The Simplifiers Podcast

Empathy is one of the most important leadership skills we have — and yet, it's also one of the most misunderstood. Many leaders want to show care, compassion, and understanding… but worry they'll get drained, taken advantage of, or lose their authority in the process. The truth is: empathy isn't about absorbing everyone's emotions. It's about creating connection, safety, and clarity in a way that's sustainable for you and supportive for your team. My special guest today is Joseph Cope, and he's simplifying how to practice empathy without burning out. If you want to lead with more humanity — especially in moments of change, pressure, or high emotions — this conversation will give you a grounded, repeatable approach you can actually use. Here's how. My special guest today is Joseph Cope and he's simplifying how to practice empathy without burning out.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: What healthy, sustainable empathy looks like in practice — without getting drained or taken advantage of. How to respond with empathy when emotions run high, while still holding a clear boundary or expectation. How to balance empathy with accountability when someone on your team keeps missing the mark. What empathy looks like for employees who survived a layoff and are now picking up the pieces and carrying more responsibility. …and ultimately, 2–3 small daily habits any leader can build to create a more trusted, connected team without adding more to an already overflowing plate. Q: Are you ready to learn how to practice empathy without burning out? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/404-how-to-practice-empathy-without-burning-out---with-joseph-cope

As you grow in your career, your technical skills matter—of course they do. But what people remember, respond to, and rally behind is your leadership identity. It's the way you show up, the presence you carry, the influence you have, and the story others tell about you when you're not in the room. And the leaders who thrive are the ones who shape that identity with intention, not by accident. My special guest today is Shayna Davis, and she's simplifying how to define your leadership identity. If you want to lead with more clarity, consistency, and confidence—while staying true to who you are—this conversation is for you. Here's how. My special guest today is Shayna Davis and she's simplifying how to define your leadership identity.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: The real difference between executive presence and executive influence—and how both shape how others see your leadership. What a "leadership narrative" is, and why rising leaders must define theirs early. Where to begin when intentionally shaping your leadership identity—and how to clarify your unique POV, thought leadership, and personal narrative. The common missteps leaders make when trying to project authority or influence, and how to avoid coming across as inauthentic. …and ultimately, how to evolve your leadership identity over time without losing consistency or confusing your teams. Q: Are you ready to learn how to define your leadership identity? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/403-how-to-define-your-leadership-identity---with-shayna-davis

We all know great communication is more than just what you say—it's how you say it, how you show up, and how you make others feel. Whether you're leading a meeting, sending an email, or jumping on a Zoom call, your body language, tone, and presence send powerful signals. The good news? These skills can be learned, practiced, and mastered. My special guest today is Kristin Bock, and she's simplifying how to be a better communicator. If you want to enhance clarity, confidence, and connection in every interaction—both in person and online—this conversation is for you. Here's how. My special guest today is Kristin Bock and she's simplifying how to be a better communicator.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: The most impactful body language cues anyone can use to become a more compelling communicator. What "digital charisma" really means—and how to project it through emails, video calls, and online communication. How to harness your vocal power to sound more confident and avoid habits like "upspeak" that can undermine credibility. Whether communication skills can be learned by anyone—or if they come more naturally to extroverts. …and ultimately, practical tips for communicating effectively with neurodivergent teammates who process cues differently. Q: Are you ready to learn how to be a better communicator at work? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here:https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/402-how-to-be-a-better-communicator---with-kristin-bock

Time for a guided visualization exercise: How to listen to be heard. Because right now, after a week of massive layoffs globally and so much change in the world of work, a lot of teams are feeling uncertain… and unheard. This episode is a reminder that deep listening — real, intentional listening — is the foundation of trust. It's also the quiet superpower of great leaders. So, how does it work? Simple! Let my voice be a guide for you as you focus inward to help you tap into your inner wisdom and Intuition for answers. Listen and participate in this guided visualization exercise: How to listen to be heard. I hope this visualization sticks with you the entire week through. Do it again and again if you need clarity or fresh ideas to help your spirit feel refreshed once again… because when you tap into your deep inner knowing, you're accessing the deep inner wisdom. That electric energy that can be found inside all of us that connects us all together. It knows. You know. We all know if we are brave and we open ourselves to it. You can do this, I believe in you. It's time to SIMPLIFY. Show notes available with all links mentioned here:https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/b161-how-to-listen-to-be-heard-guided-visualization      

