Grow Further

In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, Mel and Chris dive into the whirlwind of change that we all face, both at work and at home. They challenge you to shift your mindset and become the CEO of Change, transforming discomfort into opportunity. Tune in for insights on how to lead yourself and others through the ever-evolving landscape of life! Also in this episode:Discover the importance of empathy and communication during times of change.Learn how to help your team to “think, feel, and do” positively amidst uncertainty.Find out how embracing change can mean real gains for your team and your company.

Feeling drained as the year ramps up for holidays and other end-of-year activities? In this episode, Chris and Mel flip the script on resilience, revealing why intentional recovery—not just grit—separates the burnt out from the best. Join us for practical tips, relatable stories, and a fresh metaphor that’ll have you recharging smarter, not harder. Also in this episode:Discover why elite athletes (and you) need to recover during the “game,” not just afterLearn the science behind micro-breaks and how a 60-second pause can boost your energyGet actionable strategies for better sleep, more joy, and focused workdays

Time to take the fear out of feedback! Join Chris and her new co-host Melissa as they dive into the transformative power of continuous feedback! Discover how regular check-ins can boost performance, build trust, and keep everyone engaged—especially during times of change. Get ready to rethink feedback and learn a simple framework to make it a habit! Also in this episode:Explore the SBII framework for effective feedback.Learn why frequent feedback leads to higher employee engagement.Hear examples of feedback in action!Additional Resources:Center for Creative Leadership: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/sbi-feedback-model-a-quick-win-to-improve-talent-conversations-development/Project Aristotle: https://rework.withgoogle.com/en/guides/understanding-team-effectiveness#introductionAmy Edmondson: https://amycedmondson.com/psychological-safety/

In this episode, Mel Schreibstein returns to help Chris explore how meaningful appreciation can transform workplace culture. From a simple "thank you" to public recognition, they break down the science behind why showing gratitude matters and how you can make it a daily habit. Whether you're a leader or teammate, this episode will help you boost engagement, morale, and collaboration—one shout-out at a time.Also in this episode:Why appreciation is one of the most effective (and underused) engagement toolsThe 3 levels of colleague appreciation—and how to do each one wellA 30-second challenge to make someone’s day at work today

Is your “check engine light” on? In this episode of Grow Further, Angela Patterson, Chief Nursing Officer at CVS Health, returns to explore the critical importance of self-care for caregivers. From navigating burnout to recognizing your "check engine light," Angela shares practical advice and an incredible personal story. Also in this episode:A prescription for good self-care hygiene from yoga to mindfulness and more.How caregivers can spot burnout early and respond with resilience strategies.Insights on leadership, including the connection between colleague well-being and patient outcomes.

On this episode of the Grow Further podcast, Chris Muñoz welcomes Angela Patterson, Chief Nurse Officer for CVS Health and a trailblazer in nursing leadership. Angela shares how stepping out of her comfort zone and embracing transformational leadership shaped her 30+ year career in healthcare, inspiring others to "stop playing small" and unlock their full potential.Also in this episode:The Nelson Mandela quote that changed Angela’s mindset.The transformative leadership framework and how it empowers her teams.Practical strategies for leading through challenges, including coaching and lifelong learning.Connect with Angela: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-patterson

Are you a Know-It-All or a Learn-It-All? In this episode, the hosts dive into the concept of a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset, drawing on Carol Dweck's research. They define a growth mindset as the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, while a fixed mindset views these traits as static.  Also in this episode:The importance of fostering a growth mindset for personal and professional success.Why we should strive to be “Learn-It-All’s.”How curiosity can be the key to changing mindset.

We’re on the final leg… of Francis Frei’s Trust Triangle, that is! In this episode, the hosts explore the concept of empathy. They define empathy within the context of personal and professional relationships and discuss its critical role in building trust.  Also in this episode:Why you should minimize distractions and be present in conversations. Why high-achieving leaders often struggle with empathy. How mastering empathy leads to stronger, more connected relationships.

Are you being the True You? In this episode, the hosts revisit the concept of the Trust Triangle, specifically focusing on the element of authenticity. They discuss the challenges and complexities of being one's true self in different settings and the importance of authenticity in building trust.  Also in this episode:How evolutionary and social pressures make authenticity difficultWhy Chris didn’t feel like she could be her true self when working for the military.How authenticity can enrich your life and inspire others.

