The Leadership Vision Podcast

<p><b>The Leadership Vision Podcast</b> is about helping people better understand who they are as a leader. Hosted by Nathan Freeburg, Dr. Linda Schubring, and Brian Schubring—authors of <em>Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane</em>—this show is rooted in over <b>25 years</b> of consulting experience helping teams stay mentally engaged and emotionally healthy.</p><p><br /></p><p>Our podcast provides insight to help you grow as a leader, build a positive team culture, and develop your organization to meet today’s evolving business landscape. Through client stories, research-based leadership models, and reflective conversations, we explore personal growth and leadership topics using a Strengths-based approach to people, teams, and culture.</p><p><br /></p><p>With over <b>350,000 downloads across 180+ countries,</b> The Leadership Vision Podcast is your resource for discovering, practicing, and implementing leadership that transforms.</p>

What are your Dominant Pairs of Strength

Send us a text Welcome to the Leadership Vision Podcast where we share our expertise in the discovery, practice, and implementation of a strengths-based approach to people, teams, and culture. On today’s mini-podcast episode, we have a question for you. This is part of our monthly series of Strengths reflection questions that present just one question, but we hope it will lead you to ask yourself and those around you several other questions to deepen your understanding not only of how your St...

08-05
07:50

Holding Ambition and Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Leadership Reflection

Send us a text In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, Nathan Freeburg reflects on the leadership posture of holding long-term goals and present-moment gratitude simultaneously. Drawing from themes within Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring’s book Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane, Nathan explores why transformation grows slowly — through small, daily practices that shape who we become over time. This episode offers a grounding, accessible refl...

11-24
06:28

Creating a Sense of Home at Work: Building Trust and Belonging in Teams

Send us a text In this episode, we explore Chapter 5 (“Home”) from Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane. Brian and Linda discuss how leaders can create a sense of “home” in the workplace—a space of belonging, safety, and shared growth. They unpack what happens when a transformed individual re-enters their team, why that can create tension, and how leaders can respond with empathy and openness. Topics include: Reclaiming the word home for organizational lifeCreating psycho...

11-17
33:15

When Transformation Comes Home: How Leaders Integrate Growth After Change

Send us a text What happens when you’ve been changed by a powerful experience—growth, success, or transformation—and then return to the same environment that hasn’t changed with you? In this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, Nathan Freeburg talks with Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring to unpack Chapter 5 of Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane. Together, they explore what it means for leaders to come “home” after transformation—to re-enter familiar places with new eye...

11-10
43:22

Fail Faster, Grow Stronger: Deb Dixson’s Playbook for Teams that Thrive Without You

Send us a text Pioneering technology executive and Leadership Vision advisor Deb Dixson joins Nathan to unpack how leaders move teams from dependence on one person to interdependence—through mission clarity (“we sell lettuce”), Strengths-based roles, and a culture where fast, safe learning is encouraged. Drawing on her 30+ years as a CISO, CIO, and executive coach, Deb shares stories of building resilient teams, empowering others to lead, and offering timeless guidance for leaders navigating ...

11-03
43:26

How Leaders Help Their Teams Fly: Trust, Transformation, and the Courage to Let Go

Send us a text In this episode, we explore Chapter 4 of Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane. Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring unpack what it means for teams and organizations to “fly” — to embrace risk, trust, and transformation as they step into new levels of growth. Topics Covered: Recognizing when your team is in the fly stageWhy trust is the foundation of all growthHow leaders create safety and courage for flightBalancing support and risk in team developmentCelebrating ...

10-27
32:01

Why Every Transformation Needs a Little Courage to Take Flight

Send us a text We explore how leaders move from try to fly: building self-belief through repeated practice, welcoming help (even when it’s uncomfortable), and trusting people, process, and place. We discuss the “pre-flight checklist,” the role of mentors at altitude (the “Eagle”), and how to hold your core identity—your map—through transformation. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Fly is the climax of the Unfolded arc (Dream → Play → Try → Fly)How self-trust is built (not bought) through rep...

10-20
36:01

Why Place Matters: Notre Dame, Symbols, and the Spaces That Shape Our Leadership

Send us a text Nathan and Brian revisit a 2019 conversation after Nathan’s recent family trip to Paris and his first in-person encounter with Notre Dame’s rose window—the inspiration for the Leadership Vision logo. They explore why place matters for leaders and teams, considering it as an anchor, symbol, intersection, and invitation. From the transept metaphor of waiting to the role of shared team retreats and simple artifacts, this episode offers a practical lens for integrating place into c...

10-13
22:24

Why “Trying” is the Secret to Organizational Growth

Send us a text In this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, Nathan Freeburg sits down with Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring to discuss chapter three of their book Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane. Together, they explore what it means for organizations to “try”—to experiment, to refold, and to persist through uncertainty. Topics include: Why “trying” is a strength, not a weakness.The characteristics of organizations that embrace experimentation.Practical steps leader...

10-06
27:25

Unfolded: Why “Trying” Is the Courageous Middle Step Toward Transformation

Send us a text In this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, Nathan Freeburg talks with Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring about Chapter 3 of Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane, Try. They explore why trying is more than practice, how to handle the “messy middle” where doubt and fear creep in, and why setbacks are often signs of growth. You’ll also hear how community and self-compassion can give leaders the courage to try again. What You’ll Learn: Why “try” is practice wi...

09-29
29:00

How Susan Inouye is Transforming Leadership Through Human Connection

Send us a text In this episode of the Leadership Vision Podcast, we talk with executive coach and author Susan Inouye about her unique approach to leadership rooted in the Zulu greeting Sawubona—"I see you." We explore how Susan’s gift-centered model helps leaders build cultures of belonging, recognize the hidden strengths in others, and shift from command-and-control to connection and care. 📘 Mentioned in the episode: Susan’s WebsiteLeadership’s Perfect Storm on AmazonYouth Mentoring Co...

09-22
55:59

The Folds That Shape Us: Embracing Life’s Permanent Creases

Send us a text In this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, hosts Nathan Freeburg, Dr. Linda Schubring, and Brian Schubring continue their conversation on themes from their book Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane. The focus is on folds—the permanent creases created by early experiences, habits, and lessons that shape who we are. Brian shares his own anchor folds of work ethic, spirituality, and education, while Linda offers insights into how we can name and embrace...

09-15
31:44

Unfolding Maps: Discovering the Hidden Landscapes That Shape Your Life

Send us a text In this episode of the Leadership Vision Podcast, host Nathan Freeburg is joined by Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring, co-authors of Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane. Together, they unpack the metaphor of maps—how our experiences, values, and memories create inner landscapes that shape who we are and how we lead. Key themes explored: Why our lives can be seen as maps that reveal both familiar paths and hidden folds.How reflection helps us navigate uncertain...

09-08
37:06

Work That Shapes Us: A Labor Day Reflection on Purpose and Leadership

Send us a text In this short Labor Day reflection, host Nathan Freeburg shares an unexpected leadership insight inspired by the Benedictine monks’ philosophy of work. Drawing on the ancient motto Ora et Labora—“Pray and Work”—this episode explores how viewing our work as sacred, balanced, and community-driven can transform the way we lead and build team culture. Whether you're running a team, leading a company, or simply reevaluating your relationship with work, this episode invites you to re...

09-01
05:33

How Your Strengths Shape the Way You Communicate

Send us a text In this episode, we explore the connection between Strengths and communication. Learn how identity shapes the way you speak and listen, the four shaping influences that impact your style, and practical tools to adapt your communication for better outcomes. Resources & Links: Leadership Vision ConsultingUnfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami CraneSubscribe to our newsletter🎉 Unfolded is a National Bestseller! #1 in Business & #5 Overall on USA Today #1...

08-25
27:32

Leading Through Uncertainty: How to Build Trust and Clarity in Unpredictable Times

Send us a text In this episode, host Nathan Freeburg is joined by Brian and Dr. Linda Schubring to unpack the impact of uncertainty on leaders, teams, and organizations. Drawing from client examples and real-world challenges, they explore the hidden consequences of uncertainty—like fractured trust and chronic stress—and share practical ways to build resilience, foster clarity, and create meaningful connections, even when everything feels unclear. Key Topics Covered: The “theme of the year” fo...

08-18
27:21

Play: The Secret Weapon of High-Performing Teams

Send us a text In this episode of the Leadership Vision Podcast, we dive deep into Chapter 2 of Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane and explore how the concept of “play” applies to team development. Joined by authors Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring, we explore how “play” isn’t just about fun and games—it’s about intentional practice that unlocks trust, creativity, and deeper collaboration. When teams are given safe environments to experiment without pressure, they surface ...

08-11
40:47

The Power of Play: How Practice Shapes Our Dreams

Send us a text In this episode, Nathan Freeburg speaks with Unfolded authors Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring about Chapter 2: Play. Together, they discuss why play is essential for personal and professional transformation. They explore metaphors of playgrounds, how to know when to move on from comfortable spaces, and the role of reflection and growth in leadership. Key Topics Covered: Play as practice in disguiseThe metaphor of playgrounds for professional developmentKnowing when it’s time to l...

08-04
37:44

Recording with Presence: Dr. Linda Schubring on the Audiobook Journey of Unfolded

Send us a text In this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, CEO Dr. Linda Schubring shares what it was like to record the audiobook version of Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane. She discusses how holistic preparation, a lifetime of practice, and the courage to be fully present shaped this emotional experience—and how these lessons apply to leadership and life. Listen as Linda shares: Why recording the audiobook was more emotional than expectedHow she prepared phys...

07-28
23:42

Match the Moment: How Leaders Can Unlock the Real Competitive Advantage with Dan Silvert

Send us a text In this episode of the Leadership Vision Podcast, we’re joined by Dan Silvert—behavioral expert, keynote speaker, and co-founder of Velocity Advisory Group. Dan shares his journey from sound engineer to leadership consultant, revealing how self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and behavioral flexibility are the keys to unlocking a team’s full potential. We dive into Dan's "bird" styles based on the DISC behavioral styles, what it means to “match the moment,” and how leaders c...

07-21
50:35

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