Holiday cheer gets all the headlines, but the real story often includes tension, old patterns, and big expectations. We get honest about the pressure to make everything magical and offer a simple, usable plan to stay grounded when emotions spike. Our five-step PEACE framework—Pause, Examine, Adjust, Choose, Exit or Engage—turns reactive moments into chances for clarity and connection. We start with the body: how a brief pause settles the nervous system and opens space for choice. Then we nam...
Ever worked for someone who made you feel small on purpose? We unpack the rise of fear-based leadership—why it’s suddenly everywhere, how it disguises itself as “tough love” or mission-driven care, and what it costs teams in creativity, trust, and retention. With coach and author Kate Lori, we translate the playbook of control into plain language and offer a counterplay that preserves your energy, agency, and integrity. We start by defining fear-based leadership through real-world patterns: ...
Trust rarely fails with a crash; it thins out through tiny cuts. We unpack how unclear or ignored boundaries chip away at relationships and show practical ways to rebuild trust with clarity, courage, and compassion. Using Brene Brown’s BRAVING as a guide, we broaden trust beyond reliability to include accountability, the vault, integrity, nonjudgment, and generosity—starting with boundaries as the first move. We walk through ten common boundary violations leaders often miss: intrusions on pr...
Strategy doesn’t fail for lack of ideas—it fails at the handoff to execution. We bring in OKR expert and Wave Nine founder Philip Schett to show how to close that gap with clear goals, shared rituals, and a culture that trades micromanagement for ownership. Philip’s journey from Germany to Silicon Valley reframed his thinking: great companies don’t win because they dream better; they win because they execute better. That mindset shift powers the conversation as we dig into OKRs done right—les...
Ryan Gottfredson explains the transformational journey from being focused solely on doing better to becoming better as a human being, drawing on his research and latest book. He introduces the distinction between our "doing side" (talents, knowledge, skills) versus our "being side" (quality of our internal operating system), showing how genuine transformation requires upgrading who we are, not just what we do. • Most developmental efforts focus on the doing side, but transformational growth ...
A day that changes lives forever – that’s how veterans describe their experience on the Badger Honor Flight. This mission honors those who served by taking them to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor. Flight Operations Director Jody McClain takes us behind the scenes of this remarkable program that has transformed the lives of over 5,000 veterans. With precision and compassion, she coordinates every detail—from transportation logistics to ensuring veterans receive the ...
Forget everything you thought you knew about collaboration. It's not about getting everyone to agree—it’s about creating something entirely new together. In this eye-opening episode, we explore the misconceptions that hold teams back from practicing collaborative leadership and uncover what it really takes to lead effectively in today’s environment. Most people score surprisingly low on collaboration skills when assessed with tools like the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Inventory. Why? Because true...
Ever feel like something's missing despite all your achievements? You're not alone. This conversation with Dr. Sharon Spano uncovers the fascinating connection between leadership effectiveness and human development that explains why even successful leaders can feel unfulfilled. Dr. Spano, a strategist and thought leader who specializes in integrating leadership with human development, reveals how our relationship with time and money profoundly shapes our leadership capacity. She explains the...
Ever found yourself stuck in a comfortable rut? Turns out, that's not laziness—it's complacency, and it might be the biggest barrier between you and your true potential. Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President of Maxwell Leadership, joins us to completely reframe how we understand complacency. Forget what you thought you knew—complacency isn't about being lazy or apathetic. It's what Robinson calls "secret places of satisfactory success" where we've become content with being good but not gr...
What if the most powerful tool for business success isn't a new technology or strategy, but simply creating environments where people can bring their whole selves to work? In this compelling conversation, Olivia Stewart reveals how inclusive leadership directly impacts employee engagement, innovation, and organizational performance. Stewart brings a unique psychological perspective to workplace dynamics, having witnessed the evolution of employee engagement metrics since the early 1990s. She...
Heather Plett, co-director of the Center for Holding Space, shares her powerful insights on the transformative practice of "holding space" and introduces the concept of being a "grounded guide" in today's leadership landscape. • The practice of holding space involves walking alongside others in their experiences without trying to control, direct, or judge them • Holding space begins with self-awareness and presence before extending to others • Nature connection and stillness practices help g...
Speed without direction is just wasted energy. That's the powerful truth at the heart of my conversation with Simon Severino, founder of Strategy Sprints and a master at helping leaders master resilience in times of uncertainty by navigating complexity with confidence and intention. From his home base in Vienna, Simon brings a refreshingly practical approach to leadership that blends endurance athlete discipline with entrepreneurial agility. He cuts through the noise about strategy with stri...
Problem solving might be the most underrated leadership skill – one we use daily but rarely examine critically. How much time do you spend tackling problems each week? And more importantly, how many of those "problems" are actually legitimate issues versus complaints, venting, or whining? This episode challenges leaders to distinguish between genuine problems (those with measurable gaps and consequences) and vague complaints that lack substance. A real problem sounds like "Our turnover is 20...
In this thought-provoking conversation, Jill, a 14-year entrepreneurship faculty member at Madison College, reveals how traits like resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving create exceptional leaders regardless of their role. With employee disengagement at record highs and workplace stress permeating organizations, Jill's approach offers a refreshing alternative. Through her newly-launched consulting company Sync, she's addressing the critical gap between what organizations say they val...
DOWNLOAD FREE GUIDE: https://www.intentionaleaders.com/manage-time-maximize-life The quest for perfect time management has led many of us down endless paths searching for the ideal system or tool that will magically organize our chaotic lives. But what if we've been approaching the problem entirely wrong? What if time management isn't about managing time at all, but rather about managing our brains? Time itself is merely a social construct—a way to organize our existence on this planet. The ...
In this episode of the Intentional Leaders Podcast, host Cyndi Wentland engages in a compelling conversation with Cheryl Fields Tyler, founder and CEO of Blue Beyond Consulting. They delve into the intricacies of building a thriving workplace culture, emphasizing the balance between high expectations and deep trust. Cheryl shares insights on supporting mid-level managers, redefining employee well-being, and viewing leadership as a sacred responsibility. This discussion offers valuable perspec...
Imagine a world where fear no longer dictates your career choices and leadership potential. Dr. Benjamin Ritter, author of "Becoming Fearless," joins us to unravel the intricate barriers leaders face when aligning their careers with their true values. With his insightful exploration of the three C's of self-leadership—clarity, confidence, and control—Dr. Ritter provides a roadmap to overcome the stifling fears of job loss, looking foolish, or failing. In our conversation, we unlock the secret...
Dr. Britt Andreatta, a luminary in leadership and neuroscience, graces our latest episode with her wealth of knowledge. She recounts her transition from academia to the world of corporate learning and development, offering a unique blend of scientific insight and practical application. Britt's journey illustrates her fearless pursuit of leadership development. Her story is a testament to how understanding the brain can unlock potential, both in personal development and in shaping effect...
What if your leadership legacy isn't something you leave behind, but something you give away every day? Join me, as we explore how you can start crafting your legacy from day one by focusing on core values, trust-building, and empowering your team. Research highlights that employees are more engaged and loyal when they feel a strong connection to their leader's vision; hence, your legacy can be an essential catalyst for driving a thriving work culture. Reflect on the qualities and valu...
Discover the untapped potential of introverted leaders and transform your perception of leadership with our latest episode. Introverts often face misconceptions of being too quiet or uninspiring, but we promise to change that narrative by highlighting their remarkable strengths. You'll learn how introverts excel through their exceptional listening skills, authenticity, and strategic thinking. We challenge traditional leadership stereotypes and share personal anecdotes and strategies that help...