You go to the gym to make your body strong, but how do you strengthen your logic? In this episode, we’re back in the Trust Triangle. This time, the hosts dive deep into logic, one of three drivers of trust. They discuss how trust can wobble due to issues in the quality of logic, communication of logic, and your track record. Also in this episode:A recap of what the Trust Triangle is.Practical tips for strengthening logic.Where our hosts think they wobble most.

Where do you wobble?  In this episode, the hosts discuss the crucial topic of trust and its significance in professional and personal life. The hosts delve into the Trust Triangle concept by Harvard Professor Frances Frei. They explain the three core drivers of trust: authenticity, logic, and empathy, emphasizing the need for balance among them to avoid eroding trust.  Also in this episode:A life update from Chris.Where trust can wobble.Where the hosts think they wobble when it comes to trust

In this special episode of the Grow Further podcast, the hosts are joined by Eva and Jed, our behind-the-scenes members of the podcast crew, to share their favorite moments from the first 50 episodes. Listen in to celebrate the big 5-0 with us! Listen to the full episodes mentioned:When in Self-Doubt, AIR it Out: https://share.transistor.fm/s/81578509The Stories We Tell Ourselves: https://share.transistor.fm/s/5f3f1f9fThe Gift of Good News: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a7ebf255Shining Light on Your Strengths: https://share.transistor.fm/s/fedd41a5

Grow Further is celebrating episode 5-0, and we’re bringing our authentic selves and hope you will, too!  In this longer-than-normal episode, the hosts discuss the wisdom of Brené Brown, unpacking the idea that true belonging means embracing your authentic self, not just fitting in.  Also in this episode:The struggle to fit in, in the age of social mediaPersonal stories of navigating identity and authenticity in personal and professional settingsMaking sure you foster environments where individuals feel safe to express their true selves

Do you strive for perfection or permanence? In this episode, the hosts challenge the notion of “practice makes perfect” and introduce a fresh perspective. Perfection is unattainable, but practice can help you grow further in many areas of your life. Also in this episode:Where did “practice make perfect” come fromHow practicing habits can lead to lasting changes in your lifeWhy you should practice everything from presentations to tough conversations and even making sourdough bread!

Could making your bed be the key to a better day? In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, the hosts delve into the quote, "How you do anything is how you do everything." They explore its implications, drawing insights from Martha Beck and Admiral William McRaven, and emphasize the power of small wins in fostering motivation and success. Additional topics covered:The significance of starting the day with a small victory.The connection between physical environment and mental clarity.How focusing on manageable tasks cultivates a mindset of structure and achievement.

Are you ready to do the next right thing? How do you know if it's the right thing? Join the hosts as they dive into the age-old dilemma of choosing between the easy path and doing what's right. From Mark Twain to Frozen, they explore the complexities of decision-making and offer insights on how to navigate these challenging moments. Also in this episode:Ways to make decisions by thinking about the good and bad sides of a situation.Why it's important to give and receive feedback, even when it feels awkward.Why stepping out of your comfort zone and facing challenges can actually help you improve.

When is the last time you did something that really thrilled you? Join the hosts as they uncover the secret to managing energy: chasing goosebumps! Learn how to navigate your day to prioritize joy and recharge your batteries.Also in this episode:Identifying activities that energize versus drain you throughout the day.Finding joy in small, everyday moments, even in mundane tasks.The importance of actively seeking out experiences that bring excitement and fulfillment to your life.

Change is inevitable, even for the Grow Further podcast! As we kick off a series of shorter episodes, the hosts dive into how to handle change like a boss. In this episode:How a real-life CEO's embrace of change influenced Ellie.Big news for Chris that brings some big change for her personal life.A tip on how to look at change in a new way this year.

It's easy to focus on the negative, but how often do you share the good things in your life with your friends? In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, the hosts explore the importance of sharing joy in relationships and challenge you to prioritize sharing joy with others this year. They discuss the vulnerability associated with sharing joy and how it can be hindered by factors like negative comparison, guilt, and fear of seeming braggadocios. Also in this episode:What is Freudenfreude and the importance of being a joy multiplierHow sharing joy builds trust in a relationshipA new definition for LOL in 2024