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In this episode, we sit down with a mother–daughter leadership team whose story captures what this show is all about, how leaders grow, evolve, and hand forward a legacy with intention. Susan White Morrissey founded White & Warren nearly 30 years ago with a simple idea, make beautiful, lasting knitwear that women could live in. Today, her daughter, Catherine, leads the company through its next chapter, guiding a bold rebrand that honors the brand’s roots while moving it into the future. Our conversation explores what it means to build something that lasts, how leadership shifts across generations, and what happens when experience and fresh vision meet at the same table. We talk about family and business, the realities of leading together, and the courage it takes to trust the next evolution of your own work. If you care about legacy, reinvention, and the heart behind great leadership, this is a conversation you’ll want to be part of.

What separates the leaders who keep climbing from the ones who plateau? Discipline, structure, and the ability to show up when motivation fades. In this episode, Christine sits down with Dre Baldwin, former pro basketball player turned entrepreneur, author, and founder of Work On Your Game University. Dre breaks down what “work on your game” really means beyond sports, why power presence matters more than perfect words, and what high performance actually requires in real life. You’ll hear Dre’s “Third Day” concept, the moment when the excitement wears off and the real work begins, plus five practical ways to build power presence immediately, without becoming a different person. You’ll learn: Why leaders need power presence, not just smart ideasThe “Third Day” decision that separates pros from amateursWhat high performance requires, structure over motivationWhy leadership means disappointing people at a rate they can accept5 actionable ways to increase your presence fastGet Dre’s book: The Third Day is free, you cover shipping at thirddaybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do new managers actually need to learn first, before the meetings, the metrics, the awkward feedback conversations, and the pressure to “prove” they belong in the role? In this episode, Christine is joined by crowd favorite Erica Petrelli-Bayh for a back-to-basics conversation on the fundamentals of managing humans, not just tasks. They revisit the core lessons from the Management 101 course they built years ago, and break down what makes the leap from individual contributor to leader so disorienting, and so fixable. You’ll hear: the first non-negotiable for new managers (hint: it’s not “have all the answers”)the biggest shock when you go from doing great work to leading people who do the workthe technical essentials that keep teams on target, and why “systems” matter more than any one toolhow to run better one-on-ones and meetings by tending to time and energyhow to give clear, kind feedback without avoiding it for six monthshow trust gets built quickly, using psychological safety as your compassIf you’ve recently stepped into management, or you’re promoting someone who has, this is your foundation episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back for 2026 with a new focus: leaders must stop debating return-to-office like it’s a policy issue and start treating it like an experience issue. Christine shares why culture is built in moments, not perks, why the next generation needs more intentional connection, and one bold action to take today, cut every meeting and rebuild only what matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

n this special episode of our Storytelling Summer Series, Christine Courtney unpacks one of the most underestimated leadership tools: the power of story. From a high-stakes Department of Education pitch to team-building icebreakers that actually work, Christine shares why storytelling isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic skill every leader should master. You’ll learn: Why storytelling is 22x more effective than data aloneThe four elements every impactful story needsHow to bring stories into retreats, team meetings, and strategy sessionsEasy ways to get started, even if you don’t think you’re “a storyteller” Whether you’re planning a retreat or looking for fresh ways to deepen engagement, this episode will help you turn everyday moments into memorable leadership tools. 👉 Want to go deeper? Read our companion article on how to choose a retreat theme and thread story throughout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Planning a retreat or offsite? This episode kicks off our special series on how to design experiences that actually shift your team’s energy, connection, and clarity. Christine is joined by Greg Shamie to unpack the real ROI of offsites—what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the time (and money) worth it. 🔗 Want more? We’ve bundled the full retreat series—including companion articles from Christine, Tatiana, and Greg—into one powerful resource: 👉 Read the full Retreat Issue at ledevpartners.com/the-retreat-issue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Culture by Design, Not Default: Leadership Lessons with Delise Simmons 📄 Episode Show Notes: What if your culture isn’t just an HR buzzword—but your organization’s most powerful performance lever? In this conversation, I sit down with Delise Simmons—keynote speaker, culture strategist, and founder of Culture Think Tank—for a candid, energizing talk about the real drivers of great culture. From her early days shaping the Southwest Airlines ethos to launching JetBlue and building data-driven tools that measure emotional ROI, Delise brings the receipts. And yes, she really did say: 👉 “You can’t spell culture without cult, baby.” We explore: Why chasing employee happiness is a trap—and what to focus on insteadHow to measure culture as a behavioral phenomenon, not just vibesThe top 3 things employees are begging leaders to do more ofHow Gen Z’s relationship with anxiety is changing leadership foreverWhy your values mean nothing without defined behaviors Whether you lead a team of 3 or 3000, this episode is a masterclass in intentional leadership. 🔗 Resources & Mentions: Learn more about Culture Think TankConnect with Delise Simmons on LinkedInCheck out our full Culture Series at ledevpartners.com/podcast 📣 Call to Action: If you’re designing your offsite or planning your culture strategy—this episode is your blueprint. 💌 Subscribe for weekly insights and upcoming episodes that build on this conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to feel invisible—and how do we reclaim our voice when it happens? In this powerful conversation, I welcome back listener favorite Erika Petrelli-Bayh to explore a topic that resonates with so many women: visibility. From the “messy middle” of life—menopause, caregiving, career shifts—to early career anxiety and even the later legacy years, we talk about what causes women to feel unseen, and how to shift the story. Erika shares insights from her visibility workshops, including the emotional and practical tools women of all ages can use to reconnect with themselves, their voices, and their power. We talk about: The silent stories we carry—and how to rewrite themWhy shedding outdated beliefs is key to personal growthSimple practices to increase visibility and confidence at workHow hormones and neurobiology impact leadershipPower poses, positive mantras, and the neuroscience of self-trust Whether you’re a seasoned leader, a new manager, or simply someone navigating your own reinvention, this episode is a reminder: You are not alone. And your voice matters—more than ever. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: The Female Brain and The Upgrade by Louann BrizendineErika’s Visibility Workshop SeriesAmy Cuddy’s TED Talk on Presence Listen in, reflect deeply, and try just one practice this week. Then let us know what opens up for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you do when a well-liked manager’s team is floundering—or when your executive leader is too swamped to move your project forward? In this live episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, Christine Courtney throws real-world scenarios at guests Greg Shamie and Tom Armstrong with zero prep and maximum honesty. You’ll hear: What to do when your manager avoids the “dirty work” of leadershipHow strong relationships can sometimes mask weak resultsTips for managing up when your boss cancels meetings (again)A refreshing reminder that leadership is about clarity, not controlWhether you’re managing others or navigating your own manager’s blind spots, this episode offers sharp insights and relatable moments that will help you lead with more clarity, courage, and connection. 🎧 Don’t miss the unscripted wisdom—and a few laughs—that come from handling leadership challenges in real time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this candid and constructive episode, Christine throws two real-life leadership dilemmas at Greg Shamie and Tom Armstrong—without any prep—and the results are both insightful and refreshingly real. First up: What do you do when a well-liked, competent manager has a team that’s drifting—confused, undercoached, and unclear on their goals? Christine, Tom, and Greg dive into the hidden traps of “nice but vague” leadership and offer powerful ways to coach managers toward clarity, accountability, and effectiveness—without crushing their spirit. Then, they tackle the classic challenge of managing up. When your executive is overloaded and unavailable, how do you keep your project moving? This segment is a masterclass in strategic communication, executive empathy, and what it means to lead from any seat in the org chart. Expect laughter, hard truths, and practical frameworks for tackling two of the most common leadership pain points. 🔑 Topics Covered: Coaching “good” managers to become great leadersBalancing relationships with resultsManaging up when your boss is overwhelmedWhy clarity is contagious (and confusion is costly)How to get decisions fast—with minimal friction Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this lively and unfiltered episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, Christine Courtney is joined by Tom Armstrong and Greg Shamie for a round of real-world manager conundrums—answered live, without prep, and with full candor. Recorded in person and infused with group energy, this conversation dives into: What to do when a manager dominates meetings and unintentionally shuts others down.How to coach high-potential team members who talk to think.The leadership blind spots that can derail a team’s energy and performance.What to do when your team misses its KPIs—without falling into blame or burnout.The facilitation skills