Life + Leadership

You’ve heard the adage “the only constant is change.” That couldn’t be more true than within an organization. And that means leaders are tasked with getting teams on board with and motivated to enact these changes—when change is almost always seen as a threat. On this episode of the Life + Leadership podcast, hear from Dr. Elizabeth Moran who also helps humans and organizations change. Her career has taken her to ADP, Bloomberg, Lehman Brothers, Getty Images, and Time Inc. Dr. Elizabeth took her experience and research and published her book Forward: Leading Your Team Through Change. In this conversation, she shares what makes her approach uniquely effective, if it’s possible to lead through change even when you’re not fully bought in, and how to utilize neuroscience as a leadership tool. In this episode, we cover: For leaders navigating organizational change, Dr. Elizabeth brings the topic of neuroscience forward in a way that’s energizing and intellectual. This episode is a valuable resource for deepening the understanding of neuroscience and how it can be used as a tool during times of uncertainty. Continue the conversation with us on LinkedIn! More About Dr. Elizabeth Moran Dr. Moran is an experienced leader, consultant, and speaker, providing neuroscience-based guidance to successfully navigate change. Partnering with business and HR leaders from Fortune 500 companies to technology start-ups, she has successfully supported large and small-scale transformation efforts through practical advice and actions that simplify change leadership and management. She is the author of the Amazon Bestselling book Forward: Leading Your Team Through Change (2023), designed to make her practical approach accessible to all people leaders globally. Prior to starting Elizabeth Moran Transformation, she was Vice President of Global Leader, Team & Organization Development at ADP. She also held talent development roles at Bloomberg, Lehman Brothers, Getty Images, and Time Inc. She holds a masters and doctorate in clinical psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, a PCC-level coaching certification from the International Coaching Federation and a certification as a Neuro-Transformational Coach. Links & Mentioned Resources Forward: Leading Your Team Through Change (2023) Kotter Stacking the DeckBridges Transition Model Connect with Dr. Elizabeth Moran: WebsiteLinkedIn Connect with Tegan: WebsiteLinkedInBright Arrow Coaching LinkedIn

What does it take to successfully transition into the C-Suite? In this episode, we’re unpacking the key mindset shifts and leadership strategies with Lars Schmidt, Founder & CEO of Amplify Talent, and executive coach Suzanne Coonan. Adapted from our Bright Arrow webinar Charting Your Course from VP to the C-Suite, we explore how to expand your focus from your department to the entire organization and why building strong relationships is essential at the highest levels of leadership. We also dive into the importance of staying curious and being honest about what you know—and don’t know. Tune in for practical advice and real-world stories to help you navigate the challenges and rewards of moving into the C-Suite.

In today’s fast-paced corporate landscape, authenticity is a powerful tool that can set leaders apart. Yet, many professionals face internal doubts, unconscious biases, and societal pressures that hinder them from fully embracing their unique leadership styles. On this episode of Life + Leadership, Tegan Trovato, Founder and CEO of Bright Arrow Coaching, is joined by Kisha Wynter, CEO of Wynter Rich Enterprises, to discuss her journey, her DIVA Method, and her new book, *Your Power Unleashed: How Savvy Women Use Courage to Get Promoted, Get Paid, and Find Fulfillment.* Kisha's insights are rooted in over 20 years of corporate experience and a commitment to empowering leaders to break down barriers. Together, Tegan and Kisha explore actionable strategies for building self-awareness, navigating biases, and enhancing career advancement. Key Highlights: Take The Get Promoted Savvy Quiz Why Listen? For leaders looking to deepen their self-awareness and elevate their impact, Kisha’s insights offer both inspiration and practical guidance. This episode is a valuable resource for understanding how authenticity and courage can transform personal and professional success. Key Takeaway You don’t need to change who you are to be successful—authentic leadership comes from understanding and leveraging your unique strengths while supporting an inclusive environment where others can do the same. Tune in to hear more from Kisha on embracing your authentic self and overcoming barriers to success. Don't miss out—subscribe to Life + Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music today!