Why do conversations about inclusion and belonging tend to feel so heavy? Used intentionally, my guest today makes the case that humor can actually break down walls, spark connection, and invite people into the dialogue—instead of pushing them away. It's a powerful way to open culture conversations without diminishing their importance. My special guest today is Aaron Fung, and he's simplifying how to use humor to drive inclusion and belonging. If you want to spark culture conversations that are more real, more open, and more effective—without making light of the issues—this episode is for you. Here's how. My special guest today is Aaron Fung and he's simplifying how to use humor to drive inclusion and belonging.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: Why humor can play a powerful role in making conversations about inclusion and belonging more approachable and impactful. How to "read the room" and know when humor will land well—or when to choose a different approach. What boundaries leaders should set to avoid sarcasm or humor that alienates others, including neurodivergent colleagues who may interpret tone differently. How humor can strengthen credibility—not undermine it—especially when executives see DEI work as "too serious" to laugh about. …and ultimately, one practical way HR professionals and leaders can weave humor into everyday culture conversations while still honoring the importance of the work. Q: Are you ready to learn how to use humor to drive inclusion and belonging at work? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/401-how-to-use-humor-to-drive-inclusion-belonging---with-aaron-fung

When you're in front of senior leaders or the board, you've got seconds—not minutes—to capture their attention and make your message land. Executives don't want a data dump, a 40-slide saga, or a meandering story that takes forever to get to the point. They want clarity, confidence, and a compelling narrative that tells them what matters right now. That's where executive storytelling becomes a powerful leadership skill—not just a presentation tactic. My special guest today is Libby Magliolo, and she's simplifying how to master the art of executive storytelling. If you want to elevate your executive presence, influence decisions, and deliver presentations that are memorable (for all the right reasons), this episode is for you. Here's how. My special guest today is Libby Magliolo and she's simplifying how to master the art of executive storytelling.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: What makes executive storytelling different from a standard business presentation—and why true executive presence requires you to drop the apology language. The three questions every leader must answer before they ever open a slide deck:  Who is in the room?  What do they care about?  And what is the objective of this communication? The one-sentence trick that creates a compelling executive presentation using the Minto Pyramid Principle:  Lead with the answer first. How to balance visuals and words so your message is engaging—without overwhelming your audience. …and ultimately, one simple shift any leader can make this week to improve their executive presence when presenting. Q: Are you ready to learn how to master the art of executive storytelling? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/400-how-to-master-the-art-of-executive-storytelling---with-libby-magliolo

In a world filled with uncertainty and constant change, what sets great leaders apart? It's not just strategy, charisma, or experience—it's purpose. Purpose gives leaders the clarity to make tough decisions, the resilience to navigate challenge, and the courage to inspire others when times get hard. My special guest today is Dr. John Blakey, and he's simplifying how to thrive as a purpose-filled leader. John believes that leaders must be the beacon of hope in what he calls a "future-fragile world," and he's sharing how to ground your leadership in purpose to build trust, performance, and long-term impact. Here's how. My special guest today is Dr. John Blakey and he's simplifying how to thrive as a purpose-filled leader.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: Why purpose matters so much for today's leaders—and how it directly connects to trust and performance. How executives can uncover and articulate their own leadership purpose using three dimensions: up, in, and out. Practical ways to translate purpose into daily decision-making and behavior—as a true "force for good." How to sustain purpose during times of pressure, uncertainty, or change using what he calls a "thrival kit." …and ultimately, one story of a leader who thrived by staying grounded in their purpose, no matter what challenges came their way. Q: Are you ready to learn how to thrive as a purpose-filled leader? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here:https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/399-how-to-thrive-as-a-purpose-filled-leader---with-dr-john-blakey

