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Leadership often looks confident and composed from the outside. Inside, it can feel very different. In this UNFILTERED compilation, we slow down and talk honestly about what leaders carry beneath the surface. Self doubt. Imposter syndrome. Loneliness. The pressure to stay in control. These are not flaws or failures. They are human responses to responsibility, care, and growth. We explore why imposter syndrome shows up most when we are stretching. Why leadership can feel lonely at every level, not just at the top. And how control, even when it comes from good intentions, can quietly drain energy, engagement, and creativity. This episode is not about fixing yourself. It is about recognizing what is happening inside, naming it, and understanding the cost of holding everything alone. If you have ever felt like you had to keep it all together while carrying more than anyone sees, this conversation is for you. You are not broken. You are growing. And you are not alone. Key Takeaways: 03:11 – Naming the Inner Experience - Greater understanding of why naming internal experiences changes how leaders relate to them. 09:05 – The Meaning Behind Imposter Syndrome - Clearer perspective on how uncertainty often accompanies responsibility and expansion, not incompetence. Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about… Imposter Syndrome at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-imposter-syndrome/ 13:58 – Leadership and Loneliness - Recognition of how leadership transitions can subtly change connection and relationships. 21:14 – Designing Support on Purpose - Insight into the importance of intentionally creating spaces where leaders do not carry everything alone. Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about the Loneliness of Leadership at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-the-loneliness-of-leadership/ 27:07 – Control with Good Intentions - Awareness of how the drive to do things well can quietly limit trust, engagement, and shared ownership. 34:09 – The Cost of Holding Everything Tight - Deeper understanding of how control shows up physically and emotionally, and why it affects creativity and momentum. Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about The Cost of Being in Control at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-the-cost-of-being-in-control/ Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage...

As we look back on 2025, this conversation brings together five voices who helped shape how we think about leadership when things feel uncertain, human, and real. Russell Harvey, Genevieve Retzlaff, Pat Broe, Mary Lynn Fayoumi, and Susan Inouye each offered a different lens on what it takes to lead forward instead of clinging to what used to work. Together, their insights reflect a year marked by pressure, change, and growth. We’re reminded that leadership is less about having the right answers and more about learning, self-awareness, connection, and trust. From personal resilience and emotional intelligence to empathy, authenticity, and belonging, these reflections point toward a more grounded and human way of leading. This look back isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, perspective, and choosing to move forward with intention, even when the path isn’t clear. Highlights 03:53 - Russell Harvey - Rethinking resilience as learning forward instead of trying to return to who we were Listen to Russel’s full interview at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/redefining-resilience-moving-beyond-survival-to-growth-russell-harvey/ 09:25 - Genevieve Retzlaff - How leadership growth begins with self-awareness and expands outward to teams and organizations Listen to Genvieve’s full interview at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/redefining-resilience-moving-beyond-survival-to-growth-russell-harvey/ 15:51 - Pat Broe - Holding empathy and accountability at the same time as the foundation of trusted leadership Listen to Pat’s full interview at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/how-leaders-can-support-mental-health-while-strengthening-accountability-and-trust-pat-broe/ 20:12 - Mary Lynn Fayoumi - Leading through uncertainty by balancing vulnerability, confidence, and personal processing Listen to Mary Lynn’s full interview at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/the-new-rules-of-courageous-leadership-in-uncertain-times-mary-lynn-fayoumi/ 25:30 - Susan Inouye - Creating cultures where people feel seen, accepted, and connected across generations Listen to Susan’s full interview at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/five-leadership-shifts-that-create-connection-and-build-belonging-susan-inouye/ About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s...

