Space to Lead

Clear and compelling communication isn’t just about what we say — it’s about how we show up. In this episode of Space to Lead, I sit down with communication coach Salvatore Manzi, author of the upcoming book Clear and Compelling: Communication Strategies for Big Thinkers and Bold Ideas.We explore Salvatore’s three pillars of communication — content, delivery, and presence — and why great leadership communication often begins with stillness and the power of pause. From practical tips like “move 5% slower than the room” to principles such as “You, then Me,” Salvatore shares strategies that help leaders turn complex ideas into messages that connect and inspire.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why stillness and pausing build confidence and presence.The difference between a download and a dialogue.How “You, then Me” can transform conversations and relationships.Simple ways to start small and practice one shift at a time.Whether you’re leading a team, presenting big ideas, or simply striving to communicate with more clarity and impact, this episode offers tools and inspiration you can apply right away. Learn more about Salvatore and his work at www.salvatoremanzi.com and be sure to order his new book - Clear and Compelling: Communication Strategies for Big Thinkers and Bold Ideas.

Gabi Space: Self-Differentiation - The Lifelong Practice of Being "Separate and Connected"In this insightful episode of "Gabi Space," join us for a profound conversation with Gabby as we explore self-differentiation, a concept critical for leaders and for navigating our daily lives.Gabby introduces self-differentiation, rooted in family systems theory, as the lifelong practice of being "separate and connected". It's about recognizing our individual distinctness while acknowledging our constant interaction with and need for others. This isn't a destination, but an ongoing journey with "no arriving".Key themes and insights from our conversation include:• Understanding Your Experience: We often get into trouble by blaming others for our feelings, saying things like "you make me so upset". A core part of self-differentiation is asking: "Who is actually creating the upset here, or the joy, or the happiness?".• The Model of Experience: Gabby shares a helpful model from Jervis Bush's "Clear Leadership," which breaks down our experience into observations, thoughts, feelings, and wants. A common challenge highlighted in coaching is confusing our feelings with our thoughts, often using phrases like "I feel that" or "I feel like" followed by a thought. The practice encourages slowing down to access the distinct energy and sensation in our bodies.• Slowing Down and Creating Space: This intentional pausing is a crucial "doorway to self-differentiation". It allows us to connect with our whole selves, not just our heads, understanding that our entire body is engaged in our experience.• The Breath as a Reset Button: A simple yet elegant tool, the breath serves as a universal reset button, inviting the parasympathetic system to shift our internal state and move us from reactivity to a more thoughtful response.• Attentive Listening and Responsibility: Self-differentiation extends to how we listen. It means seeking to understand another's experience—their thoughts, feelings, and wants—without feeling responsible for changing it or rushing to "fix" things. This helps us discern how our experiences differ from others'.• "Saying I When You Mean I": A powerful practice is using "I" when talking about our own distinct experience, rather than assuming a collective "we" in tight relationships. Gabby shares an insightful story about her nephew learning it's "not okay to have a different experience," highlighting how deeply ingrained patterns can make it difficult to assert our individual voice. This practice helps us avoid becoming our ideas or emotions in a reactive "addictive loop".• Cultivating Awareness in Busy Lives: The episode addresses the challenge of being "addicted to how busy we are" and viewing pauses as "indulgent". However, Gabby notes a growing trend of leaders embracing mindfulness practices and "moments of arrival" to build "connection before content" in meetings and create space to notice and address the energy in the room.Gabby's Challenge for You: As a final thought, Gabby encourages us to "be willing to say I when you mean I" and become an "I specialist". We invite you, over the next week, to notice how many times you use "I," "we," or "you" when expressing yourself.Join us next time on Gabi Space for more transformative conversations!

In this episode of Space to Lead, David speaks with Suzanne about the increasing challenges faced by leaders in the public sector, navigating complexity, and the importance of staying true to oneself. They explore practical strategies for maintaining integrity, building resilience, and creating essential space in demanding environments.In the conversation, two videos are referenced, and you can find them on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiY4gMVb3Tk AND https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW8amMCVAJQWe also discussed "Simple Rules" based on the work of Glenda Eoyang and the Human Systems Dynamics Institute - https://www.hsdglobalservices.org/If you would like to learn more about Suzanne and her work, you can find her at www.foxdenconsulting.com, and be sure to check out one of her signature programs - "Getting Good Things Done" - https://foxdenconsulting.com/getting-good-things-done/

In this episode of Space to Lead, we explore self-leadership with Linh Nguyen, a self worth and leadership coach, and author of SELF-RECKONING: Embracing the Journey Beyond Forty and Divorce. You can learn more about Linh and her work at https://thewiseheart.ca/ and on Instagram @the.wiseheart

In this episode of Space to Lead, David walks us through the elements of the SPACE to LEAD model, and explores how creating space for ourselves as leaders - regardless of whether it seems indulgent - is critical for our effectiveness. You can also learn more about this model by visiting www.teamshiftmagazine.ca and reading a recent article about the model.kPpshqwMgQP5F98LfmWJ

In this episode of Space to Lead, Susan Goebel shares some key insights on leadership, as well as the role of a Fractional COO. You can learn more about Susan and her work by visiting www.scalinggrp.com. And, if you would like to learn more about the Eisenhower Matrix, reach out to us (hello@teamshiftmagazine.ca) with Eisenhower Matrix in the subject line, and we will send you a pdf with more details about this tool. Be sure to follow "Space to Lead" on your podcast provider so you don't miss an episode!

In this episode of Space to Lead, Curtis Blais shared his experience and insights with cyber-security, and teases his upcoming book - CyberDynamX: The Art and Science of Building a Simplified Digital Security Program. You can pre-order on Amazon HERE and learn more about Curtis and his work at https://cyberdynamx.com/

In this episode of Space to Lead, we talk with Michelle Degroot, a leader in the health field in British Columbia. Learn how Michelle has incorporate coaching into her leadership practice, and how this has benefitted both her and her team.

In the 2nd part of our discussion with Janet Davie, MCC, we explore the skills required to lead effectively.

An engaging conversation with Janet Davie, MCC and her experiences working with senior leaders and executives.

Michelle Lewis, HR Professional and leader, shares some of her insights and experiences that helped her and her team to position themselves as a key strategic partner within their organization and community.

In this episode of Space to Lead, Shoko Masuda gives a glimpse into the world of the Japanese Tea Ceremony and how this timeless practice related to leadership.

An exploration of Cultural Intelligence with Carlos Cadogan

An exploratory conversation if we took all we knew about TEAMS and turned it upside down (or right side up!)

An exploration of the 5 virtues of BRAVE (TM) Leadership with Cindy Benning.