Time for a guided visualization exercise: How to communicate with confidence. This is an incredibly important skill to master, especially as it relates to how you show up at work. There's no doubt, those who understand how to connect with people, get their message across effectively, and have it received well will get more accomplished with less friction. This could be you. Let's practice that skill in a whole new way. By visualizing it. So, how does it work? Simple! Let my voice be a guide for you as you focus inward to help you tap into your inner wisdom and Intuition for answers. Listen and participate in this guided visualization exercise: How to communicate with confidence. Show notes available with all links mentioned here:https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/b160-how-to-communicate-with-confidence-guided-visualization

When it comes to hiring executives, the stakes couldn't be higher. One wrong move at the top can ripple across the entire organization, impacting culture, strategy, and results. That's why more and more Boards, recruiters, and HR leaders are turning to executive assessments to help them make smarter, data-informed decisions backed by science. But what should these assessments really reveal—and how do you use them effectively? My special guest today is Brandon Jordan of ForPsyte Talent Assessments and he's simplifying how to use executive assessments to hire smarter. Drawing on deep expertise in leadership selection and succession planning, Brandon helps organizations focus on the insights that truly matter when evaluating top executive talent. Here's how. My special guest today is Brandon Jordan and he's simplifying how to use executive assessments to hire smarter.  We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: What an executive assessment should actually tell you—beyond the basics of behavioral traits, situational judgment, and cognitive ability. Which tools and frameworks he trusts most at this level, zooming in on the "3 C's" of content, construct, and criteria. How to separate "potential" from "performance" when evaluating leaders. When Boards and recruiters should use assessments—Is it better before or after interviews? …and ultimately, how HR can explain the assessment process clearly so every stakeholder understands the value. Q: Are you ready to learn how to use executive assessments to hire smarter? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/398-how-to-use-executive-assessments-to-hire-smarter---with-brandon-jordan

Developing future leaders isn't just about filling roles—it's about shaping people. The question is: how do you identify high-potentials on your team, and once you do, how do you nurture them so they grow instead of fizzle out? HiPos need more than a pat on the back; they need guidance, meaningful support, and a roadmap for growth from their people leader. My special guest today is Shawn Storer and he's simplifying how to turn high-potentials into leaders. If you're a people leader aiming to build a strong succession plan and invest wisely in your future leaders, this conversation is going to give you the clarity you need. Here's how. My special guest today is Shawn Storer and he's simplifying how to turn high-potentials into leaders. We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: The one thing people leaders must be super clear on when developing high-potential talent. How to define "high-potential" beyond just performance reviews. The signals that indicate when someone is truly ready for the next level. Which smart stretch assignments accelerate growth the fastest. …and ultimately, how to keep HiPos engaged without burning them out—while still building a solid succession plan. Q: Are you ready to learn how to turn your high-potentials into leaders? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/397-how-to-turn-high-potentials-into-leaders---with-shawn-storer

Senior executives: When was the last time you took a good, hard look at your company's culture? If you're sitting in the executive seat, you already know—leading culture change is no small task. It can be challenging, complicated, and downright uncomfortable at times. But when it's done right? It transforms everything. My special guest today is Dr. Alise Cortez and she's simplifying how to lead culture change as an executive. She's spent years guiding senior leaders through the deep work of aligning values, behaviors, and vision—and she knows firsthand what makes a culture initiative succeed… or not. Here's how. My special guest today is Dr. Alise Cortez and she's simplifying how to lead culture change as an executive. We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: What makes or breaks a culture transformation at the executive level. How leaders can make values visible through their daily actions. Why it's critical for senior executives to get clear on who they are—and challenge any assumptions—before beginning the work. How to measure whether culture change is actually sticking or is it just fluff. …and ultimately, one story of a leader who got it right, and what we can all learn from their example. Q: Are you ready to learn how to lead culture change as an executive? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/396-how-to-lead-culture-change-as-an-executive---with-dr-alise-cortez

