Leadership With Heart

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to talk about resilience as if it is a single gear we should keep turning forever? That question has been sitting with me for a while. I have spent years teaching leaders how to build resilience and how to stay steady when life shakes the ground under their feet. I believe in that work with my whole heart. But lately something has shifted in me. I have been rethinking the way we treat resilience as endless forward motion, almost like we are supposed to sprint through every storm without ever stopping to breathe. In this solo episode, I share an honest look at my own evolution. I talk about the moment I realized that resilience without nourishment becomes a slow drain on our spirit. I describe the trap of powering through, the belief that toughness alone will carry us, and why I am moving toward something I call resilience plus. It is the space where grit meets care, where perseverance is paired with grounding, and where the ability to rise again is strengthened by the will

Have you ever met someone in a fleeting moment and instantly sensed there was a deeper conversation waiting to happen? That is precisely what happened when I met Grantley Morgan at Thinkers50 in London. It was my very first time in the city, and there he was, tucked away in the corner, trying to enjoy a quiet bite before the next wave of conversations. Of course, I walked right up to him, probably catching him mid-chew, and within minutes, we were deep into a discussion about the kind of leadership people return to when the world around them feels uncertain. In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, Grantley and I explore a theme that leaders often overlook. Reliability. We talk about it as something steady, almost quiet, yet absolutely foundational. Grantley calls it positive predictability. That grounded presence where people know how you show up, they see the bar you hold for yourself, and they trust that your intentions match your actions. He describes how this connects with a second trait that leaders ofte

What happens when innovation is shaping your life in ways you never see? That is the question at the heart of this conversation with Portia Lane Child, Director of Innovation and Strategy Services at BAE Systems.  While most of us recognise the consumer brands that dominate our daily world, far fewer realise how deeply companies like BAE Systems influence the systems that keep us connected, protected, and moving. Portia's work lives in that fascinating space, where advanced engineering meets national mission, and where the innovations you never hear about are often the ones shaping your future. During our discussion, Portia shares how she helps steer innovation inside one of the world's most complex aerospace and defence organisations. She talks about the human side of innovating within a massive enterprise, the challenge of moving ideas across technical and organisational silos, and the lessons she learned growing up as a lobster fisherman's daughter that still guide how she builds teams and champions new id

Have you ever wondered how some people keep standing even when life seems determined to knock them flat? That question lingered with me as I spoke with Dave Munson, the founder and CEO of Saddleback Leather Co., whose journey is marked by sharp turns, risk-taking, loss, grit, faith, and a remarkable ability to get back up again. This conversation reminded me that the path to becoming unshakable is rarely smooth. It is formed through moments that challenge our identity, stretch our resolve, and reveal what we truly rely on when everything around us feels uncertain. Dave brought stories that moved from the deserts of Mexico to the busy floors of his factory, from being a young volunteer teacher dreaming up a rugged bag to building a global brand rooted in people-first values. He talks openly about the setbacks that shaped him, including financial loss, near closures, a cartel theft of an entire truckload of products, and the intense pressure of keeping a business alive during COVID when travel bags suddenly fel

In this solo episode of Becoming Unshakable, I invite you to join me for a quiet reflection on how our past experiences can shape and strengthen who we are becoming. I talk about my love for fall, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, and how those simple moments remind me of the beauty of change. Each fallen leaf tells a story of what was, and each season reminds us that growth often begins with letting go. I share why I no longer believe in leaving the past behind. Our pasts are full of lessons, proof of our resilience, and reminders of how much we have already overcome. When I look back on my own life, I see the obstacles that once felt impossible but now serve as evidence of what I'm capable of. Those memories keep me grounded and confident when new challenges arise. This episode is all about using what came before to propel us toward what's next. It's about finding power in reflection, gratitude in growth, and peace in knowing that everything we've lived through has prepared us for what lies ahead. I

In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, I had the privilege of welcoming two inspiring guests, Mary Beth Sandin and Kristina Fusella. It was my first time hosting two people at once, and the conversation felt like sitting down with old friends who have walked similar roads of challenge, growth, and self-discovery. Together, we explored what it means to stay grounded when life feels uncertain and why asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather an act of genuine strength. Kristina shared how her Taekwondo practice has shaped her understanding of balance, both physically and emotionally. Her reflections reminded me that being unshakeable is not about staying perfectly still, but about finding stability while in motion. Mary Beth brought a different kind of insight, showing how self-awareness, preparation, and allyship can create calm even in moments of chaos. Hearing both of them speak so openly about fear, confidence, and connection felt deeply human. What stayed with me most was our discussion about

When you've led people through war zones, you learn what unshakable leadership really means. In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, I sit down with retired Army officer, author, and speaker Clay Novak to explore what happens when compassion meets combat. With five tours of duty across Iraq and Afghanistan, Clay has lived the reality of leading under pressure, where calm, clarity, and connection can mean the difference between chaos and survival. Clay shares how he trained his soldiers to stay grounded when every instinct told them to panic, and how that same mindset applies to leadership in everyday life. From progressive training and mental discipline to emotional recovery after loss, he reveals the human side of service, the part that depends on empathy, humility, and self-awareness. We also dive into the balance between toughness and tenderness, and how leaders can be both unyielding and kind. Clay talks about moments of vulnerability that built trust within his teams and how those same lessons guide his

In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, Heather reflects on a moment that reminded her what true leadership looks like from the inside out. Fresh from speaking to 13,000 nurses at the Atlanta World Congress Center, she shares how an experience that looked glamorous on the surface, with makeup, stage lights, and a long line of people waiting for hugs, became a powerful reminder that self-leadership is not selfish. It is essential. Heather unpacks what it means to prepare so thoroughly that you can show up fully. For her, deep preparation is an act of care, allowing presence to replace pressure and connection to replace performance. As she recounts her time with the nurses, she explores the toll that constant caregiving takes and how compassion fatigue quietly chips away at strength. Her message to them, and to all of us, is clear: when you care for yourself as intentionally as you care for others, you become the calm in the storm, the unshakable center that others can rely on. Through raw honesty, Heather shar

Jodi O. Brown has lived the kind of story most of us hope we never face. What began as a picture-perfect life shifted overnight when she learned the symptoms she had been ignoring were signs of a brain tumor wrapped around her brainstem. One surgery became three. Five days in hospital became thirty-five in neurocritical care. The journey would grow to twenty-six surgeries, with complications that could have shattered anyone’s sense of self. Instead, Jodi found a different path. She learned to take life one minute at a time, to find meaning inside the mess, and to choose the next small step when the finish line felt impossible to see. In this conversation on Becoming Unshakeable, Jodi introduces the concept of anti-fragility, illustrating its application to human life as well as to systems and economies. Resilience helps us bounce back. Anti-fragility enables us to grow stronger in the face of stressors, setbacks, and uncertainty.  Jodi explains how she closed the door on one life and opened another with new r

In this episode of Becoming Unshakeable, I sit down with Jim Matuga, Founder of InnerAction Media, to explore a side of leadership that often goes unspoken: followership.  Jim brings a refreshing perspective that challenges the assumption that leadership is the only role worth aspiring to. Instead, he makes a compelling case for the power of humility, steadfastness, and the influence that comes from being an excellent follower. For him, excellence and mediocrity cannot coexist, and creating a culture that values both leaders and followers is essential for building organizations that thrive. Jim shares stories from his own career, including the moment he realized that having a title doesn't mean you are equipped to lead. Being thrust into leadership without preparation forced him to confront his own shortcomings and inspired him to dedicate decades to studying, practicing, and teaching leadership grounded in service. He discusses the weekly culture conversations he holds with his team, drawing on lessons from

In today’s episode of Becoming Unshakeable, I’m doing something a little different. This is one of my solo shows where I answer questions that listeners have sent directly to me. It’s my way of making sure your voice is part of this conversation, because even though I cannot see you when you listen, I want to stay connected to what matters most to you. In this episode, I respond to three powerful questions. We explore how to continue showing care when upper management pressures or restrictions get in the way, how to balance compassion with clear expectations and accountability, and what to do when your calendar is so full of other people’s needs that you feel like you are losing yourself in the process. These are real-life situations, and they all connect back to what it means to be grounded in who we are and how we present ourselves. Becoming unshakeable is not about never being rattled. It is about staying calm and centered when the world feels off its rocker. It is about making intentional choices to lead

Welcome to this episode of Becoming Unshakeable! If you’ve been a follower and fan of Leadership with Heart, you’re in exactly the right place. From here on out, Becoming Unshakeable will be the new name of my show—and I can’t wait to bring you invaluable insights on what it means to lead with clarity, compassion and courage. Ed Rahill’s story begins with a grandmother’s steady voice and a childhood that could have gone either way. He learned early that fear can freeze your future, and that believing in something bigger than ego keeps you moving when life tilts. In this conversation, we trace his path from broken-home beginnings to the relay anchor leg that changed everything, where a single decision to run for dignity and team turned self pity into grit. That moment became a template for how he leads himself and others. We follow Ed into boardrooms and high-stakes turnarounds, where respect and clarity, open doors that force will never crack. He explains the quiet moves that earn trust, how to disagree with

Welcome to this episode of Becoming Unshakeable! If you’ve been a follower and fan of Leadership with Heart, you’re in exactly the right place. From here on out, Becoming Unshakeable will be the new name of my show—and I can’t wait to bring you invaluable insights on what it means to lead with clarity, compassion and courage. In this conversation, I sat down with my friend and powerhouse leader, Susan Frew. Susan’s path runs from corporate leadership at AT&T Wireless across the Caribbean to small business ownership, reinvention, and now her work as a top AI speaker. She embodies what Becoming Unshakeable is all about. We talk about the moments that tested her, the choices that reshaped her, and the practices that keep her steady when life speeds up.  Susan shares how being a young international VP in Grenada and St. Vincent taught her to build from scratch, lead across cultures, and become her own IT department. She opens up about the seasons that didn't fit, what she unlearned about “being everything to

In this episode, I open up about what it truly means to become unshakeable. Not perfect. Not untouchable. But rooted in a steady strength that grounds you and steadies the people around you. I share why this evolution from Leadership with Heart to Becoming Unshakeable is not just about the world’s needs, but also about my own. Like many of you, I needed more clarity, more calm, more centeredness. Letting go of perfection and embracing purpose has given me freedom from anxiety, fear of judgment, and the impossible pressure to prove myself. Together, we will explore the difference between resilience and unshakeable strength, the power of self-leadership, and the importance of aligning daily actions with your deepest values. I will also share personal reflections, from raising four children (and why being called 'Super Mama' makes me cringe) to learning to love my own voice and curly hair. These moments demonstrate that unshakeable leadership stems from embracing authenticity, not striving for perfection. You wi

Welcome to one of the first guest episodes of Becoming Unshakeable! If you’ve been a follower and fan of Leadership with Heart, you’re in exactly the right place. From here on out, Becoming Unshakeable will be the new name of my show—and I can’t wait to bring you invaluable insights on what it means to lead with clarity, compassion and courage. What does it really take to live bravely and lead with your whole self? In this heartfelt conversation, I sat down with my dear friend Kimberly Davis, Founder of Brave Leadership and author of Brave Leadership: Unleash Your Most Confident, Authentic, and Powerful Self to Get the Results You Need. Kimberly opens up about the wake-up calls that changed her life, from personal loss during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to making the bold decision to sell her home in Texas and move her family to Costa Rica. She shares how bravery is not about being fearless, but about making clear choices, standing in your values, and permitting yourself to live fully. Together, we ex

Welcome to the second episode of Becoming Unshakeable! If you’ve been a follower and fan of Leadership with Heart, you’re in exactly the right place. From here on out, Becoming Unshakeable will be the new name of my show—and I can’t wait to bring you invaluable insights on what it means to lead with clarity, compassion, and courage. When I began planning the very first guest episode of Becoming Unshakeable, I thought carefully about who could help bridge the journey from Leadership with Heart to this new season of resilience and self-leadership. The choice came quickly. My longtime friend and inspiring leader, Rich Gassen, was the perfect person to join me. Rich has spent more than a decade as a supervisor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and he has always impressed me with his steady commitment to growth, learning, and values-based leadership. His personal mantra, “show up and participate,” has guided him through every challenge, from a serious health scare to leading a major team relocation.  What st

Welcome to the very first episode of Becoming Unshakeable! If you’ve been a follower and fan of Leadership with Heart, you’re in exactly the right place. From here on out, Becoming Unshakeable will be the new name of my show, and I can’t wait to bring you invaluable insights on what it means to lead with clarity, compassion, and courage. In this opening episode, I share the personal wake-up call that shifted everything for me. From battling perfectionism and self-doubt to redefining success through self-leadership, I take you inside the transformation that inspired the rebrand. We will explore why inner strength is not a luxury but a necessity, especially when the world feels unstable. You will hear why this show is not just for managers or executives, but for anyone who wants to stand firm in uncertainty, lead themselves before leading others, and build a life and career grounded in clarity and courage. Some episodes will be solo reflections, others will feature leaders, creators, and thinkers who have found

After six amazing years, this is the final episode of the Leadership with Heart podcast. If you've been with me since the beginning, thank you. Truly. This journey has been one of the most meaningful parts of my career and my life. When I started this podcast in 2018, I felt the world needed more conversations about compassion in leadership. I believed that caring and connection were missing from too many workplaces, and I wanted to help change that. What followed was more than I could have imagined. This show led to best-selling books, powerful stories, and countless conversations with leaders who inspired me to keep going. But like all of us, I’ve grown. I’ve evolved as a speaker, as a parent, as a consultant, and as a human being. And with that growth has come a realization: it's time for something new. So, while this is the end of Leadership with Heart, it's also the beginning of something that feels even more aligned with where I am now. My new podcast is Becoming Unshakeable. Let me tell you why. I stil

In this episode of the Leadership with Heart podcast, I sit down with Lorii Rabinowitz, the CEO of Denver Scholarship Foundation, for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about what it means to lead with empathy, clarity, and purpose. Lorii was referred to me by someone I deeply respect, and it quickly became clear why. Her approach to leadership is both profoundly human and boldly practical. We explore the power of honoring each individual's "you-ness," a term Lorii uses to describe the unique combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and personal story that each person brings to a team. From her early days in media sales to her current role leading a 90-person organization, Lorii shares her zigzag journey and how every step along the way has informed her people-first philosophy. The Denver Scholarship Foundation serves thousands of students every year through a powerful combination of access programs, wraparound success supports, and promise-based scholarships. But what makes Lorii's lead

On this week’s episode of the Leadership with Heart podcast, I sit down with Kurtis Strauel, Senior Director of Human Resources at Mark-Taylor Residential, to discuss the power of leading from the heart in a field that is often misunderstood. With over 30 years of experience in HR and more than two decades in leadership, Kurtis brings a deeply reflective, people-first perspective that cuts through the noise of policy, process, and performance metrics. What struck me most in our conversation was Kurtis’s commitment to showing up for others, even in the most challenging moments. He shares the story of joining an organization and realizing he prioritized execution over connection. Without trust and a relationship, results fall flat. That moment changed how he leads and how he listens. We explore how HR can reclaim its role as a champion for the human experience at work, how leaders can balance business outcomes with empathy, and why creating a culture rooted in dignity and respect is not just suitable for people