Crisis and change have a way of revealing what truly drives leadership. In this episode, I explore how leading through uncertainty is less about control and more about clarity, trust, and intentional choice. I introduce a simple but powerful formula for composure and reflect on why staying steady does not mean ignoring emotions yet learning how to lead through them. Trust takes on new weight when answers are limited, and alignment often matters more than certainty. Even without the full picture, it is possible to move forward with courage, make grounded decisions, and guide others through change in a way that builds confidence rather than erodes it. Key Takeaways: Lead from What Matters Most - What anchors leaders when external conditions are unstable and priorities compete. Composure That Builds Confidence - How leaders can stay steady and present without pretending everything is fine. Trust as a Leadership Advantage - What creates trust when people are watching every move more closely. Shared Leadership in Uncertain Times - How inviting others into leadership strengthens commitment and resilience. Moving Forward Without Certainty - How to take meaningful action even when the full path is not visible. The Trust Equation - Trust equals credibility times connection times commitment times customer focus plus creation. Resources Mentioned Get your copy of The Courage of A Leader: How to Inspire, Engage, and Get Extraordinary Results - https://a.co/d/iyWioC0 The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership Legacy The Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System Collaboration span...

What if one of the greatest challenges in leadership isn’t decision-making or pressure but loneliness?   In this Unfiltered Series conversation, leadership experts Amy Riley and Daphna Horowitz get real about the isolation that often hides behind confidence and success. Even the most connected leaders can feel unseen when everyone’s looking to them for answers.  Amy and Daphna explore how this quiet loneliness shows up at every level of leadership and why it’s not a flaw but a signal—a call to pause, reflect, and reconnect. They share how to build your personal “A-Team,” drop the mask selectively, and find spaces where you can be supported as much as you support others. True leadership, they remind us, isn’t about standing alone at the top—it’s about finding the courage to lead with openness and connection.    Key Takeaways:  1. How to Recognize When Leadership Feels Lonely - Learn the subtle signs of isolation that most leaders overlook—and why noticing them matters.  2. Why Loneliness Can Be a Teacher, Not a Threat - Discover how reframing loneliness helps you grow instead of hiding behind busyness or success.  3. The Secret to Building Real Support as a Leader- Hear how to design genuine circles of trust that remind you you’re not meant to do it all alone.  4. What It Means to Drop the Mask Safely - Find out how to be open and authentic without losing credibility or composure.  5. Turning Loneliness into Leadership Strength – How connection and vulnerability can become your greatest sources of influence.    Connect with Your Co-Hosts   Daphna Horowitz   www.daphnahorowitz.com    https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/    https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions    https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573       Amy L. Riley   http://www.courageofaleader.com    https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley    https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/      Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!    Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.    Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,...

In this episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Anger and What your fire is trying to tell you, Amy and Daphna explore the misunderstood emotion of anger, an experience many of us are taught to hide or downplay. Together, they unpack why anger is often labeled as “unprofessional” or “unproductive” and instead reframe it as a natural, informative and deeply human emotion. They discuss how anger can signal our values, highlight boundaries and even serve as a catalyst for meaningful change when expressed with clarity and intention. From leadership to personal relationships, the conversation encourages listeners to acknowledge their emotions rather than suppress them and to use anger as a tool for understanding and conscious action.   Timestamps 00:00 – Why anger feels taboo 00:04:32 – Anger as a catalyst for action 00:09:30 – What healthy expression looks like 00:13:18 – Gender differences & perception of anger 00:19:15 – Naming the emotion beneath the reaction 00:21:24 – Speaking from clarity instead of charge 00:23:45 – The cost of suppression and artificial harmony 00:28:10 – From reaction to response in 6 steps 00:32:57 – Anger as a sign of what we value 00:33:48 – Staying connected to our emotional experiences Connect with Your Co-Hosts   Daphna Horowitz   www.daphnahorowitz.com    https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/    https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions    https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573       Amy L. Riley   http://www.courageofaleader.com    https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley    https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/      Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!    Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.    Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.  