How do strong peer relationships impact executive teams? In this episode, we’re breaking down the essentials of trust, respect, and open communication with Cheryl Schofield, executive coach at Bright Arrow Coaching. Cheryl shares her insights on building deeper connections within leadership teams and explains how small actions like responsiveness and curiosity can strengthen partnerships. She also discusses the challenges of negative dynamics and the crucial role senior leaders play in modeling the right behaviors. Tune in for practical tips to enhance your leadership relationships and drive better business outcomes.

When communication falters, everything else unravels. In this episode of Life + Leadership, Jen Benz, Senior Vice President and Communications Leader at Segal Benz, explains why effective communication is the foundation of strong leadership. Jen shares her insights on managing stress, creating flexible and kind workplaces and the importance of clarity in communication. If you’re a leader looking to build a more engaged and high-performing team, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to elevate your leadership and foster a thriving work culture.

Why is wellness so important for executive leadership? We’re sharing how to balance high performance and personal well-being in this conversation with Maggie Gough, COO at Bright Arrow Coaching. She discusses her unconventional career path from dietician to corporate exec and provides a refreshing perspective on wellness that emphasizes flexibility and self-awareness over rigid standards. She also highlights practical strategies for leaders to support their well-being and that of their teams.

In this episode of Life + Leadership, we’re talking with Jess Von Bank, a global thought leader, analyst and advisor on HR transformation, digital experience, and workforce technology at Mercer. She also leads Diverse Daisies, a Minneapolis nonprofit providing enrichment and empowerment activities for young girls. Our conversation highlights the power support systems for young women and at work. Jess also offers valuable lessons for enhancing workplace culture and employee development.

In this episode of Life + Leadership, we’re talking with Jason Lauritsen, a keynote speaker, author, co-founder of Check-In To Thrive, about building real human connections at work, the power of check-ins and how leaders can go first in improving human connection. Plus, we discuss how technology is affecting the workplace and how performance management is changing.

In this episode of Life + Leadership, we're diving deep into the topic of grief and its impact on the workplace with Jason Seiden, co-founder of Comfort Communications, which aims to normalize the conversation around grief in the workplace. A trigger warning for this episode: We candidly discuss sensitive topics related to grief, including illness and suicide. Jason discusses the journey of grief, how it intersects with the modern organization, and how to support employees experiencing grief while creating a culture that allows space for healing.

Get ready for new episodes of the Life + Leadership podcast, hosted by Tegan Trovato, founder and CEO of Bright Arrow Coaching. Through this podcast, we explore how individuals like you can transform business obstacles into opportunities for personal growth. Stay tuned for our first episode next week — a candid conversation about grief with Jason Seiden. His insights promise to be both enlightening and transformative.

Leadership has become something different. In light of the pandemic, political turmoil and socioeconomic changes over the last two years, leaders are being asked to develop brand new skills. Employees want us to take a stand on social justice issues and be more emotionally available at work. So, what does the leader of the future look like? That's the central question of my new podcast, Workplace Forward. Today, I'm discussing where the idea for Workplace Forward came from and considering what skills the leader of the future needs to be successful. I name drop some of the authors, thought leaders, innovators and C-level executives I'm interviewing on the new show and share some of the leadership topics covered in both live and upcoming episodes. Listen in for insight into the themes of embracing desirable difficulty, storytelling to drive action and the business case for empathy we explore on Workplace Forward. Themes explored in this week’s episode: Resources from this episode: Suzanne CoonanLeisel MertesGina FongDeb LoftusSue Bevan BaggettEsther ChoyElaine BoltzDane MathewsJustin SeamondsBrett TownsendSherianne JamesDorie Clark I would love to hear from you! Have an idea for a podcast or a question you want me to address? Interested in additional support, resources and workshops? Here are all the ways you can interact with me! @TeganTrovatotegan@brightarrowcoaching.com@BrightArrowCoaching@TeganTrovatoTegan Trovatohttps://www.brightarrowcoaching.com/

We all need support and guidance in our personal and professional lives. But how do you build a network of people who will lift you up when you need it? How do you know if your current situation calls for a mentor, a sponsor or a coach? And what if you’re ready to BE an advocate for someone else? Today on the podcast, we’re sharing the distinctions among mentoring, sponsorship and coaching and describing how to build a network of supporters who can solve any problem that might come up. We explore what makes an effective mentor and why it’s crucial to define what you want the mentoring relationship to look like. We go on to discuss the connection between doing your job well and finding a sponsor who will advocate on your behalf. Listen in for insight on when it’s appropriate to seek help from a mentor, sponsor or coach and learn how YOU can benefit from being a champion for others. Themes explored in this week’s episode: Resources from this episode: Life & Leadership Podcast YouTube channel‘How the Gift of Mentorship Changed My Life’‘How to Be a Next-Level Mentor’ForbesEd Batista’s piece on getting feedback in Harvard Business Review‘How to Get the Feedback You Need’HBRNew York Times pieceCatalyst infographicMichael Bolton’s hit song, “Soul Provider” We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for a podcast or a question you want us to address? Interested in additional support, resources and workshops? Here are all the ways you can interact with us! @tegantrovato@TeamAwesomeMKEtegan@BrightArrowCoaching.comKatie@TeamAwesomeCoaching.com@BrightArrowCoaching@TeamAwesomeCoaching@TeganTrovato@katie_rasoulTegan TrovatoKatie Rasoulhttps://www.brightarrowcoaching.com/https://www.teamawesomecoaching.com/

It’s easy for entrepreneurs and leaders to get so caught up in the day-to-day that we fall into a kind of sleepiness. And for many, it takes a dark night of the soul to wake us up to what’s really important. But what if we’d rather not wait for a crisis to find our way? How can we develop the self-awareness to lead with intention and follow our calling? Today, we’re joined by E. Keller Fitzsimmons, the author of Lost in Startuplandia: Wayfinding for the Weary Entrepreneur. An accomplished tech entrepreneur and artist, she earned the Silvertip PwC Entrepreneurship Award and Speech Technology’s Luminary Award. Kelly’s VR production company, Custom Reality Services, premiered its first two projects at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, and her work has appeared in Network Computing, InformationWeek and Inc. Kelly begins by sharing the health crisis that inspired Lost in Startuplandia and helped her step into her role as a creative. She explains how she learned to appreciate her strength of positivity and challenges us to own our strengths—and accept our shadow side. Listen in for Kelly’s insight on why entrepreneurs and leaders need support from a ‘triad of truth tellers’ and learn how to cultivate the self-belief it takes to move through heartbreak and live your purpose. Themes explored in this week’s episode: Lost in Startuplandia Resources from this episode: Life & Leadership YouTube ChannelLost in StartuplandiaLinkedInInstagramLost in Startuplandia: Wayfinding for the Weary EntrepreneurNow, Discover Your StrengthsStrengths Finder 2.0Center for Authentic LeadershipHidden BrillianceBig MagicChip Conley’s interview on Sounds TrueModern Elder AcademyDaniel Kahneman’s work on cognitive biasesThinking in Bets We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for a podcast or a question you want us to address? Interested in additional support, resources and workshops? Here are all the ways you can interact with us! @tegantrovato@TeamAwesomeMKEtegan@BrightArrowCoaching.comKatie@TeamAwesomeCoaching.com@BrightArrowCoaching@TeamAwesomeCoaching@TeganTrovato@katie_rasoulTegan TrovatoKatie Rasoulhttps://www.brightarrowcoaching.com/https://www.teamawesomecoaching.com/

Most of us involved in the practice of leading and coaching teams take a relational approach, focusing on group dynamics and resolving conflicts as they arise. But what if we’re treating symptoms without getting to the root cause? All the conflict resolution in the world won’t help if a team lacks the underlying conditions necessary to be successful. So, how do we create an environment that puts our teams on a positive trajectory from the start? Today, we’re joined by Dr. Ruth Wageman and Dr. Krister Lowe, part of the core team of Team Diagnostics, LLC and co-hosts of the 6 Conditions Podcast. Ruth is one of the creators of the 6 Team Conditions Framework and Team Diagnostic Survey. She is one of the foremost scholars in the field of team performance, having led original research programs as a professor at Columbia, Dartmouth and Harvard Universities. She co-authored Senior Leadership Teams: What It Takes to Make Them Great. Krister is an organizational psychologist and team coach. He is the founder of the professional training platform The Team Coaching Zone. As a 20-year veteran of the team coaching space, he has developed an expertise in providing learning and development solutions for leading organizations around the globe. Ruth and Krister begin by walking us through the 6 Team Conditions Framework, explaining what makes their design more effective than a relational approach and what teams can do to assess their standing in each of the 6 areas. Ruth and Krister discuss the most common dysfunctions they encounter among the wide range of teams they coach and share what they are ultimately trying to accomplish through this work in fostering true collaboration. Listen in to understand what trends Ruth and Krister notice in their work with teams, what they are doing to support team leaders in meeting these challenges, and how YOU might benefit from a deeper understanding of the 6 Team Conditions Framework. Themes explored in this week’s episode: Resources from this episode: 6 Team ConditionsLinkedInInstagramLinkedInTwitterSenior Leadership Teams: What It Takes to Make Them GreatThe Practitioner’s Handbook of Team CoachingThe 6 Conditions PodcastThe Team Coaching Zone PodcastThe Nautilus ExperienceRichard HackmanTeam Diagnostic Survey6 Team Conditions Advanced or Master Certification TrainingThe Coaches Training InstituteLola Wright on The Life & Leadership Podcast We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for a podcast or a question you want us to address? Interested in additional support, resources and workshops? Here are all the ways you can interact with us! @tegantrovato@TeamAwesomeMKEtegan@BrightArrowCoaching.comKatie@TeamAwesomeCoaching.com@BrightArrowCoaching@TeamAwesomeCoaching@TeganTrovato@katie_rasoulTegan TrovatoKatie Rasoulhttps://www.brightarrowcoaching.com/https://www.teamawesomecoaching.com/

We all assess how we’re feeling physically on a daily basis and use that data to inform our decisions. (If our knee hurts, we don’t run that day.) But we don’t do that with our mental health. Despite the fact that it drives our physical health and the way we see the world, we tend to consider mental wellness a luxury rather than a foundational piece of our wellbeing. Today, we’re joined by Alexa James, the Executive Director of the Chicago Chapter for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), an organization dedicated to providing hope and improving the quality of life for people affected by mental health conditions. A licensed clinical social worker with Master’s Degrees in Social Work and Child Development, Alexa has devoted her professional life to serving people living with mental illness as well as those impacted by poverty and trauma. Alexa begins by explaining how biology, genetics and environment impact our mental health, offering insight into what a toxic community looks like and what we can do to create communities of wellness. She introduces us to the idea of proactively asking employees what accommodations they need to navigate stress and describes how she set the tone for her team by prioritizing her own mental health. Listen in for advice on using person-first language to talk about people living with mental illness and learn what YOU can do to remove the stigma associated with mental health. Themes explored in this week’s episode: Resources from this episode: https://www.namichicago.org/Lost in Startuplandiahttps://nami.org/HomeAccess the NAMI Chicago fact sheetsmental healthmental health stigmastress managementLearn how to support a loved one with mental illness We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for a podcast or a question you want us to address? Interested in additional support, resources and workshops? Here are all the ways you can interact with us! @tegantrovato@TeamAwesomeMKEtegan@BrightArrowCoaching.comKatie@TeamAwesomeCoaching.com@BrightArrowCoaching@TeamAwesomeCoaching@TeganTrovato@katie_rasoulTegan TrovatoKatie Rasoulhttps://www.brightarrowcoaching.com/https://www.teamawesomecoaching.com/

“Anybody can become angry. That is easy. But to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose and in the right way? That is not within everybody’s power—and is not easy.” —Aristotle We’ve been socialized to see anger as a bad thing. So, we ignore it and let it fester. Or we lose control and unleash it. But what if there’s a third option? What if we can learn to work WITH our anger and channel it to, say, solve problems or fight for justice? What if we can use our anger for good? Today, we’re discussing where anger comes from and what purpose it serves. We address the stigma around anger in our culture, reframing it as a neutral emotion that has benefits when we can choose it as a response. We go on to explore the relationship between the way anger is modeled for us as children and our ability to name and express it as adults. Listen in for insight into the research on gender differences and anger at work and learn how to leverage your anger to take action for the greater good! Themes explored in this week’s episode: Resources from this episode: Life & Leadership YouTube ChannelEnergy Leadership Index Assessment2019 Gallup Global Emotions ReportThe Book of Qualitiesresearch on the communication of emotionsThe Field Guide to Human Emotions by Dan Newby and Curtis WatkinsFall 2019 issue of Tricycle magazineUrsula Hess’ chapter on angerThe Positive Side of Negative EmotionsGood TherapyEmotion ResearcherPsychology TodaySharecare We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for a podcast or a question you want us to address? Interested in additional support, resources and workshops? Here are all the ways you can interact with us! @tegantrovato@TeamAwesomeMKEtegan@BrightArrowCoaching.comKatie@TeamAwesomeCoaching.com@BrightArrowCoaching@TeamAwesomeCoaching@TeganTrovato@katie_rasoulTegan TrovatoKatie Rasoulhttps://www.brightarrowcoaching.com/https://www.teamawesomecoaching.com/

A habit is not something you do sometimes. Even something you do ‘most of the time’ doesn’t qualify. To be a true habit, the practice has to be a part of you. Something you do so regularly that it’s hard to give it up. And the quickest route to being a better leader is to establish habits that support the way you want to show up for your team. Today, we are sharing the five areas of habit development that have the greatest impact on leadership prowess. We discuss the communication habits you can use to inspire employees, explaining how storytelling and emotional language expand our ability to communicate effectively and guide a team. We introduce you to the power of planning to set boundaries around your time and energy and explore the tactical leadership habits that make for more meaningful and efficient meetings. Listen in to understand how being present with your people benefits both you and your team—and get our advice on how to cultivate new leadership habits that align with what matters to you! Themes explored in this week’s episode: Resources from this episode: Life & Leadership YouTube Channel90-Day CommitmentsPixar StorytellingThe Writer’s JourneyBeing PresentAtomic Habitsleadership habitsemotional intelligencecoaching skills We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for a podcast or a question you want us to address? Interested in additional support, resources and workshops? Here are all the ways you can interact with us! @tegantrovato@TeamAwesomeMKEtegan@BrightArrowCoaching.comKatie@TeamAwesomeCoaching.com@BrightArrowCoaching@TeamAwesomeCoaching@TeganTrovato@katie_rasoulTegan TrovatoKatie Rasoulhttps://www.brightarrowcoaching.com/https://www.teamawesomecoaching.com/

By 2030, millennials will make up 75% of the global workforce. So, how do they differ from Gen Xers and boomers? And what can companies do to accelerate millennial leadership development? Today, we’re joined by Lindsay Boccardo, the founder of Lindsay Boccardo Training and Coaching, a practice dedicated to helping companies understand how generational differences among employees impact their relationships at work. A highly sought-after professional speaker, Lindsay travels the US educating organizations seeking to maximize the talent of multiple generations in the workforce. She has been a professional iPEC Coach since 2012, supporting millennial clients in their transition to the ‘real world.’ Lindsay starts by sharing the differences among boomers, Gen Xers and millennials in terms of their expectations around work. She offers her take on what’s behind the ‘Okay Boomer’ meme and why it’s dangerous to overgeneralize any generational group. Lindsay also discusses how the definition of leadership has changed, explaining the value of qualities like emotional intelligence, in-person communication skills and project planning for millennial managers. Listen in for insight around how your organization can support employees in developing learnability and find out why relevant, high-quality professional training and development is crucial to the future of work. Themes explored in this week’s episode: Resources from this episode: lindsayboccardo.comInstagramTwitterLinkedInLindsay’s ‘Okay Boomer’ VideoLindsay’s Resource LibraryEmployee Burnout StudyManpower Group’s research on work-readinessGE’s rotational development programs We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for a podcast or a question you want us to address? Interested in additional support, resources and workshops? Here are all the ways you can interact with us! @tegantrovato@TeamAwesomeMKEtegan@BrightArrowCoaching.comKatie@TeamAwesomeCoaching.com@BrightArrowCoaching@TeamAwesomeCoaching@TeganTrovato@katie_rasoulTegan TrovatoKatie RasoulLife & Leadership YouTube Channelwww.brightarrowcoaching.comwww.teamawesomecoaching.com

What intentions did you fulfill in 2019? Where did you fall short? Did unexpected circumstances change your plans? As driven, high achievers, we want to be in control of life’s outcomes. But life doesn’t always go according to plan. In fact, the most rewarding parts of life are often the most unpredictable. So, how do we plan for a new year knowing we can’t know everything? How can we set intentions without getting attached to a particular outcome? Today, we are walking you through our process for reflecting on 2019 and creating a vision for 2020. We look back at the last 12 months, sharing what we learned about tapping into a new level of commitment and welcoming the cycles of life—even when it’s painful. And we get real about the challenges we faced in this year’s planning process. We introduce you to the Life Purpose Reading that informed our process and discuss our personal intentions for the new year, describing how unknowns (like becoming a mom!) shift the way we plan and why it’s crucial to appreciate action in ALL its forms. Listen in for insight around focusing on who you want to BE versus what you want to DO and learn our framework for setting intentions in a way that embraces the unexpected. Themes explored in this week’s episode: Resources from this episode: Life & Leadership YouTube ChannelMartha BeckLife Purpose ReadingsTegan’s blogTegan’s year-end guided meditationDo Less and Be More in 2019How to Reflect on 2017 and Plan For 2018 We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for a podcast or a question you want us to address? Interested in additional support, resources and workshops? Here are all the ways you can interact with us! @tegantrovato@TeamAwesomeMKEtegan@BrightArrowCoaching.comKatie@TeamAwesomeCoaching.com@BrightArrowCoaching@TeamAwesomeCoaching@TeganTrovato@katie_rasoulTegan TrovatoKatie Rasoulhttps://www.brightarrowcoaching.com/https://www.teamawesomecoaching.com/

Would you believe that a simple business initiative can decrease turnover by 50% AND inspire double-digit improvements in engagement and productivity? And it all starts with making work more human. Today, we’re joined by Derek Irvine, the Senior VP of Client Strategy and Consulting at Workhuman, the fastest-growing social recognition and continuous performance management platform in the world. Workhuman is on a mission to shape the future of work by helping organizations connect culture to a shared purpose. In his role, Derek supports clients in leveraging proven strategies and best practices to elevate employee engagement, increase retention and improve bottom-line results. A renowned speaker and author on the topic of making work more human, Derek is the coauthor of Winning with a Culture of Recognition and The Power of Thanks, and his work is regularly featured in the country’s top HR publications. Derek starts by sharing Workhuman’s mission to help people bring their humanness to work, discussing how anyone in an organization can initiate that change. He describes Workhuman’s dual focus on gratitude and employee recognition as well as continuous performance management. Derek also offers insight around how a high frequency of recognition positively impacts other business metrics, including productivity, engagement and employee retention. Listen in to understand what differentiates Workhuman Live from other conferences of its kind and learn how to make the business case for making work more human. Themes explored in this week’s episode: Resources from this episode: https://www.workhuman.com/Workhuman Resource CenterWorkhuman BlogWorkhuman LiveDerek’s booksGary HamelBrené BrownDan PinkKat ColePandit Dasaliving into our values We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for a podcast or a question you want us to address? Interested in additional support, resources and workshops? Here are all the ways you can interact with us! @tegantrovato@TeamAwesomeMKEtegan@BrightArrowCoaching.comKatie@TeamAwesomeCoaching.com@BrightArrowCoaching@TeamAwesomeCoaching@TeganTrovato@katie_rasoulTegan TrovatoKatie Rasoulhttps://www.brightarrowcoaching.com/https://www.teamawesomecoaching.com/