Let's be honest: networking gets a bad rap. For many, it feels forced, awkward, and a little "icky." But here's the thing — the best networking you'll ever do might not be at an industry happy hour… it's inside your own company.  The relationships you build internally can be the rocket fuel for your career growth, your influence, and even your day-to-day happiness at work. My special guest today is Seth McColley and he's simplifying how to network + build strong working relationships, internally. Because when you understand how to connect across departments, build trust with your peers, and be seen as a true collaborator, doors start opening where you least expect them. Here's how. My special guest today is Seth McColley and he's simplifying how to network + build strong working relationships, internally. We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: Why internal networking may be even more powerful than external networking for long-term success. Practical ways leaders and employees can strengthen relationships across departments—and build trust quickly. How strong internal relationships can be the secret to securing executive sponsorship for a new idea, program, or initiative. How to navigate company hierarchy, break through barriers, and decide whether there are truly limits on who you should connect with or seek mentorship from. …and ultimately, one simple action you can take this week to expand your internal network without it feeling forced or overwhelming. Q: Are you ready to learn how to network + build strong working relationships, internally? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/395-how-to-network-build-strong-working-relationships-internally---with-seth-mccolley

Time for a guided visualization exercise: How to be a better leader. And instead of giving you five tips on how to do it, why don't we try something different? Let's take the time, close our eyes, and visualize being a great people leader could look, sound, and feel like? So, how does it work? Simple! Let my voice be a guide for you as you focus inward to help you tap into your inner wisdom and Intuition for answers. Listen and participate in this guided visualization exercise: How to be a better leader. I hope this visualization sticks with you the entire week through. Do it again and again if you need clarity or fresh ideas to help your spirit feel refreshed once again… because when you tap into your deep inner knowing, you're accessing the deep inner wisdom. That electric energy that can be found inside all of us that connects us all together. It knows. You know. We all know if we are brave and we open ourselves to it. You can do this, I believe in you. It's time to SIMPLIFY. Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/b159-how-to-be-a-better-leader-guided-visualization

Let's talk about ERGs today… employee resource groups. They are affinity groups where you can connect, grow and learn with other folks at your organization over shared interests or backgrounds. For a larger company, ERGs can be a wonderful way to build community and a sense of belonging at work. But what if you don't have one yet… and want to create one? My all-star special guest today is ERG expert Kenny Braxton and he's simplifying how to create impactful ERGs for your organization. Let's face it… some of us spend more time at work than we do with our family and friends. And the epidemic of loneliness hasn't subsided since the pandemic began in 2020. Getting involved in an ERG might help.  Here's how. My all-star special guest today is Kenny Braxton and he's simplifying how to create impactful ERGs for your organization. We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: How he defines an ERG (employee resource group) in today's workplace and why these important, especially for larger organizations. He talks about a unique ERG he's championed at his workplace called the "Family Caregivers ERG", how it work and who it supports. How to create an ERG from the ground up. What you need and how to create the right structure to make it last. HR professionals tend to make one very common mistake when running ERGs and how to avoid it. …and ultimately, he shared a few best practices when it comes to ERGs that have helped build a sense of true community at his company. Q: Are you ready to learn how to create an impactful ERG for your organization? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/394-how-to-create-impactful-ergs-for-your-organization---with-kenny-braxton-all-star

Switching gears, we're now focused on simplifying topics for those who work in all aspects of HR, human resources next. Recruiters - are you struggling to find and recruit great talent these days? Word on the street is that recruiters are inundated with hundreds of applications for open roles but that doesn't always mean they are qualified candidates. The result? It's making it really hard to source the right people, like trying to find a needle in a haystack. My all-star special guest today is senior HR consultant and career coach, Kelly Simants and she's simplifying how to find and recruit great talent. Here's a peek behind the curtain to see how smart recruiters are sourcing great talent as she shares her very best tips. Here's how. My all-star special guest today is Kelly Simants and she's simplifying how to find + recruit great talent. We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: Her take on what's going on in the job market right now and why it seems so different now. With the influx of candidates in the market and AI making it easier for them to submit applications faster (but might not be qualified for the role), how smart recruiters are weeding through the stacks of resumes to find the very best talent for the role. How to review a resume quickly to see great potential, especially if the candidate has a non-traditional career path. What she looks for. How recruiters can freshen up the interview process to improve the candidate experience. …and ultimately, she shares a couple of tools that she is using as a recruiter to help shorten the "time to fill" for a role. Q: Are you ready to learn how to find + recruit great talent? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/393-how-to-find-recruit-great-talent---with-kelly-simants-all-star