We all want to do things well — to be responsible, stay on top of it, make sure nothing slips through the cracks. But when does that turn into control? In this episode of UNFILTERED, Daphna Horowitz and Amy Riley get honest about the fine line between responsible leadership and the need to control everything. They unpack why leaders grip so tightly, what it costs in terms of energy, creativity, and trust, and how letting go can actually be a deeper form of wisdom. Join Daphna and Amy for a raw, relatable conversation on hidden control, delegation of authority, and the courage it takes to loosen your grip without letting things fall apart. Key Highlights 01:15 - The Illusion of Holding It All Together 03:15 - Hidden Control: Responsibility in Disguise 08:40 - The Bottleneck of Decision-Making 13:30 - The Illusion of Being ‘On Top of It’ 17:45 - The Fear Beneath Control 22:00 - From Dependency to Capacity: The Real Leadership Shift 27:15 - Control Lives in the Body 30:30 - The Four Shifts: Transparency, Collaboration, Curiosity, Boundaries 34:15 - Moment of Stillness: Letting Go as Wisdom Connect with Your Co-Hosts   Daphna Horowitz   www.daphnahorowitz.com    https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/    https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions    https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573       Amy L. Riley   http://www.courageofaleader.com    https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley    https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/      Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!    Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.    Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.  

Join us as we explore how courageous leadership helps us integrate technology with purpose instead of pressure. We look at leaders who chose clarity over complexity and used vision to guide innovation. Their success came from reconnecting to why the work matters, asking better questions, and shaping tools around real human needs. When we lead this way, we create space for confidence, trust, and momentum.  We also show how cultures shift when leaders speak openly, encourage small tests, and celebrate learning. Bold, people-centered goals create energy and push teams to think in new ways. We share a simple framework built on clarity, communication, connection, and commitment that keeps us steady when change feels messy. When we act with courage, our teams feel it, and they follow with more creativity and readiness.    Key Takeaways:  Lead with Purpose - Learn how to anchor any new technology or change in a clear why that brings people with you. Build Confidence Through Clarity - Expect tools to land better when you speak openly about what you know, what you don’t, and what matters most. Create a Culture That Learns - Why small experiments, curiosity, and honest reflection spark stronger engagement than perfect plans. Set Human-Centered Goals - How bold goals tied to human outcomes help people think differently and fuel innovation. Use the Four C’s to Stay Grounded – A simple framework you can use the next time change feels heavy.    Resources Mentioned  Get your FREE Copy of Chapter 11 from Amy’s book, Courage of a Leader, by emailing [email protected] – Put “Visionary Chapter” in the Subject Line  Want a Complimentary Leadership Conversation?  Email [email protected] – Put “Courage Conversation” in the Subject Line  The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done.  Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/   You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/   About the Host:   Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.    As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results.    Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are:   The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership Legacy  The Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System Collaboration The Courage of a Leader:...

In today’s world of endless notifications, overflowing inboxes and constant noise, focus and presence feel harder than ever to hold onto. In this episode of UNFILTERED Courageous Conversations about Focus and Presence in a Distraction-Heavy World, Daphna and Amy take an unflinching look at the cost of distraction from information overload (the equivalent of 16 movies a day!) to the hidden toll of multitasking. This isn’t about productivity hacks or quick fixes. It’s about courageous conversations. How distraction shapes our leadership, our relationships and even our sense of self. Through personal stories, science-backed insights and practical tools, they explore what it really takes to reclaim focus and choose presence in a world that thrives on pulling us away. If you’ve ever felt scattered, reactive or simply longed to slow down and be fully here, this episode is for you.   Timestamps [00:01:11] Information overload and distractions [00:05:25] Distraction vs intention [00:09:14] The importance of human connection [00:12:35] Presence and focus in team engagement [00:19:24] Tech boundaries for focus [00:22:56] The benefits of being present [00:26:36] Full presence in conversations [00:30:24] Commitment to personal challenges   Connect with Your Co-Hosts Daphna Horowitz www.daphnahorowitz.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/ https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573 Amy L. Riley http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley  https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Grief is one of the hardest things to talk about, yet it touches every one of us. In the latest conversation in the UNFILTERED Series, Amy and Daphna open up about loss, leadership, and the human side of work. Together, they explore why grief feels so overwhelming, how words often fall short, and what it means to truly show up for someone. They look at the role of leaders in creating safe spaces, why presence matters more than perfect answers, and how simple language can help us navigate messy emotions.   Grief doesn’t follow rules, but when we allow it to change us, it deepens empathy, strengthens relationships, and reshapes how we lead.    Listen to Learn:  How to Talk About the Unspoken - Learn ways to acknowledge grief without fear, giving people space to share on their own terms. Why Listening Builds Connection - Discover why silence, presence, and genuine care often say more than any “right” words. Leading Through Humanity - Understand how to support others with flexibility and compassion when grief enters the workplace. Practical Tools for Everyday Check-Ins - Pick up language and cues that help teams communicate energy levels and emotional needs. The Power of Modeling Openness - See how sharing your own needs creates trust and encourages others to do the same.    Connect with Your Co-Hosts  Daphna Horowitz  www.daphnahorowitz.com   https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/   https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions   https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573     Amy L. Riley  http://www.courageofaleader.com   https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley   https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/     Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!    Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.    Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.    

What if the quietest voice in the room held the most valuable insight?   In our next episode of the UNFILTERED Series, Daphna and I explore what it really means to be an introvert in an extroverted workplace. We uncover how introversion is defined by energy, not shyness, and why so many workplaces miss out on the best thinking when only the fastest talkers are heard.   Together we highlight practical ways to design meetings and team environments that invite thoughtful contributions, protect energy, and celebrate differences. Daphna shows how introverts can lean into natural strengths like observation, focus, and 1:1 influence, while extroverted leaders can take responsibility for guiding the process, so every voice is valued.   The result is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about volume, yet about creating space for authentic impact.  Listen in to:  Redefine Introversion Design Better Meetings Discover ways to make space for processing  Lead inclusively as an Extrovert Play the introversion/extroversion continuum    Connect with Your Co-Hosts  Daphna Horowitz  www.daphnahorowitz.com   https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/   https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions   https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573     Amy L. Riley  http://www.courageofaleader.com   https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley     Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.  Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.  

Céline Williams, founder of reVisionary and an award-winning executive coach, reminds us that critical thinking is one of the rarest yet most vital skills a leader can bring to the table. With over 20 years of experience in leadership development and organizational transformation, she shows how being intentional in our decisions means recognizing biases, questioning assumptions, and digging deeper to uncover root causes. We explore how to pause, reflect, and step back from automatic responses so that we can choose stronger, more sustainable solutions. Critical thinking is not about overcomplicating things. It’s about courageously examining perspectives, challenging comfort zones, and modeling a better way of leading.    Highlights  1. See Beyond the Obvious - We learn how to move past surface symptoms and uncover the real problems that need solving.  2. Recognize Hidden Biases - Every leader has biases. The skill lies in acknowledging them and not letting them drive decisions.  3. Question Assumptions - By naming and testing assumptions, we open doors to new insights and stronger strategies.  4. Practice Reflection Before Action - Individual reflection before group discussion creates space for fresh, unbiased ideas.  5. Courage in Leadership - It takes courage to step into uncomfortable conversations and model true critical thinking for our teams.   Resources Mentioned  The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment)  How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?   You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity.  In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done.  https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/     About the Guest:   Céline Williams is the founder of reVisionary, a boutique consulting firm that partners with growth-minded leaders and executive teams around the world. With over 20 years of experience in leadership development, culture design, and organizational transformation, she brings a rare blend of strategic insight and human-centered expertise.   Céline is an award-winning executive coach, international speaker, and trusted advisor known for her mix of empathy, edge, and practical wisdom. She also hosts two acclaimed podcasts, lectures at top business schools, and helps leaders unlock clarity, connection, and momentum in the moments that matter most.  She can be reached at:  http://revisionary.ca/   https://www.facebook.com/revisionary.ca       About the Host:   Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.  As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary...

Susan Inouye is a transformational executive coach and best‑selling author who helps leaders build cultures of engagement and belonging. We explore her Sawubona approach, which means “I see you,” and the five leader shifts that move teams from control to connection, conformity to seeing and accepting, expectations to intentions, authority to authenticity, and bottom‑line myopia to belonging. We learn to ask people what it takes to engage them, spot their innate gifts, and align work to strengths. We also see how receiving feedback without judgment opens trust across generations. Susan’s stories show how leaders who get present, praise the gift behind the action, and create meaningful work see retention rise and results follow. We leave with practical ways to create workplaces where we feel seen, heard, and part of something bigger.  Highlights  1. Lead with connection - Learn to be present, listen without judgment, and make people feel seen so trust and ideas flow.  2. Spot innate gifts - Identify what energizes each person and align roles and projects to those natural strengths.  3. Shift expectations to intentions - Trade rigid “shoulds” for clear intentions that encourage learning, ownership, and creativity.  4. Model authentic leadership - Share real experience, invite two‑way dialogue, and let credibility come from wisdom, not title.  5. Build belonging on purpose - Tie work to shared meaning and values so we stay engaged, resilient, and motivated.  Resources Mentioned  The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment)  How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?   You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity.  In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done.  https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/     About the Guest:   Susan Inouye is a transformational executive coach who has guided leaders in 600 companies across 40 industries. Her coaching blends practices of mind, heart, and body, influenced by training with a 7th-degree Black Belt Aikido sensei and insights from the HeartMath Institute. This holistic approach strengthens emotional intelligence and transforms organizations into sustainable, thriving cultures.  At the core of her work is Sawubona Leadership, inspired by the Zulu phrase “I see you,” which promotes inclusive cultures that value authenticity. A bestselling author of Leadership’s Perfect Storm, Susan highlights the influence of millennials on leadership today while also championing women leaders who create compassionate, purpose-driven organizations. Based in Los Angeles with her husband Tony, she continues to inspire leaders worldwide through coaching, retreats, and culture-building initiatives.  She can be reached at:  https://susaninouye.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-inouye-083384b/     About the Host:   Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2...

We’re excited to bring you an encore presentation with Eric Larson, Co-Founder, Co-CEO, and Chairman of Tilia Holdings. Eric shares how his leadership legacy connects science, design, and business to transform the food supply chain, focusing on food safety, nutrition, and sustainability. He shows us that purpose is the gravity that holds organizations together and guides decisions, even in times of disruption. Through his clarity, innovation, and commitment to the “three P’s”—public health, personal health, and planetary health—we see how leaders can inspire change, build stronger organizations, and create lasting impact. Takeaways 1. The Power of a Leadership Legacy - Great leaders define their legacy by aligning purpose with every part of their life and work. 2. Clarity Creates Gravity - A clear purpose grounds organizations and helps guide decisions through shifting dynamics. 3. Innovation Through Collaboration - Breakthroughs often come when people and organizations work together across functions and industries. 4. Capital Beyond Finance - Leaders should steward brand, human, and social capital—not just financial returns. 5. Storytelling as a Leadership Skill - Clear narratives repeated consistently build alignment and inspire collective action. Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done? You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity. In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ About the Guest: Eric Larson, Tilia’s Chairman, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, has built a distinguished career in private equity since 1986. Before co-founding Tilia in 2017, he established Linden Life Science (now Linden Capital Partners), a leading healthcare-focused firm, where he served as Chairman and senior investment professional shaping its strategy and growth. Earlier in his career, he co-founded First Chicago Equity Capital (now One Equity Partners) and was a Partner and Investment Principal at First Chicago Venture Capital (now Madison Dearborn Partners). Beyond Tilia, Eric contributes his expertise to several technically oriented organizations. He is a member of the Nutrition Roundtable at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a trustee and Chairman of the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology, an Executive Fellow with the Center for Higher Ambition Leadership, a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, and actively engaged with the National Geographic Society. https://tiliallc.com   About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results.  Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership...

There is an engagement crisis in our workplaces currently!  Elizabeth “El” Lages, Chief People and Culture Officer at Flexera, shares how strong values, intentional leadership, and accountability fuel high engagement across global teams. Join us as we hear how her approach blends communication, transparency, and people-first practices to keep culture aligned and performance strong even through acquisitions and change. We learn how regular one-on-ones, clear expectations, and open feedback loops empower employees to contribute meaningfully and speak up. El gives us practical insight into building trust, supporting leaders at all levels, and creating real ownership across the organization. We’re reminded that culture doesn’t live in a handbook, it shows up in every conversation, decision, and recognition. When leaders model values and engage their teams consistently, people feel seen, heard, and motivated to show up with purpose.    Highlights  1. Leadership Starts with Listening - Frequent check-ins and open conversations help leaders stay grounded in what their teams really need.  2. Clarity Is the Cornerstone of Accountability - When expectations are clear and consistent, people feel supported—not micromanaged.  3. Culture Lives in Daily Habits - Core values show up in actions, not posters. Recognition and transparency reinforce them.  4. Feedback Builds Trust - Employees want feedback—positive and constructive—because it drives growth and connection.  5. Support Leaders to Show Up Well - Ongoing development and real-time coaching help managers lead with clarity and confidence.  Resources Mentioned  The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment)  How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?   You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity.  In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done.  https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/     About the Guest:   El Lages is the Chief People and Culture Officer at Flexera. Flexera is a global company that helps organizations gain the visibility and insight they need to optimize spend, minimize risk, achieve sustainability goals, and make data-driven decisions to propel their business forward. El has been with the company since 2004, focusing on building high-performing teams and enabling a culture rooted in candor, accountability, and celebrating success. She leads with a people-first mindset and a #keepscorephilosophy - driving engagement, developing leaders, and aligning performance with purpose.   She can be reached at:  [email protected]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethlages/     About the Host:   Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.  As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of...

When the ground keeps shifting beneath us, courageous leadership means leaning into what’s real; our experience, our humility, and our values.   Mary Lynn Fayoumi, President and CEO of HR Source, brings decades of wisdom in workplace culture and HR leadership. She guides organizations through disruption with a clear focus on purpose and people, and she shows us how to do the same. We talk about what it takes to lead right now, when answers aren’t clear and the pressure to act feels constant.  Courage today looks less like having all the answers and more like pausing to process, listening deeply, and staying grounded in what matters most. It’s about creating space for others, knowing your true north, and responding instead of reacting. Mary Lynn reminds us that it's okay not to know everything, and that strength often shows up as steady presence, not quick decisions. We slow down, reflect, and lead with calm, curiosity, and a focus on what truly matters. That’s how we move forward together.  Highlights  1. Calm Is a Superpower - Learn how to find your center and lead from it—even when everything around you feels chaotic.  2. Authenticity Builds Trust - Being real, showing emotion, and admitting you don’t have all the answers creates space for others to do the same.  3. Processing Takes Practice - Hear why leaders need built-in reflection time and how routines can anchor clarity in the middle of noise.  4. Humility Creates Momentum - Letting go of control opens the door to innovation and stronger team engagement. It’s about leading with people, not above them.  5. Purpose Is the Compass - When the path is uncertain, returning to your mission helps guide every decision with confidence and care.  Resources Mentioned  The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment)  How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?   You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I’ve discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity.  In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done.  https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/     About the Guest:   Mary Lynn Fayoumi, CAE, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is the President and CEO of HR Source, a Chicago-based employers’ association with over 1200 member organizations. She is a highly respected speaker, trainer and advisor and an accepted authority on a variety of workplace issues including culture, employment trends, and HR management. Countless organizations have benefited from her expertise during her long tenure at the association.   Mary Lynn is a prolific writer, quoted and published regularly in a variety of industry publications. She currently serves as the Lead Director of the World at Work Board and is Past Chair of the Board of Directors for both the Association Forum of Chicagoland and the Employer Associations of America. She is also an Advisory Board Member of the Community Memorial Foundation. Mary Lynn was honored by Crain’s Chicago Business as a Notable Leader in HR in 2020 and was named the 2021 Woman of Influence by the Association Forum.     Mary Lynn is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Business Administration in...