every manager needs to reset the room. You’ll walk away with practical tips, reflective questions, and facilitation moves you can use immediately to energize your team and lead with greater impact. Mentioned in this episode: Root cause analysis frameworksStep forward/step back team agreementsTechniques to amplify quieter voices in meetingsWhy emotional tone matters more than metrics when a team is underperforming ✨ Whether you’re managing a high-performing team or leading through lagging momentum, this episode is packed with thoughtful guidance—and a few laughs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, Christine Courtney is joined by coach and facilitator Greg Shamie to break down one of the most powerful—and elusive—skills in leadership: motivation. Together, they unpack what motivation really means in the workplace, how to distinguish between extrinsic and intrinsic drivers, and why the best leaders focus on energy, connection, and purpose. Greg shares powerful frameworks from Daniel Pink’s Drive, as well as his own time-tested tips from the field—including how he motivates sports teams, corporate teams, and even his own daughter. You’ll learn: The difference between energy and engagement—and why both matterGreg’s go-to strategy for reading a team’s “motivation meter”How to meet people where they are (without judgment)The three core levers of motivation: Autonomy, Mastery, PurposeHow great managers spark motivation through 1:1s, feedback, and meaningful goalsChristine’s story of a workshop gone sideways—and how empathy turned it around If you lead people—or want to—you’ll walk away with practical, real-world strategies to keep your team engaged, inspired, and showing up at their best. 🎧 Tune in now and ask yourself: How are you sparking motivation in your space? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the traits that make you a powerful leader aren’t skills to build—but superpowers to reclaim? In this energizing conversation, Christine welcomes back communications and leadership coach Corena Chase, co-author of The Five Lost Superpowers: Why We Lose Them and How to Get Them Back. Together, they explore how qualities like playfulness, curiosity, and authenticity—so natural in childhood—can transform how we lead as adults. From role-playing at work to channeling Olivia Pope in tough meetings, this episode offers practical, lighthearted insights into how leaders can tap into the magic they already have. You’ll walk away with tangible ideas to bring more ease, joy, and power into your leadership—whether you’re managing a team or navigating your own career path. 💡 Listen in for: Tips for building playful, engaging team culture (even without hokey icebreakers)How to reframe networking through the lens of curiosityWhy authenticity isn’t about staying the same—it’s about expanding who you are 📚 Grab the book: The Five Lost Superpowers 🌐 Visit Corena’s website: www.corenaCHASE.com ✉️ Contact Corena: [email protected] 🎧 Listen to her first episode on The Power of Questions: Click here to listen Or its is from May 2024 #33. Elevate Your Leadership: Asking Better Questions for Deeper Conversations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the key to unforgettable customer experiences isn’t your product—but your people? In this energizing conversation, Christine sits down with hospitality powerhouse Bill Bonbrest, former executive at TAO Group and now founder of Bonbrest Advisory. From his early days growing up between restaurants to leading some of the most iconic hospitality brands, Bill shares how “the guest experience can never exceed the team member experience.” Together, they explore: • Why front-line teams shape your brand more than any executive ever could • How to lead with high standards and deep care • Real-world strategies to build complementary teams and elevate performance • The mindset shift every leader needs to make about feedback and accountability Bill’s insights go far beyond hospitality—they’re a masterclass in people-first leadership. Whether you run a team, a restaurant, or a growing company, this episode will shift how you think about culture, coaching, and what it means to lead well. 🎧 Tune in and learn how great leadership starts behind the scenes—and changes everything out front. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you do when a team hits its numbers—but the culture is crumbling from the inside? In this candid roundtable episode, Christine Courtney is joined live in the studio by longtime collaborators Blanca and Tom to tackle two leadership conundrums that managers everywhere will recognize: the high-performing but toxic team, and the rock-solid employee who’s resisting growth. Together, they explore how leaders can shift team dynamics without compromising results, the difference between healthy banter and harmful behavior, and how to handle employees who just want to “stay in their lane.” With stories, frameworks, and plenty of laughter, this conversation is full of the kind of honest, practical insights Christine is known for. If you’ve ever wondered how to nurture both performance and psychological safety—or how to handle a steady employee who’s hit their ceiling—you won’t want to miss this one. 🎧 Mentioned in this episode: The Mind card gamePatrick Lencioni’s Five Dysfunctions of a TeamGoogle’s Project Aristotle research on psychological safety Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.