culture, decision-making, and team dynamics.From confirmation bias to the “prove it again” bias, they unpack the ways hidden assumptions can derail inclusion and equity. Sarah shares practical strategies for increasing self-awareness, using feedback loops to reveal blind spots, and fostering psychological safety so that every team member can contribute meaningfully.Sarah also highlights insights from her book, The Culture Garden, offering a roadmap for leaders who want to create healthier, more inclusive organizations where people thrive. Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn.Visit Sarah’s website.Check out Sarah’s book, The Culture Garden. Resources mentioned in our conversation:Project ImplicitBias Interrupters’ ApproachGot something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhqwww.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from PixabayThese notes contain affiliate links to Bookshop.org, a site dedicated to supporting independent bookstores. As an affiliate, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

In this comfyHQ installment of the comfy chairs podcast, Kate explores two core leadership questions:How can I manage my insecurities while projecting confidence? We walk through practical steps for naming, containing, and balancing your insecurities with a clear-eyed view of your strengths. This isn’t about false bravado — it’s about cultivating honest self-awareness and healthy confidence.What qualities do all successful leaders share? Listen for five essential traits that define effective leadership: knowing the business, connecting people’s needs with results, practicing active emotional intelligence, recognizing leadership is about others, and keeping the future visible and concrete for the team.Packed with insights and encouragement, this episode reminds us that successful leadership isn’t perfection — it’s practice.👉🏻 Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions.👉🏻 Subscribe to the “as easy as” newsletter from onetwentythree ltd.www.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

In this episode of the comfy chairs, I sit down with Thom Dennis to talk about leadership mindsets and what it means to “rewild” corporate culture.Thom shares stories from his eclectic journey and how each stage has shaped his perspective on leadership. Together, we explore why mindset matters as much as action, the balance of masculine and feminine energies in leadership, and how trust, presence, and autonomy can transform organizations.This conversation is both grounding and expansive, touching on the need for empathy, self-awareness, and creating systems that reinforce—not erode—our shared humanity at work.Listen in for insights on:Why leaders need to experiment with full presence.How “rewilding” offers a new metaphor for corporate life.The role of courage, humility, and listening in leadership that lasts.Connect with Thom on LinkedIn.Visit the Serenity in Leadership website. Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhqwww.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

In this comfyHQ episode of the comfy chairs,we tackle two common leadership struggles: how to set boundaries without seeming unavailable, and what to do when you catch yourself avoiding a tough conversation. With practical examples and reflective insights, Kate shows how both challenges come down to the same leadership essentials—clarity, care, and courage.👉🏻 Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions.👉🏻 Subscribe to the “as easy as” newsletter from onetwentythree ltd.www.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

We’re taking our first-ever Summer hiatus here at the comfy chairs! We’ll be back with all-new episodes on September 2nd. Until then, we've curated a few of our shorter, comfyHQ episodes for you to revisit and enjoy.So, this week, here's "make sense of things," where we provide answers to help you harness the power of stories as leadership tools and provide practical strategies for navigating ambiguity with confidence, clarity, and trust.👉🏻 Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions.👉🏻 Subscribe to the “as easy as” newsletter from onetwentythree ltd. www.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

We’re taking our first-ever Summer hiatus here at the comfy chairs! We’ll be back with all-new episodes on September 2nd. Until then, we've curated a few of our shorter, comfyHQ episodes for you to revisit and enjoy.So, this week, here's "hold this mindset," where we answer questions about balancing empathy and authority, and modeling accountability without harshness. 👉🏻 Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions.👉🏻 Subscribe to the “as easy as” newsletter from onetwentythree ltd. www.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Your most impactful self: A conversation about identifying blind spots.In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate Johnson sits down with Benah Parker, PhD, a social psychologist and executive coach, to explore the power of intentional identity in leadership. Together, they delve into the importance of self-awareness and how blind spots can derail leadership effectiveness. Bena shares her five-step Strategic Identity Shift framework, offering practical guidance on how leaders can reshape their identities to align with their values and vision. The conversation also emphasizes the significance of rest, self-compassion, and the continuous work of refining one’s leadership identity to foster trust, growth, and resilience.Leaders, it’s time to take a deeper look at who you are and who you want to become.Connect with Benah on LinkedIn.Learn more about Level 42 Consulting.Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhqwww.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

In this comfyHQ episode of the comfy chairs, Kate tackles three everyday leadership questions with her signature blend of clarity, candor, and care.→ How do I help my team members grow when there’s no clear promotion path? → How can I get better at listening instead of jumping in with solutions? → What’s one simple way to encourage more ownership from my team?These questions reveal deeper truths about how leaders define their roles, shape expectations, and support employee success. Kate offers practical tools like sticky-note mindset reminders, expectation-setting checklists, and even T-charts for role reflection. Whether you lead a team of two or twenty, this episode will help you step out of the weeds and into the work of real leadership.👉🏻 Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions.www.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

What happens when you stop hiring for experience and start hiring for strengths?In this episode of the comfy chairs, I talk with Dr. Mike Neal, optometrist and founder of Build My Team, about the moment he realized traditional hiring wasn’t working—and what he built instead. Drawing inspiration from Disney and the Ritz-Carlton, Mike created a system that helps small businesses (especially medical practices) hire better, faster, and more fairly. Together, we explore what it means to lead with clarity, reduce bias, and take the emotion out of hiring without losing the human element. We also talk candidly about managing underperformance, creating entry-level roles with purpose, and why predictable systems are a gift to growing teams.If you're hiring (or thinking about it), this one’s for you.Connect with Dr. Mike on LinkedIn.Learn more about Build My Team.Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhqwww.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

In this comfyHQ installment, Kate tackles three leadership questions that share a common root: self-awareness. She shares best practices for time management that actually work, rethinks the idea of “work-life balance” through the lens of needs and priorities, and offers a grounded approach to self-advocacy that doesn’t veer into self-serving. What are the best practices for time management as a leader?What are tips or suggestions for balancing work and life?How can I advocate for myself without coming off as self-serving?If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin or struggled to ask for what you need, this episode will help you realign with clarity and courage.👉🏻 Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions.👉🏻 Subscribe to the “as easy as” newsletter from onetwentythree ltd. www.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Show up as trustworthy: A conversation about trust. 🪑🪑 Celebrating two years of big conversations from the comfy chairs. What makes a leader trustworthy? In this special anniversary episode of the comfy chairs, Kate and Angela revisit one of the most foundational—and often most fragile—elements of effective leadership: trust. Together, they unpack how trust shapes team dynamics, leadership credibility, and even business outcomes. This isn’t just about “being nice”—it’s about communication, consistency, and taking responsibility for the flow of information. Angela shares how structured communication cascades and intentional touchpoints foster connection, while Kate explores the link between trust and workplace dignity. They also talk honestly about what happens when trust breaks down—and what it takes to repair it. Whether you’re new to leadership or have a few hard-earned scars, this episode invites you to reflect, recalibrate, and keep showing up. Because trust isn’t a trait—it’s a practice. Connect with Angela on LinkedIn. Books mentioned during our conversation:Talk Less, Say More, by Connie DiekenThe Thin Book of Trust, by Charles FeltmanGot something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhqwww.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from PixabayThese notes contain affiliate links to Bookshop.org, a site dedicated to supporting independent bookstores. As an affiliate, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

In this episode of comfyHQ, Kate tackles three leadership questions that share a common root: self-awareness. She shares best practices for time management that actually work, rethinks the idea of “work-life balance” through the lens of needs and priorities, and offers a grounded approach to self-advocacy that doesn’t veer into self-serving.What are the best practices for time management as a leader?What are tips or suggestions for balancing work and life?How can I advocate for myself without coming off as self-serving? If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin or struggled to ask for what you need, this episode will help you realign with clarity and courage. 👉🏻 Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions.👉🏻 Subscribe to the “as easy as” newsletter from onetwentythree ltd. www.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Everyone owns it. A conversation for leaders about workplace culture.What makes a workplace feel supportive—and what happens when it doesn’t?In this episode, clinical social worker and Connect Counseling founder Sarah Harris joins Kate to talk about how culture isn’t just something you talk about; it’s something you live. They explore how communication, physical space, and policies shape the way employees experience their work—and how these elements shift in hybrid and virtual settings.Sarah shares research-backed insights on the link between culture, mental health, and employee retention (spoiler: culture isn’t a “soft” topic—it’s a strategic one). She also offers practical suggestions for fostering a culture that listens, adapts, and values people as they are.Whether you’re trying to fix a culture that’s off course or protect one that’s thriving, this conversation will help you see your workplace through a more human—and hopeful—lens. Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn.Learn more about Sarah Harris SpeaksGot something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhqwww.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

In this episode of comfyHQ, we answer two leadership questions that many managers quietly struggle with:How do leaders cultivate trust and credibility with their teams?How do I handle a team member who has great skills but a bad attitude?Kate shares practical strategies to lead with consistency, communicate with clarity, and address behavioral issues without falling into the trap of vague “attitude” conversations. From performance management to psychological safety, this episode gives you a grounded, human-centered approach to navigating two of leadership’s toughest challenges. 👉🏻 Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions.👉🏻 Subscribe to the “as easy as” newsletter from onetwentythree ltd. www.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Early and well-structured: A conversation about confrontation.In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate is joined by her father, Charlie, a seasoned leader with experience in higher education, the military, and church governance. Together, they unpack the often-misunderstood relationship between confrontation and leadership. Their conversation explores how direct and kind communication can strengthen teams, prevent unnecessary conflict, and help leaders lead with both clarity and care. From real-time feedback to decision-making under pressure, Charlie shares stories and insights rooted in practice—and in love.Additional resources mentioned during our conversation:The Fearless Organization, by Amy EdmondsonThe 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, by Patrick LencioniThe Sum of All Fears, by Tom ClancyGot something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhqwww.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/Music by Geoff Harvey from PixabayThese notes contain affiliate links to Bookshop.org, a site dedicated to supporting independent bookstores. As an affiliate, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

In this episode of comfyHQ, Kate tackles two key questions about modern leadership:What role does mentorship play in leadership development?How do you lead a remote or hybrid team effectively?From structured mentoring programs to managing remote employees with clarity and care, Kate offers practical strategies for leaders who want to build trust, encourage learning, and lead well, no matter where their team is sitting. If you're looking for grounded, human-centered approaches to people leadership, this episode is for you. 👉🏻 Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions.👉🏻 Subscribe to the “as easy as” newsletter from onetwentythree ltd. www.one23ltd.comhttps://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay