The Collective Corner with Elena Armijo

In this heartfelt episode, Elena Armijo welcomes pianist, writer, and coach Robert Kuang back to the show for a deeply grounding and expansive conversation on the powerful intersections between creativity, leadership, and the human need for care. Through personal stories and grounded insight, they explore how slowing down, honoring emotions, and reconnecting with the body are not luxuries, but essential foundations for innovation, emotional processing, and navigating change with intention and heart. Check out Elena's website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Together, they reflect on the creativity that often lies dormant beneath structured systems and the myth that only certain people are "creative." Robert shares his journey from New York to Vancouver and how writing, music, and embodiment became lifelines in moments of transition. Elena offers reflections on the practices that help her stay grounded, including walks in nature and learning to sit with discomfort through meditation. Both speak to the importance of intentional self-care - not as luxury, but as necessity - for those holding space for others in turbulent times. Their conversation opens up fresh perspectives on navigating rapid change, emotional processing, and what it means to bring multidimensionality into leadership and life. Through stories of client work, cultural shifts, and inner realignments, Robert and Elena offer practical wisdom for creating space for intuition, joy, and resilience. This episode is an invitation to reconnect with the parts of ourselves that may have been left behind in the name of productivity. Whether facing uncertainty, creative stagnation, or simply longing for more meaning, this conversation reminds us that returning to the body, slowing down, and making space for joy are revolutionary acts of leadership.   Let's Get Social!  Want to hear more from Elena? Click here! Learn more about The C-Suite Collective Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram Connect with Elena on LinkedIn   Robert Kuang: Website  |  LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  Podcast   This podcast was produced by the following amazing team: Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron's music via Instagram) Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this episode, Elena Armijo and Chelsea Rose Cotton explore the deep connections between nature, leadership, personal growth, and spiritual wisdom. Through reflection, they share how lessons from the natural world can reshape the way we understand interdependence, adaptability, and the essential need for embracing change. This conversation travels through outer landscapes and inner terrain, weaving in themes of grief, love, and transformation. Check out Elena's website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Elena and Chelsea explore the parallels between ecosystems and organizational systems - touching on the importance of collaboration, the inevitability of change, and the beauty of cyclical growth. They speak honestly about the fear that can accompany change and the opportunity to meet it with flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to release outdated ways of being. Their reflections offer clarity on how nature's wisdom can inform leadership rooted in harmony rather than control. Chelsea shares her personal journey with grief and the sacred practice of dreamwork, offering insight into the power of intuitive guidance during uncertain times. She speaks with tenderness about building inner safety, and how deepening connection to breath, stillness, and the body creates space for profound healing. Through this, she offers gentle reminders that even in chaos, sacredness is always within reach - and often begins with a single breath. This episode is a moving invitation to reclaim beauty, deepen our relationship with grief, and root ourselves in the magic of the present moment. Whether navigating personal uncertainty, collective grief, or quietly awakening to a new chapter, this conversation is a nourishing companion on the path home to self, community, and purpose.   Let's Get Social!  Want to hear more from Elena? Click here! Learn more about The C-Suite Collective Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram Connect with Elena on LinkedIn   Chelsea Rose Cotton: Website  |  LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  Insight Timer   This podcast was produced by the following amazing team: Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron's music via Instagram) Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this episode, Elena Armijo sits down with Dr. Sonal Bhatia, a physician and former Pfizer executive, who is on an inspiring journey from the confines of Western medicine to a more holistic, integrated approach to health. With roots in Mexico City and a rich Indian heritage, Sonal's unique background informs her mission to activate the inner healing intelligence within each person, blending the best of Eastern and Western practices. Check out Elena's website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Dr. Bhatia reflects on early experiences with cultural diversity and discrimination, which fueled a deep passion for healing and advocating for those often overlooked in traditional medical systems. Her career began in patient care before shifting to pharmaceutical innovation, where she spearheaded initiatives addressing rare diseases. But a true transformation began when she discovered Transcendental Meditation and Ayurveda - two practices that reshaped her understanding of well-being, both personally and professionally. The conversation explores Sonal's vision for integrated wellness, where prevention and inner healing take center stage. She shares insights on bridging Western scientific advancements with Eastern holistic wisdom, emphasizing the power of balance. Her work in corporate wellness, including introducing mindfulness and meditation initiatives, highlights the tangible benefits of these practices in professional environments. At the heart of it all, she champions the idea of collective healing, encouraging personal health practices that extend beyond the individual, creating a ripple effect in communities and beyond. Drawing inspiration from her grandfather's healing traditions, Sonal sees her work as a continuation of a family legacy. Looking ahead to 2025, she envisions a movement of conscious health choices that contribute to a more connected, thriving world. This conversation is an invitation to explore a new relationship with well-being - one that aligns personal growth with a greater purpose.   Let's Get Social!  Want to hear more from Elena? Click here! Learn more about The C-Suite Collective Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram Connect with Elena on LinkedIn   Sonal Bhatia: Email   This podcast was produced by the following amazing team: Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron's music via Instagram) Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this powerful solo episode, Elena Armijo reflects on her personal experiences and insights as we step into 2025. From the warmth of family gatherings in New Mexico to the sobering realities of recent challenges in Los Angeles, she shares her perspectives on leadership, community, and resilience. Elena highlights three key pillars essential for transforming our approach to leadership in the new year: redefining community, embracing visionary leadership, and cultivating a community-centered mindset. Check out Elena's website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Elena shares how her rejuvenating holiday break with family in New Mexico reinforced the grounding power of tradition and connection. She recounts poignant moments with loved ones, including her spirited 96-year-old grandmother, emphasizing the importance of resilience and deep relationships in an ever-changing world. Drawing from her rich experiences in executive coaching and consulting, Elena explores the significance of visionary leadership, inclusivity, and community-driven mindsets in fostering a thriving culture. She encourages listeners to seek diverse perspectives and cultivate meaningful connections that drive growth and progress, even in times of uncertainty. In recent global events and societal shifts, Elena underscores the need for servant leadership rooted in empathy and collaboration. She challenges listeners to elevate their leadership practices and create environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Reflecting on the state of the world - from natural disasters to political changes - she inspires us to stay present and adaptable, recognizing that the choices we make today shape the communities of tomorrow. This episode is a call to embrace hope and resilience while navigating the challenges ahead. Elena invites listeners to approach 2025 with openness, compassion, and a commitment to intentional community-building. Join her on this journey toward a more connected and harmonious future.   Let's Get Social!  Want to hear more from Elena? Click here! Learn more about The C-Suite Collective Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram Connect with Elena on LinkedIn   This podcast was produced by the following amazing team: Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron's music via Instagram) Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this enlightening episode, Elena sits down with professional coach Derek Mulhern to discuss the intricacies of personal growth, leadership, and the essential human connections that ground us, especially in tumultuous times. As we approach the end of the year and reflect on our journeys, Derek shares his unique insights on how to navigate the complexities of life, relationships, and leadership. Check out Elena's website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Derek's journey from agriculture to coaching has shaped his understanding of the significance of self-love and the necessity of slowing down. He shares his personal breakthrough, a realization that life isn't just about "sprinting" toward goals or "zoning out" in the chaos. He emphasizes the importance of being present and taking joy in the moments between our busy schedules. The conversation delves deeply into how we can cultivate more meaningful relationships, especially when faced with differing viewpoints. Derek emphasizes the importance of approaching conversations with empathy, curiosity, and love, promoting an environment of understanding and connection amidst division. As the year draws to a close, Elena and Derek delve into end-of-year reflection practices that inspire personal breakthroughs. They discuss the importance of reviewing the past year's experiences, asking introspective questions, and creating space for growth to uncover valuable lessons. The conversation touches on the liberating notion of defining one's professional role, especially for entrepreneurs and CEOs, with the invitation to challenge traditional job expectations.  With the holiday season approaching, Derek's heartfelt advice to "chill out" serves as a gentle reminder to find peace, be present, and acknowledge the love that persists even amidst challenges.    Let's Get Social!  Want to hear more from Elena? Click here! Learn more about The C-Suite Collective Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram Connect with Elena on LinkedIn   Derek Mulhern: Website  |  LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  Facebook   This podcast was produced by the following amazing team: Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron's music via Instagram) Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this thought-provoking episode, Elena engages in a deep and insightful conversation with seasoned leadership coach Nephi Niven. Together, they unpack the intricacies of navigating hard conversations - those challenging but essential dialogues that arise in both professional and personal contexts. They explore the pressing issues facing today's executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations. Check out Elena's website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. The episode offers a structured framework for approaching difficult conversations, emphasizing five key elements: clarity of purpose, self-awareness, shared agreement, vulnerability, and the importance of repair. Nephi shares his transformative journey from a thriving career in photography to becoming a leadership coach, demonstrating how coaching can empower leaders to cultivate compassionate and inclusive work environments. Nephi underscores the importance of approaching difficult conversations with clarity and purpose. He highlights the role of self-awareness and emotional intelligence as critical components for creating productive discussions. Understanding one's own emotional state, he explains, is key to setting the stage for a more constructive exchange. He also shares how establishing shared agreements at the outset of tough conversations can lay the foundation for respectful dialogue, reinforcing the necessity for vulnerability and courage when addressing conflicts. Nephi emphasizes the need for leaders to embrace difficult emotions and foster healthy conflict within their teams, especially during times of crisis. He advocates for a somatic, body-based approach to leadership development, and reminds us that humor and joy are vital tools in this process. The power of coaching and its profound impact on organizational culture and effectiveness are highlighted throughout the conversation. This empowering discussion equips leaders with essential skills while inspiring them to seek support and build more humane workplaces. Tune in to explore the vital intersection of leadership, emotional well-being, and the potential for transformative change within organizations.   Let's Get Social!  Want to hear more from Elena? Click here! Learn more about The C-Suite Collective Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram Connect with Elena on LinkedIn   Nephi Niven: Website  |  LinkedIn   This podcast was produced by the following amazing team: Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron's music via Instagram) Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this episode, Elena engages in a deep and thought-provoking conversation with Katherine Folk-Sullivan, a PCC-credentialed coach and certified trauma-informed coach. They explore the intricate dynamics of humility in effective leadership, the vital role it plays in fostering a culture of openness and growth within organizations, and the ongoing journey of personal and collective growth in the realm of anti-racism. Check out Elena's website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Katherine shares her transformative journey into coaching and her deep commitment to anti-racism work. What started as a personal exploration to address her own challenges evolved into a passion for guiding others through their journeys. She candidly reflects on the discomfort she experienced when stepping into the role of an anti-racism expert, confronting her self-perception in light of her colleagues' experiences. Her insights serve as a reminder that anti-racism is a continuous journey, urging all leaders - especially those from privileged backgrounds - to approach it with humility and an awareness of the spiritual costs of oppression. Katherine advocates for shifting the focus from binary conversations around racism to fostering personal relationships and cultural humility. She encourages listeners to practice open-heartedness and connection, even with those who hold opposing views, suggesting that true leadership involves recognizing our tendency to 'other' others and instead choosing to engage in meaningful dialogue. In today's polarized world, Katherine emphasizes the importance of nurturing personal relationships and fostering cultural humility. Her call for connection and dialogue serves as a powerful reminder of the role open-heartedness plays in bridging divides and cultivating understanding. This episode will leave you empowered and reflective, offering valuable insights into your own growth edges. Katherine's wisdom challenges us all to lead with humility and compassion in both our personal and professional lives. Don't miss this insightful episode, which encourages you to voice your leadership and take meaningful action within your communities.   Let's Get Social!  Want to hear more from Elena? Click here! Learn more about The C-Suite Collective Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram Connect with Elena on LinkedIn   Katherine Folk-Sullivan: Website  |  LinkedIn   This podcast was produced by the following amazing team: Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron's music via Instagram) Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this enlightening episode,  Elena speaks with Andrea Horton-Mericli, a dedicated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultant. They delve into the critical importance of creating inclusive environments, the complexities of navigating biracial identities, and the transformative power of storytelling. Check out Elena's website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Andrea shares her personal journey as a biracial woman, the daughter of a Latina mother from Veracruz and a white Anglo father, and how her upbringing in diverse environments shaped her passion for DEI work. Both Andrea and Elena recount their experiences growing up in border towns, grappling with their identities while finding their place in a world that often requires strict categorization. They discuss how these biracial identities can serve as a superpower in bridging gaps between cultures and perspectives, highlighting the need for more spaces that celebrate this multifaceted heritage. The conversation also touches on Andrea's initiative, the "Diversifuse" podcast, which aims to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and advocate for resources to support them. As Andrea highlights contemporary issues such as neurodiversity, mental health, and the emotional needs of individuals in the current political climate, she emphasizes the significance of relatability and storytelling in fostering understanding. The episode culminates with a powerful vision for the future, as both hosts encourage listeners to consider the impact of their actions on future generations and the importance of role modeling behavior that promotes kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. This episode offers an inspiring exploration of identity, leadership, and the profound potential of storytelling to effect change. Whether you're a leader seeking to enhance your inclusive practices or an individual navigating your own experiences of belonging, this conversation promises to resonate and encourage reflection on the ways we all contribute to a more equitable world.   Let's Get Social!  Want to hear more from Elena? Click here! Learn more about The C-Suite Collective Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram Connect with Elena on LinkedIn   Andrea Horton-Mericli: Instragram  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook  |  Website  |  Podcast  |  YouTube  |  X   This podcast was produced by the following amazing team: Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron's music via Instagram) Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this thought-provoking episode, Elena speaks with Antoni Mendezona and Max Potter, the co-founders of Digitelle, a digital marketing company for independent creatives and nonprofits in the performing arts. They delve into the importance of authenticity in business and highlight the numerous benefits of authenticity in business, such as building trust, fostering creativity, and enhancing customer loyalty. Check out Elena's website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Antoni and Max share their inspiring journey to co-founding Digitelle, merging their passion for music and marketing. Their shared vision for the company revolves around establishing a strong ethical framework, prioritizing flexibility, and advocating for empowerment within the performing arts industry. Valuable advice is shared on adopting a mission-driven approach, serving customers first, and investing in authentic communication strategies. They emphasize the importance of focusing on serving your audience or customers better, not just yourself, and ensuring your marketing strategy aligns with your values and vision. The episode serves as a blueprint for leaders and entrepreneurs seeking to create purpose-driven organizations that prioritize innovation, connection, and sustainable growth. Antoni and Max also stress the importance of not cutting your marketing budget, especially in challenging times, and the need to be flexible, empathetic, and surround yourself with the right team. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply someone looking to find your own authentic voice, this episode will inspire and motivate you to embrace your true self and create the change you wish to see in the world. Tune in to discover the transformative power of authenticity and advocacy in business.   Let's Get Social!  Want to hear more from Elena? Click here! Learn more about The C-Suite Collective Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram Connect with Elena on LinkedIn   Digitelle (Antoni Mendezona & Max Potter): Instragram  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook  |  Website  | TikTok   This podcast was produced by the following amazing team: Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron's music via Instagram) Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this podcast episode, Elena Armijo speaks with Carolyn Swora, a leadership consultant, team coach, and author, about her journey into coaching and her focus on social justice and trauma-informed leadership. Carolyn shares her passion for working with leaders and organizations committed to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, highlighting the importance of connecting with the body and nervous system as a leader. Check out Elena's website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Carolyn emphasizes the somatic aspects of leadership and transformation, discussing how the body stores emotional wounds and trauma that can impact cognitive and physical performance. She encourages leaders to listen to and partner with their nervous systems in order to regulate their states and show up more fully. Carolyn provides practical suggestions for individuals to explore somatic practices, such as community connection and grounding exercises. Ultimately, Carolyn's vision is for more people to understand the power of the nervous system and somatic wisdom, in order to address systemic challenges and create positive change in the world. She believes that by disseminating this knowledge widely, especially to the next generation, we can build the internal resources and collective capacity needed to make a difference. This podcast episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for leaders looking to incorporate somatic practices into their work.   Let's Get Social!  Want to hear more from Elena? Click here! Learn more about The C-Suite Collective Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram Connect with Elena on LinkedIn Carolyn Swora: Instragram  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Website  |  Podcast | Amazon   This podcast was produced by the following amazing team: Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron's music via Instagram) Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this episode, Elena Armijo and Jason Frazell dive deep into the concept of blind spots and how they affect our daily lives. Blind spots are not just limited to driving situations, but exist in all aspects of our lives, including communication, decision-making, and self-awareness. By understanding the psychological mechanisms behind blind spots, individuals can start recognizing and addressing them. Check out Elena's website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Jason shares his personal journey from a sales-focused career to becoming an executive coach and facilitator. He opens up about the challenges he faced when starting his own business and the need to separate his identity from the work. Jason also expresses his desire to delve deeper into men's work, exploring vulnerability, emotional expression, and the importance of men connecting with their spirituality and plant medicine. He envisions a world where men feel seen, heard, and validated, breaking free from societal pressure to conform to traditional masculine norms. Providing a thought-provoking conversation on blind spots, self-awareness, and the evolving landscape of identity and masculinity, this episode emphasizes the importance of creating a more inclusive and empowered world for individuals of all genders. Jason recommends resources such as the "Anti-Racism Daily" newsletter and books like "Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People" and "How to Be an Anti-Racist".   Let's Get Social!  Want to hear more from Elena? Click here! Learn more about The C-Suite Collective Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram Connect with Elena on LinkedIn Jason Frazell: Instragram  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook  |  Website  |  Podcast   This podcast was produced by the following amazing team: Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron's music via Instagram) Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this episode, Elena Armijo interviews Ned Hanlon, the president of AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists) union, about leadership and the future of the arts industry. Ned shares his journey to union leadership, starting with his involvement in negotiating his contract with the Metropolitan Opera. He found his calling in the legal and negotiation side of union leadership and has been actively involved for the past 10 years. Check out Elena's website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. The pandemic has served as a wake-up call for artists, making them realize the importance of taking care of each other through unions. Companies cannot always provide stability, and artists need to rely on collective action to protect their interests. Ned's goals as AGMA president are to build solidarity through alliances with other unions, empower artists to speak up, and protect them from retaliation. One of the key focuses of the union is diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. This is addressed both internally within the union and during contract negotiations with companies. By addressing these important issues, the union aims to create a safer environment for artists, tackling problems like harassment and discrimination. Ned sees his role as a facilitator rather than the sole leader. He believes in harnessing the collective power of union members and building consensus. Effective negotiations involve understanding all perspectives, finding common ground, and being willing to exert collective power if necessary. However, Ned emphasizes the importance of avoiding "scorched earth" tactics that can harm all parties involved. Looking to the future, Ned's hope is for the arts industry to survive its current difficulties. He wants all artists to feel empowered to improve their work conditions without fear, and he believes the union can play a crucial role in creating a safe and supportive environment for artists to speak up and advocate for themselves.   Let's Get Social!  Want to hear more from Elena? Click here! Learn more about The C-Suite Collective Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram Connect with Elena on LinkedIn Ned Hanlon: Instragram LinkedIn Facebook   This podcast was produced by the following amazing team: Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron's music via Instagram) Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this episode, Elena speaks with Brittany Cotton, an innovative leader in professional coaching. Brittany is the Head of Coaching at 7CTOs and also runs her own executive coaching business called Coach EXE. She shares how she stumbled into coaching after finishing her master's degree and feeling uncertain about pursuing a PhD program. Brittany talks about the fulfillment she found in coaching and how it allowed her to tap into something that was already inside her. She emphasizes that coaching is not about having all the answers, but rather supporting others to cultivate their own answers. Check out Elena's website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. As the Head of Coaching at 7 CTOs, Brittany is responsible for creating leadership content and facilitating peer coaching groups. She discusses how her work focuses on helping tech leaders develop heart-based leadership skills in addition to technical skills. She also shares some trends she has noticed, highlighting that leaders are now more comfortable embracing discomfort and sitting with problems instead of running from them. Brittany offers advice on developing courage, encouraging leaders to step out of their comfort zones, embrace vulnerability, and learn from setbacks. She believes that small steps over time can lead to significant personal growth. She also emphasizes the importance of difficult conversations and sitting with uncertainty, as personal growth can have a profound impact on organizations. Brittany emphasizes the importance of personal growth in navigating professional challenges and global difficulties. She believes that leaders who prioritize their own development can bring about positive change in their companies from the inside out. She shares stories of clients who experienced unexpected transformations long after coaching ended. Overall, Brittany's holistic approach centers on the humanity of leaders, emphasizing the importance of personal growth over technical skills.   Let's Get Social!  Want to hear more from Elena? Click here! Learn more about The C-Suite Collective Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram Connect with Elena on LinkedIn   This podcast was produced by the following amazing team: Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron's music via Instagram) Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this final episode of 2023, Elena Armijo reflects on the year at The C-Suite Collective, the executive coaching company she founded, discussing the importance of slowing down in order to go fast. As a fast-paced leader, Elena realized that taking the time to ensure people were on board and understood expectations was crucial. Throughout the year, The C-Suite Collective intentionally focused on building strong foundations, including processes, values, and fostering community conversations. Check out Elena's website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Elena also shares her personal journey of working internally and from the inside out. She highlights the transformative power of working with a coach for an entire year, focusing on healing, boundaries, self-acceptance, and receiving support. By accepting herself more, Elena was able to effectively lead and serve others, encouraging them to also do their inner work. The company's commitment to inclusion and belonging was another key lesson learned in 2023. The C-Suite Collective explored new approaches, engaged in difficult conversations, and emphasized the importance of everyone's right to belong. They prioritized connection over conflict and disagreement, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Elena also emphasizes the significance of celebrating the journey, not just the end goals. With the guidance of her coach, she practiced daily self-appreciation and joy throughout December. This shift in mindset allowed her to find fulfillment in the process rather than solely focusing on achieving outcomes. Looking ahead to 2024, Elena plans to simplify her goals by narrowing them down to just five things. This strategic approach will allow her to fully immerse herself in each goal's journey and ensure their successful realization. Finally, Elena expresses deep gratitude for the support she has received from her family, partner, friends, colleagues, clients, and listeners. She wishes everyone a peaceful and restful end to 2023, while also encouraging them to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead in the new year. In summary, Elena shares the key lessons that guided her growth and The C-Suite Collective's development in 2023. These include the importance of slowing down, engaging in internal work, promoting inclusion, celebrating the journey, simplifying goals, and expressing gratitude. It has been a year of self-reflection, growth, and building a strong foundation for continued success.   Let's Get Social!  Want to hear more from Elena? Click here! Learn more about The C-Suite Collective Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram Connect with Elena on LinkedIn   This podcast was produced by the following amazing team: Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron's music via Instagram) Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this episode, Elena speaks with Nomsa Khalfani and Amy Moy, the co-CEOs of Essential Access Health, to discuss their unique approach to co-leadership and their vision for transforming organizational culture. Nomsa and Amy have a long history together, having worked side by side in senior leadership roles for the past 10 years. When the previous CEO left, the board made the groundbreaking decision to appoint Nomsa and Amy as co-CEOs, recognizing their strong partnership and dedication to the organization's mission. Check out Elena's website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. As co-CEOs, Nomsa and Amy prioritize the well-being of their staff. They lead by example, practicing mutual support, flexibility, rest, and vulnerability. This shift in mindset and focus on staff wellness has resulted in a more trusting, safe, and humane organizational culture. They also emphasize inclusion, community health, and freedom for all. Through coaching, fair compensation, and involving staff in decision-making, they empower their team to make a meaningful impact. However, with this new style of leadership also come challenges. Nomsa and Amy stress the importance of being open to feedback, even when it's uncomfortable, and using it as an opportunity for self-reflection rather than defensiveness. They also recognize the need to embrace imperfection and allow for evolution in their leadership approach. To measure their success, Nomsa and Amy look at metrics such as staff retention, feedback from employees about feeling valued, and recommendations of the organization. They believe that by creating an empowering culture, they can support their staff in doing their best work and ultimately make a significant impact. Above all, Nomsa and Amy's vision for Essential Access Health is centered around respecting bodily autonomy and fundamental human rights and dignity for all. They believe that true freedom cannot exist as long as some individuals lack it. Their goal is to amplify voices and improve outcomes through courageous and pioneering leadership. Tune in to this enlightening episode to learn more about their journey and the transformative power of co-leadership.   Let's Get Social!  Want to hear more from Elena? Click here! Learn more about Essential Access Health Connect with Amy on LinkedIn. Connect with Nomsa on LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram.   This podcast was produced by the following amazing team: Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron's music via Instagram) Jo van Eeden, Project Manager