Shameless Leadership

Эпизоды

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  1011: 5 Common Communication Breakdowns Between Senior and Mid-Level Leaders | Leadership Tips 29.09.2026 24мин

  Communication breaks down between senior and mid-level leaders even when everyone is really hustling to do the very best they can in their respective roles. In the work I’ve done with leaders and teams, I’ve had the opportunity to take a close look at what people are thinking and feeling behind the scenes - and how their thinking and feelings impact their behavior. In this episode, I share some of the patterns I consistently see and what leaders on both sides can do to communicate more effectively. We’ll look at what happens when senior leaders pass down decisions without enough context, leaving mid-level leaders to explain the what without understanding the why. We’ll also talk about why well-intended mid-level leaders sometimes hold back difficult and pertinent information until a problem becomes urgent. We will also dig into how this can erode the trust they were hoping to protect by holding back. We will address the very real pressure of leading in the middle. This typically includes trying to meet senior leaders’ expectations while taking care of your team, often with limited resources and conflicting priorities. I share how a propensity toward people-pleasing can make that squeeze harder. This leads us into the critical importance of being solution-oriented rather than problem-focused. It’s easy to find 27 problems on any given day. It’s the leaders who are finding and creating solutions, staying in momentum, and able to make strategic recommendations who are typically building more credibility, authority, and trust in their roles.  Finally, we’ll consider pace. When senior leaders move from one decision to the next too quickly, the people responsible for implementation may struggle to keep up. Before setting another priority or timeline, it helps to ask: Who is most likely to be negatively impacted by this decision? If you recognize these dynamics on your team, I’d love to talk about how I can help you strengthen communication and strategic thinking across levels of leadership.  Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Take my Leadership Archetype Quiz: saradean.com/quiz [UNTIL 10/31] Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  1010: How Great Leaders Make People Feel Seen With Microaffirmations - with Dr. Sherri Lynch | Inclusive Leadership 22.09.2026 56мин

  I met Dr. Sherri Lynch on my first day on campus for graduate school. I was told by another professor that I should introduce myself to her. I was admittedly nervous and fumbly. Luckily, Sherri is overwhelmingly kind and open to connections of all sorts. We quickly hit it off and have had the chance to get to know each other and partner for multiple events. My obsession with her work and her commitment to women began a few months later, the day after Election Day in 2024. You’ll have to listen in to hear that story! Sherri Lynch, PhD, is the Assistant Dean at Gonzaga University's School of Leadership Studies, where she teaches in the Organizational Leadership & Comprehensive Leadership programs. She is a certified emotional intelligence practitioner and a highly skilled relationship builder. She co-founded the Women Lead program, which includes conferences, workshops, and a certificate program, to educate and empower women at all stages of their careers. She has presented to many professional organizations on leadership topics such as emotional intelligence, microaffirmations, mentorship and sponsorship, and the power of storytelling. Sherri has a heart for service and continues to serve on various community boards, including the YWCA and Canopy Credit Union. Listen in to hear Sherri share: How to answer the question, “What do you do?”, in a much more impactful and strategic way Her current work on microaffirmations as a means of building culture in communities and organizations How to use microaffirmations in a way that is authentic to you to influence culture in a positive way Why and how to base your microaffirmations on behavior - not simply compliments Why your sense of self, self-identity, and leadership identity matter so much in your professional evolution The truth about “overdoing” positivity as part of your leadership brand Links Mentioned: Connect with Sherri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrilynch/ Women Lead Events: https://www.gonzaga.edu/school-of-leadership-studies/women-lead/conferences-and-events November 10th Women Lead Fall Conference with Bev Anderson: https://www.gonzaga.edu/school-of-leadership-studies/women-lead/conferences-and-events/women-lead-fall-luncheon Women Lead on IG: @zagwomenlead Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  1009: How to Maintain Your Confidence During Constant Change and Uncertainty | Leadership Mindset 15.09.2026 24мин

  I don’t know anyone who has breezed through life since 2020. Constant change, enduring uncertainty, and frequent downright chaos have become fixtures of life. It’s taken a toll on us all.  Constant change, uncertainty, and chaos not only rock your nervous system, it can also do a number on your confidence. When you’re navigating professional shifts, economic uncertainty, and ongoing instability, it’s easy to move from change overwhelm into uncertainty fatigue, and eventually into full-on burnout. And when that happens, the impact extends well beyond work. In my work wth executive coaching clients, I see this result in increased self-doubt, decreased self-trust, and questioning one’s capabilities.  Many clients come to me having made a hobby of collecting evidence that reinforces the idea that they have less power than they actually do. I don’t blame them. There have been many large-scale efforts to make most of us (anyone carrying a marginalized identity - women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants) feel completely powerless. In this episode, I’m talking about how to maintain your confidence when so much around you feels unpredictable. We’ll explore why waiting for certainty before trusting yourself can keep you stuck, how chronic catastrophizing and hopeless assumptions quietly erode your self-trust, and why it’s crucial to identify the capabilities and strengths you can carry with you anywhere in life. I’ll also share how to hold legitimate risks alongside emerging possibilities so you don’t accidentally let fear become the only evidence you’re willing to consider. While you may not be able to control what happens next, you can strengthen your leadership confidence, protect your sense of agency, and continue making grounded decisions without requiring certainty first. Links Mentioned: [1 Spot Left] Join my Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Take my Leadership Archetype Quiz: saradean.com/quiz Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  1008: 4 Effective Communication Skills Every Leader Needs | Leadership Strategies 08.09.2026 25мин

  Strong leadership communication isn’t just about knowing what to say. It’s also largely about knowing how to say what you need to say. It's about building the habits that help you communicate well when you’re frustrated, under pressure, or navigating tension. In this episode, I’m breaking down four communication skills every leader needs to practice: Checking your assumptions before reacting and responding Addressing tension immediately, directly, and transparently Stating the WHY behind the WHAT Strategically tailoring communication to meet your audience where they’re at We’ll talk about what happens when you assume you know why someone is underperforming, why an email sounded snarky, or why someone missed the mark, and how quickly your reaction to those assumptions can undermine your leadership. We will explore what happens when you don’t share enough information with those you lead. We will address how to assess different people’s communication needs and how to best serve different kinds of people, even in tough and tense moments. Whether you’re working on team communication, giving feedback to employees in a way they can actually hear and integrate, navigating difficult conversations as you manage up or manage down, or simply trying to become a more thoughtful and emotionally intelligent leader, these are skills that will strengthen your leadership while also making your work significantly more rewarding. Links Mentioned: [1 Spot Left] Join my Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Take my Leadership Archetype Quiz: saradean.com/quiz [UNTIL 10/31] Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  1007: All Speaking Is Public Speaking. 3 Ps to Make It Approachable - with Dana Robinson Slote 01.09.2026 42мин

  Dana Robinson Slote and I originally connected on LinkedIn, where I stumbled upon her work and was immediately excited about some of our similar passions. In getting to know her a bit and learning more about her strengths, I knew she would be a great fit for the show. She loves to talk about things many leaders dread, such as public speaking and managing up. I love a leader who brings simplicity to things that can be overwhelming, if not downright scary. Dana does just that. Dana brings more than two decades of experience in the political arena and the public sector to her work as a communications strategist. In her current role, she's responsible for advocacy communications in the External Affairs division for the country’s largest regional children’s hospital, serving four states and one million square miles. In prior positions, Dana served as the Director of Media Relations at the University of Washington and as the Director of Communications for the Seattle City Council and the Washington State Senate concurrently. Dana earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Western Washington University and a master’s degree in communication and organizational leadership from Gonzaga University.  She’s also an affiliate faculty member at UW’s Communication Leadership program, a world traveler, and a two-time Ironman triathlete with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest. Listen in to hear Dana share: How her overlap of working in politics, public sector work, media relations, and being a two-time Ironman triathlete brought her to her current leadership role How to find opportunities in moments of massive inconvenience or disappointment How to create “fake stakes” as self-imposed deadlines for discipline and accountability Her belief that all speaking is public speaking and her 3 Ps to make public speaking more approachable How to manage up more effectively by asking strategic questions to open up conversations  Links Mentioned: LI: Dana Robinson Slote, M.A. | LinkedIn Connect with Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danarobinsonslote1 [2 Spots Left] Join my Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  1006: 5 Ways Perimenopause and Menopause Can Affect How Women Lead | Leadership Stories 25.08.2026 33мин

  As I’ve talked about in past episodes about perimenopause and menopause (Episodes 924, 954, and 968), the transition from perimenopause to menopause took me down - HARD. Since navigating this journey myself, I’ve become hyperaware as clients start to share common difficulties at work that might also be connected to menopause (poor focus, forgetfulness, irritability, lack of patience, chronic fatigue, feeling “off,” feeling irrational (and maybe irate) for no particular reason, and more.  Perimenopause and menopause can affect far more than how you feel physically. Changes in sleep, focus, memory, anxiety, and energy can influence how you communicate, make decisions, handle pressure, and show up in high-visibility leadership moments. For women who have always been known as highly capable, these changes can be unsettling. I’ve noticed that it’s pretty common that we clock this as evidence that we are losing our competence, confidence, or leadership edge - which could not be farther from the truth.  It’s time to clear this up! In this episode, I’m exploring five specific ways perimenopause and menopause can affect how women lead. I’ll talk about changes in access to executive functioning skills, shaken confidence in high-stakes situations, a reduced tolerance for dysfunctional workplace norms, the invisible workload of privately managing a major physical transition, and the need to redefine sustainable leadership.  If you’re navigating this transition and questioning your confidence, capacity, or next chapter, individual executive coaching can help you distinguish between what may be changing physically and what remains true about your experience, expertise, and leadership. Together, we can strengthen your boundaries, communication, decision-making, and leadership practices so you can continue growing without sacrificing your well-being. Coaching can complement appropriate medical care, but it does not replace evaluation or treatment from a qualified Healthcare professional. If I can support you during this season, please reach out!  Links Mentioned: [2 Spots Left] Join my Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  1005: The Hidden Costs of Leaving Too Much Unsaid at Work | Leadership Mindset 18.08.2026 30мин

  What happens when too much goes unsaid at work? The conversations we avoid don’t simply disappear. Over time, unspoken concerns can become resentment, erode trust, and cause people to disengage from their colleagues and their work. Even when no one is openly arguing, unresolved tension can quietly shape how a team communicates, collaborates, and makes decisions. The long-term costs are even more significant - and frequently reflected in lost productivity, personnel, and revenue. In fact, in a Crucial Learnings study of 1,000 employees across various organizations and industries, 33% shared that leaving things unsaid at work cost their organization at least $25,000. Another 19% shared that leaving things unsaid at work cost their organization a staggering $50,000 or more.  In this episode, I’m exploring the hidden emotional and organizational costs of leaving important things unsaid. We will examine why high-performing, “nice” teams can be especially prone to conflict avoidance, how much energy people expend working around unresolved issues, and how a daring conversation is very different from an aggressive confrontation. Daring conversations aren’t about being harsh or creating unnecessary conflict - they’re about addressing what matters with honesty, courage, curiosity, and respect - in order to work toward a common goal and shared vision.  I also share a simple way to begin saying the thing that needs to be said, even if you don’t have the perfect words. If unresolved tension or avoided conversations are affecting your leadership or your team, this is work I support through executive coaching and customized leadership development for teams. Together, we can build the trust, communication skills, and shared practices needed to address hard things before they become costly problems. Links Mentioned: Early Bird Enrollment is open for my Aligned Leadership Incubator! Save $500 if you apply by June 30th: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  1004: 5 Change-Management Mistakes That Are Exhausting Your Team | Leadership Strategies 11.08.2026 33мин

  Change is inevitable and, these days, seemingly constant. The responsibility to manage change effectively is a large one that can weigh heavily on the shoulders of a conscientious leader. There are many ways to get it right and many ways to get it wrong when it comes to guiding your team or organization through change.  What I see too often is leaders announcing a new direction, initiative, or process without helping employees understand the larger context (what I call “the why behind the what”), or recognizing and honoring the impact the change will have on the people closest to the work. When leaders aren’t intentional and strategic in leading change, employees can be left carrying confusion, frustration, and an ever-growing workload. Over time, the costs of poorly managed change can undermine trust and organizational integrity, resulting in anything from decreased morale to a mass exodus of high-performing employees.  In this episode, I’m breaking down five common change-management mistakes that may be exhausting your team. I’ll talk about the key and critical difference between communicating change and managing change, what leaders miss when they underestimate the frontline experience, and why resistance isn’t necessarily a sign that employees are unwilling to adapt. Sometimes, what looks like resistance is actually a request for more information, more involvement, or more time to process what is being lost. I’ll also share how leaders can create more thoughtful and sustainable change by communicating the bigger “why,” involving employees earlier, making space for questions and grief, and honestly assessing the team’s capacity before introducing another initiative. If your organization is navigating ongoing change - or your employees seem increasingly disengaged, cynical, or depleted - this episode will help you lead the transition with greater clarity, empathy, and intention. Links Mentioned: Early Bird Enrollment is open for my Aligned Leadership Incubator! Save $500 if you apply by June 30th: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  1003: How to Better Position Your Top Strengths as Your Leadership Edge 04.08.2026 26мин

  While every leader I work with is deeply talented, many struggle to self-identify their own areas of excellence and what sets them apart. If we want to be strategic problem solvers, we need to know, identify, and share what sets us apart.  In this episode, I'm sharing how to identify and then strategically position your leadership strengths in a way that allows them to become your greatest leadership edge. Whether you're pursuing career advancement, building executive presence, or simply wanting to have a bigger impact in your work, the way you talk about what you do matters just as much as what you do. I'll walk you through exercises I use with my coaching clients to uncover the expertise they're often overlooking. The skills you've practiced hundreds - or even thousands - of times are often the exact things someone else is struggling to learn. I'll help you identify your unique expertise, strengthen your personal leadership brand, and think differently about how your experience can support others. This episode provides real-life examples of how everyday experiences, from navigating difficult conversations and developing communication skills in the workplace to the work I’m doing with high schoolers in their first jobs to how my 13-year-old is positioning his skills on the baseball field. The goal isn't to sound impressive. It's to become more intentional about sharing what you know so you can increase your leadership visibility, grow your thought leadership, and create new opportunities and options for yourself moving forward. If you've ever dismissed your strengths because they "come naturally," this episode is your invitation to reconsider and shine a little brighter. I'll leave you with practical reflection questions to help you identify your strengths, clarify who needs to learn from you, and begin leveraging your expertise with more confidence.  Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Links Mentioned: Enrollment is open for my Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  1002: 4 Career Growth Strategies That Are Actually Working Right Now | Leadership Strategies 28.07.2026 33мин

  If you're a woman leader looking to grow your career, build executive presence, increase your visibility at work, or develop your leadership skills, this episode is for you. I'm sharing four strategies my executive coaching clients are using right now to create career opportunities, establish thought leadership, strengthen their personal brand, and advance their careers—even in today's challenging environment. It’s easy to find things that AREN’T working right now. And, to be fair, a lot of things truly are not working right now. However, navigating the world with a "nothing is working, why bother trying" attitude is going to harm you far more than help you. One of my most important jobs with my executive coaching clients is to help them determine and tap into what IS working. Right now, a number of my clients are exploring big questions like, "How do you find your power when it's easy to find evidence that power is systematically being taken away at every turn?" and "How do you maintain hope when you have so much evidence that people are deeply struggling right now?" As they dig into these questions, my clients are taking action and seeing results! In a sea of “everything is horrible and broken” voices, here are a few things my clients are doing that ARE working: Thinking and strategizing at a level above their current title Investing in their learning and growth for their long-term career trajectory Establishing their voice and expertise Creating visibility opportunities outside their current roles and teams You’re not wrong that it’s TOUGH out there right now. And… you still have the power to be seen, create opportunities, and open doors for yourself. In this episode, I’ll share what’s actually working, the real-life results my clients are getting, and what you can do today to feel a stronger sense of power and hope.  Links Mentioned: Early Bird Enrollment is open for my Aligned Leadership Incubator! Save $500 if you apply by July 31st: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  1001: Cultural Intelligence and Women in Agricultural Leadership with Jacqui Gordón Núñez | Women in Agricultural Leadership, Cultural Leadership 21.07.2026 55мин

  Jacqui Gordón Núñez and I met when we were both speaking at the same women’s leadership event last spring. From the moment she took the stage, I knew I wanted to interview her. She has an incredible story and such a deeply rooted leadership philosophy that the world needs to hear. She is passionate about her work and how the work she does in agriculture impacts the world in ways we don’t consider daily - but should. Jacqui is the Vice President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association and a passionate advocate for leadership development. Originally from Ecuador, she built her career in Washington helping people in agriculture grow their confidence, communication skills, and impact within their communities. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Food Science and her Master of Science in Horticulture from Washington State University.  Listen in to hear Jacqui share: Her path from Ecuador to the US, through immigration, and into agricultural leadership The importance of understanding cultural awareness and intercultural competence in the workplace The dangers of minimizing your own culture and the fine line between cultural adaptation and self-abandonment How leaders can create more space and safety for a wider range of cultural experiences and expressions so employees can show up authentically and contribute as optimally as possible How women leaders in agriculture are changing the landscape for women in agriculture   Agriculture as a form of reverence How to navigate self-doubt when you feel like you don’t fit in or feel insecure about your ability to add value in a situation Links Mentioned: Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-gordon-nunez/ Agriculture Leadership Program (ALP) website: www.alp-wa.com Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI): https://idiinventory.com/ Join Sara’s Aligned Leadership Incubator Early Bird Enrollment (save $500!): saradean.com/aligned Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  1000: 10 years. 1000 episodes. What I Never Saw Coming. 14.07.2026 47мин

  For the 1000th time, I sat down and hit record. This is a goal I have worked toward for 10 years. When I launched the podcast on March 15, 2016, my goal was to “feel this out.” I wanted to see if I liked podcasting as a medium for coaching, community building, and exploration. I quickly knew this was going to be my jam.  If you don’t know the origin story of this show, you might be surprised to learn that this little show that could largely exists as it does today because I was hit with a cease & desist within 48 hours of launching. The way that situation transpired lit a fire underneath me. In that messy moment of panic, I knew that if someone was going to try to take me down, I was taking this show TO THE TOP.  The show became a Top 10 show in multiple categories on Apple Podcasts. Today, in a sea of 3.4 million podcasts, our show is ranked in the top 0.5% globally. The show has been downloaded over 7 million times in over 140 countries. It is currently a Top 30 Management show - a category of over 30,000 shows.  These numbers are fun for me to see. But the story behind the numbers is so much more impactful. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of the show. From that cease & desist to building an international community of women, to landing on international stages to speak, to Glennon Doyle Zoom bombing our membership community, to a global shutdown, to failed IVF,  PTSD/Anxiety/ADHD diagnoses, rebranding and renaming the show, a Masters Degree, returning to my roots in healthcare, and supporting Fortune 10 companies, this has been a wild ride I could have never predicted.  The impact of the show is so much bigger than me. And, that was always the plan. That was the goal. You all showed up and listened. You did the work. You got uncomfortable. You changed your behavior. You made your life better. You modeled to others how to make their lives better.  Collectively, we have changed lives. Thousands, if not millions, of lives impacted across 7 million downloads and 5.25 million hours of listening. For my fellow math nerds, that’s 600 YEARS of continuous listening.  I set out to do this alone. But I am never actually alone. At any given moment, someone somewhere is listening in. In every moment, one of you is with me. We are constantly in this together. And that means everything to me.   In this with you. Always. Links Mentioned: Early Bird Enrollment is open for my Aligned Leadership Incubator! Save $500 if you apply by June 30th: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  999: The Most Underrated Leadership Skill: Why Having FUN Drives Results | Leadership Strategies 07.07.2026 30мин

  I’ve worked with high-achieving women for over two decades. I think I attract high-achieving women because this is an attribute I deeply relate to - sometimes to my own detriment.  One of the things I’ve noticed my clients and I can struggle with is FUN. High achievers tend to take things seriously. Like, very seriously. We are intense and motivated to make everything great, if not perfect. This drive can suck the life right out of what otherwise might have been a footloose and fancy-free experience.  Rather than embracing fun as a birthright, high-achieving women in leadership have a tendency to treat fun only as a reward - which must be earned after a remarkable and noteworthy win. It’s as if somewhere along the way, we convinced ourselves that fun belongs to others but not to us. But here's what I've learned: when you connect fun only to rewards and achievement, you aren't just flirting with leadership burnout; you're leaving one of the most underrated leadership skills on the table. Fun isn't a reward or a distraction from the work of female leadership — it's an essential emotional intelligence practice that sharpens decision-making, deepens connection, and builds sustainable leadership. In this episode, I break down the essential elements that make something truly fun (hint: it's not just scheduling a happy hour), why high-achieving women are particularly prone to forgetting how to access it, and why reframing fun as a leadership strategy — not self-care, not a luxury, not an afterthought — changes everything. We will also walk through a simple 5-step process for reconnecting to your version of fun — not the Instagram version, not what your team thinks sounds good, but the kind of fun and joy that actually replenishes you. Because the most powerful leadership development tool often isn't another productivity system or another personal development book - it's remembering how to be fully alive and in your joy while you lead. Links Mentioned: Early Bird Enrollment is open for my Aligned Leadership Incubator! Save $500 if you apply by June 30th: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  998: 4 Management Mistakes That Are Trapping Leaders Right Now | Leadership Tips 30.06.2026 37мин

  Middle managers are getting squeezed from both directions right now. While this isn’t entirely new, the pace of change amid constant adaptation and uncertainty makes this season uniquely challenging. While you’re trying to keep senior leaders happy, your team needs clarity, support, and meaningful leadership. This can feel overwhelming, to say the least. In this episode, I'm breaking down four management mistakes that are quietly trapping even the most well-intentioned leaders: the Task Trap, the Communication Trap, the Reactivity Trap, and the Talent Trap. While these aren’t new problems, the pace of today's workplace has made them far more expensive to ignore. If you find yourself questioning how to uphold effective leadership, this conversation will help you gain clarity on how to cultivate enduring, productive, and rewarding relationships that advance collaboration and positive outcomes with those you lead. We will talk through how to bridge the gap between management and leadership, ensuring you’re more than just a project manager, but also a people developer. We will dig into how to avoid reactive leadership habits that impede the strategic thinking and action-taking your team actually needs from you. And we will discuss how to communicate to create clarity instead of more.  This episode will open your eyes to leadership mistakes to avoid when you find yourself in the midst of constant change and uncertainty, and help you take an honest look at where middle-management pressure meets real leadership development. You'll walk away with a clearer sense of which trap is costing you the most right now and what to do about it before it costs you your best people. Links Mentioned: Early Bird Enrollment is open for my Aligned Leadership Incubator! Save $500 if you apply by June 30th: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  997: Stop Holding Yourself Back: How to Become the Most Referred Voice in Your Industry | Leadership Mindset 23.06.2026 27мин

  Does visibility follow opportunities, or do opportunities follow visibility? The (perhaps hard) truth is that the opportunities you desire likely require visibility first. And… Creating that visibility lands squarely on you. Most people aren’t randomly discovered for their talent and unique perspective. The people who are platformed and promoted have intentionally and strategically made themselves visible enough to be discovered. Do you find yourself thinking: I'd like to have a greater impact I'd like to be recognized for my expertise I'd like to be considered for bigger opportunities I'd like more influence I'd like to be known for something I’d like to be seen as the hands-down best candidate for a new role Right now, the leaders who are getting invited into bigger conversations aren't necessarily the smartest, most credentialed, or most decorated people in the room. They're often the people who have done the work of clarifying what they stand for, what they know, and how they want to contribute. In this episode, I walk you through the exact steps to become more of a go-to voice in your industry. You may be thinking you need more experience or education before positioning yourself as an expert in your field. Nope. You’re already ready. Promise.  I have no doubt your unique blend of education/experience/talent/perspective qualifies you to stand out in some way. So, let’s figure out how you can leverage that, shall we? Using my 5-step Authority Ascension Framework, you will move from Competence (owning your expertise, experience, and unique POV) to Clarity (your unique thought leadership framework) to Contributing (actually becoming more visible in various ways) to Confirmed Credibility (becoming known and trusted by others), and finally, to Called Upon (people coming to you with opportunities!) We will also spend some time digging into how women miss the mark with visibility and leave the door wide open for others to take up the spaces they are ready and qualified to fill. This will help you see and understand the (likely arbitrary, if not completely made up) rules you are letting hold you back.  Major opportunities are often built from dozens of small visibility moments. This episode will help you position yourself for those little and not-so-little moments, from building your own content and frameworks to facilitating different kinds of conversations to speaking at events to mentoring others to getting interviews to getting published and more.  Links Mentioned: June 24th Free Workshop: The Future-Proof Leader: Why Your Thought Leadership Matters Significantly More in the Age of AI: https://saradean.com/future/ Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  996: What Will You Be Known For (That AI Can’t Replace) | Leadership Strategies 16.06.2026 30мин

  In the age of AI (yes, I kind of roll my eyes when I say that), you have a massive opportunity to double down on YOU. You are an original - literally one in eight billion… I want you to be strutting your stuff like that means something to you. Because if it means something to you, it will mean something to those around you, too.  AI cannot replicate you. No version of AI can create the unique overlap of your lived experiences, trained skills, innate talents, professional judgment, values, and unique points of view to create another you. While AI can generate endless information, it cannot replace the wisdom you've gained throughout your career or the way you connect ideas, solve problems, and influence others.  This episode will help you solidly step into your unique expertise, experiences, and insights that contribute to your personal leadership brand and make your contributions uniquely valuable in the future of work. It is time for you to define what you want to be known for. You have an opportunity to decide how you will be seen and how you will be valued as someone who is irreplaceable and indispensable.  In this episode, I will walk you through my thought leadership formula: (Knowledge x Lived Experience x Unique POV) + Communication = Thought Leadership. Understanding how to leverage this formula will become increasingly important in the age of AI. This will help you future-proof your career and remain relevant in a rapidly changing environment.  I also tackle the often uncomfortable topic of visibility and why leadership visibility matters more than ever. For many women in leadership, being seen can feel vulnerable, yet visibility is often the bridge between expertise and influence. Whether you're focused on building your leadership legacy, increasing your impact, or becoming more intentional about how you show up professionally, this episode will challenge you to think differently about how you choose to be seen, what you want to be known for, and how your thought leadership can create meaningful influence for years to come. Links Mentioned: June 24th Free Workshop: The Future-Proof Leader: Why Your Thought Leadership Matters Significantly More in the Age of AI: https://saradean.com/future/ Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  995: Thought Leadership in the Age of AI: The Skill That Protects Your Career | Leadership Tips | AI, Thought Leadership 09.06.2026 37мин

  There is no denying that artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we work, communicate, and lead, leaving many professionals wondering how to future-proof their career in an increasingly automated world. While AI can generate information in seconds, we desperately need leaders who can make meaning of information, influence others, and inspire action. This is the work of thought leadership. In this episode, I explore why thought leadership has become one of the most important leadership skills leaders can develop and why leadership in the age of AI requires far more than simply knowing things or technical expertise alone. Many women leaders hear the phrase thought leadership and assume it means becoming an influencer, author, or keynote speaker. In reality, becoming a thought leader is about increasing your influence, visibility, and credibility by sharing your unique perspective and expertise. For women seeking greater impact, stronger executive presence, and access to new opportunities, thought leadership is one of the most powerful leadership skills for women to develop, regardless of industry, role, or career stage. In the age of AI, your expertise alone is no longer enough. Information is everywhere. The leaders who create the greatest value are those who can interpret information, connect ideas, challenge assumptions, spot patterns, and help others navigate uncertainty. AI can summarize data and generate content, but it cannot replicate your lived experiences, professional judgment, values, intuition, or ability to lead people through change. In an era of constant digital transformation, these human capabilities are becoming more valuable, not less. Listen in to hear how thought leadership can support your leadership development and create long-term career resilience. If you're looking to strengthen your influence and develop the leadership skills that will matter most in the future, this episode will help you better understand the evolving relationship between AI and leadership and how to position yourself for lasting success. Links Mentioned: June 24th Free Workshop: The Future-Proof Leader: Why Your Thought Leadership Matters Significantly More in the Age of AI: https://saradean.com/future/ Denise Brosseau and The Thought Leadership Lab: https://thoughtleadershiplab.com/what-is-a-thought-leader/ Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  994: Sage Hobbs: Naked Communication: Courageously Create the Relationships You Really Want | Leadership Strategies 02.06.2026 51мин

  Sage Hobbs is an author, facilitator, and coach whose work combines her background in counseling psychology with a passion for helping people communicate with clarity, courage, and compassion. She empowers leaders and teams to navigate challenges, build trust, and strengthen the relationships that drive personal and professional success. Sage began her career as a school counselor. This experience shaped her understanding of complex communication and reinforced her belief that our happiness and success are tied to the quality of our relationships. She has since worked with schools, districts, nonprofits, and global organizations to foster emotional intelligence, positive culture, and effective leadership. Sage is the author of Naked Communication: Courageously Create the Relationships You Really Want and the host of the Principal Pep Talks podcast, bringing candid conversation to the real challenges of leadership. With a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Colorado Denver and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Sage is also a proud mom of two, a cancer survivor, and a lover of humor, books, and the occasional kitchen dance party. Listen in to hear Sage share: Why facilitating connection is a critical leadership skill How rewarding leaders for having all the “right” answers has undermined connection in leadership What missed opportunities for connection cost leaders and organizations Why people avoid hard conversations and why moments of discomfort in communication are imperative for leadership growth The distinction between leadership and management when it comes to communication How to leverage curiosity, clarity, and compassion in communication as a pathway to connection Four things you can do today to improve your communication and ability to connect in a meaningful way Links: Connect with Sage: https://sagebhobbs.com/ Get Sage’s Book: Naked Communication: Courageously Create the Relationships You Really Want  Sage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagebhobbs/ Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  993: Vulnerability in Leadership: Are You Armored or Daring? | Leadership Tips 26.05.2026 26мин

  We all have gaps in our leadership skills and capabilities that can be tough to spot on our own. But once seen, we cannot unsee these gaps, and we know we must take responsibility for our own growth and development. In this episode, I'm digging into Brené Brown's framework of Armored Leadership versus Daring Leadership from her book Strong Ground, with the hope that you will be able to spot some of your gaps in your leadership habits. I break down the 11 aspects of armored leadership, those self-protective behaviors that feel like safety but actually keep us stuck, and explore what shifts when you choose daring leadership instead: vulnerability, authenticity, and real growth.  We talk about what drives armored leadership in the first place, from scarcity mindset and social conditioning to past trauma, and how those patterns show up in organizational culture without us even realizing it. Then we flip the lens to daring leadership, where leading proactively and strategically rather than reactively becomes possible. We talk about values in leadership, the role of failure, and how building a belonging culture starts with the willingness to be vulnerable as a leader. This is leadership development that meets you where you actually are, for better or worse. This is an invitation to take an honest look at where armor and your need for self-protection are costing you. As I share in the episode, leadership is an act of service, and daring leadership asks you to show up fully, armor down, and lead from a place ot humility, curiosity, and authenticity.  Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  992: Three Grad School Takeaways That Might Help You as Much as They Helped Me | Leadership Stories 19.05.2026 28мин

  I’m five days out from graduating with my Master’s in Organizational Leadership. I’ll be honest, I am tired. Like, bone tired. I think the last four months have been a never-ending adrenaline rush to get to the finish line of grad school while also managing a full-time (and fully intense) work schedule and parenting during a busy baseball season. It’s been a lot. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been a lot of great things. I’m so grateful and truly elated for all I have experienced over the last two years. But I’m feeling the comedown, and it’s leaving me wiped out! While I think I’ll be processing the last two years for quite some time, I wanted to share a few nuggets with you right away. I’m walking away from this grad school experience with some important lessons learned that are immediately applicable for me — and might be for you, too! In this episode, I’m sharing three big takeaways from my grad school experience. First, I’m sharing a philosophy I learned in one of my first classes in the program on how to “see and see again.” This philosophy challenges us to look past assumptions, judgments, and biases and peel back the layers that might not be obvious at first glance. Second, I’m talking about how to be a leader who is for others. I’ve always known that leadership is not only about power, and leaders who get this confused are destined to become toxic, highly dysfunctional leaders (i.e., rulers or dictators). There are specific ways to embrace and embody leadership as a leader who is for others, and this is the kind of leadership we need to develop in one another. Third, I opted to get a concentration in Change Leadership as part of my Master’s program. My first few classes in change leadership felt a little dry and didn’t totally resonate with me. While the content felt helpful from an informational standpoint, it didn’t light a fire in me. Then I ended up in a change leadership class that completely flipped my notion of change leadership on its head, and I had this glaring realization that I am a change leader and have been for years (decades??). I was just looking at myself and my work through the wrong lens. When you hear my story about this, I think you might be able to see yourself and your change leadership capabilities through a new lens, too! The last two years have been an incredible ride. Thank you for your words of support and encouragement, as well as your many congratulations on social media and via email over the last week. I appreciate you!! If you have any questions about going back to school as a middle-aged, full-time working mom, please reach out. I’m an open book! Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices