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 alone
• The four elements every impactful story needs
• How to bring stories into retreats, team meetings, and strategy sessions
• Easy 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.

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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

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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 instead
• How to measure culture as a behavioral phenomenon, not just vibes
• The top 3 things employees are begging leaders to do more of
• How Gen Z’s relationship with anxiety is changing leadership forever
• Why 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 Tank
• Connect with Delise Simmons on LinkedIn
• Check 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.

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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 them
• Why shedding outdated beliefs is key to personal growth
• Simple practices to increase visibility and confidence at work
• How hormones and neurobiology impact leadership
• Power 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 Brizendine
• Erika’s Visibility Workshop Series
• Amy 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.

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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 leadership
• How strong relationships can sometimes mask weak results
• Tips for managing up when your boss cancels meetings (again)
• A refreshing reminder that leadership is about clarity, not control

Whether 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

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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 leaders
• Balancing relationships with results
• Managing up when your boss is overwhelmed
• Why clarity is contagious (and confusion is costly)
• How to get decisions fast—with minimal friction

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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 frameworks
• Step forward/step back team agreements
• Techniques to amplify quieter voices in meetings
• Why 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.

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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 matter
• Greg’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, Purpose
• How great managers spark motivation through 1:1s, feedback, and meaningful goals
• Christine’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?

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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 curiosity
• Why 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: corena.chase@gmail.com

🎧 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

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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.

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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 game
• Patrick Lencioni’s Five Dysfunctions of a Team
• Google’s Project Aristotle research on psychological safety

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What happens when your star employee starts slipping—and swears they’re “fine”? Or when leadership hands you KPIs that would break the very culture you worked so hard to build?

In this live roundtable episode of Stepping Into Leadership, Christine is joined in-studio by two fan-favorite voices—Blonka and Tom—for a candid, unscripted conversation about real-life management dilemmas. Together, they tackle:

• How to address declining performance with care and clarity
• Why “I’m fine” is rarely the full story—and what to do when it isn’t
• What to do when leadership hands you impossible KPIs
• How to protect your team from burnout while still getting results

You’ll hear a case study we’re calling The Janet Effect—a moment that every manager will recognize—and walk away with tangible ways to lead with empathy and effectiveness, even under pressure.

This is part 1 of a special two-part live session recorded in person with the crew. Don’t miss the laughter, honesty, and leadership gold.

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Christine welcomes leadership coach Blonka Winkfield back to her show for this powerful episode which explores imposter syndrome under its preferred name of “imposter feelings.” The discussion investigates the widespread occurrence of self-doubt among successful leaders by examining both the source of these feelings and the social systems that create them.

Blonka explains the origin of imposter syndrome through its historical development as the "imposter phenomenon" while explaining why changing its name brings benefits. Christine reveals a childhood memory which continues to influence her financial communication approach and she and Blonka present direct strategies for managing their inner critics as well as those of their clients.

This conversation addresses everyone who feels out of place in their role whether they recently gained promotion or lead a new team or enter situations where they feel like outsiders.

Listen in to learn:

• The act of identifying your imposter feelings will instantaneously decrease their ability to control you.
•  The process of transforming your internal speech leads to actual changes in brain chemistry.
• The connection between imposter syndrome exists with social systems which include racism ageism and sexism.
• A step-by-step approach to convert discouraging self-talk into motivational statements of empowerment.
• The scientific evidence shows that positivity functions as a strategic approach rather than meaningless flattery.
• Small achievements deserve more recognition than people typically understand.

💬 The discussion includes authentic dialogue together with humorous parts and a message that perfection should be avoided.

The upcoming 100th episode is near while listeners who enjoy this episode should check out our previous Blonka episodes.

https://growlead.business/m/Blonka

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What’s it like to manage—or be—the loudest voice in the room?

In this episode, Christine sits down with Greg Shamie to explore the expressive social style: the high-energy, idea-sparking, people-centered leaders who light up meetings, connect quickly, and often get mislabeled as “too much.”

Together, they unpack the strengths and growing edges of expressives, how they show up in teams, and why structure and preparation are just as important as spontaneity.

Whether you’re an expressive leader yourself or managing one on your team, this episode will help you understand what drives them, what drains them, and how to bring out their best—without dimming their light.

🔑 In This Episode:

• The expressive style explained: strengths, instincts, and energy
• How expressives impact team dynamics (for better or worse)
• Why expressives need structure to thrive—and may not ask for it
• Coaching an expressive through growth moments, setbacks, and burnout
• Using the Situational Leadership model to support expressive team members at every stage
• The power of recognition, preparation, and authentic connection

💡 Christine’s Takeaway:

“Expressives don’t need to be toned down. They need to be supported and seen—so they can shine and bring everyone with them.”

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Psychological safety is the secret ingredient of the most successful teams. It’s what allows people to speak up, take risks, challenge ideas, and truly contribute—without fear of judgment or punishment.

In this episode, Greg Shamie and I dive deep into what psychological safety is, why it’s essential for workplace success, and how it impacts performance, trust, and innovation. If you’ve ever wondered how to create a culture where your team thrives, this episode is for you.

🚀 What you’ll learn:

✔️ The four stages of psychological safety (Timothy Clark’s model)

✔️ How Google’s Project Aristotle proved its impact on team performance

✔️ The hidden ways fear-based leadership holds teams back

✔️ A personal story of when I (unintentionally) shut down psychological safety—and what I learned from it

🎧 Listen now and check out our new infographic to see six practical ways to foster psychological safety in your workplace!

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In this episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, host Christine Courtney sits down with Amanda Meeson, Executive Director of the Sterling Community Center, to dive deep into the art of communication in leadership. Amanda, a dynamic leader who has transformed organizations through strategic growth and innovation, shares powerful insights on how leaders can build trust, ensure clarity, and navigate difficult conversations with confidence.

Together, Christine and Amanda explore:

✅ The role of authenticity in leadership and why you can’t fake it

✅ How building trust starts with clear, consistent communication

✅ The power of feedback—giving it, receiving it, and creating a culture where it thrives

✅ Practical strategies to handle tough conversations while maintaining strong relationships

✅ How great leaders adapt communication styles to their teams for maximum impact

With engaging stories, practical takeaways, and real-world leadership lessons, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their communication skills—whether you’re leading a team, managing up, or simply wanting to foster better relationships at work.

🎧 Tune in now and step into your leadership with confidence!

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In this episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, host Christine Courtney and producer Tatiana Dominguez take a deep dive into Situational Leadership—one of the most powerful leadership models for managers and rising leaders.

Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. The Situational Leadership Model helps leaders adapt their style based on their team's competence and commitment levels. But how do you actually put it into practice?

💡 In this episode, we discuss:

✅ How to assess where your employees are in the leadership model

✅ Why coaching (not just directing) is essential for success

✅ The biggest mistakes leaders make—like delegating too soon or micromanaging

✅ How check-ins & trust-building prevent leadership breakdowns

✅ A real-world framework for applying adaptive leadership styles

This episode is packed with practical techniques that will help you build stronger, more effective teams—whether you're leading one person or an entire organization.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

🎙️ Missed Part 1? [Listen Here]

📌 Explore the Leadership Learning Lab – An 8-week online bootcamp for managers & rising leaders! [Join the next cohort]

🔎 Related Episode: Building Trust as a Leader

👉 Did this episode help you?

Share your takeaways on LinkedIn or Instagram and tag us! #SituationalLeadership #SteppingIntoYourLeadership

📢 Subscribe & Leave a Review!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube!

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In this episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, host Christine Courtney brings back an old friend and former colleague, Ray Vicencio, to dive deep into the analytical personality type in the workplace. As a former CFO and controller, Ray embodies the traits of an analytical thinker—detail-oriented, logical, and driven by accuracy.

Together, they discuss how analytical individuals approach work, their biggest pet peeves, and how to effectively communicate and collaborate with them. Christine and Ray explore strategies for managing deadlines, giving constructive feedback, and helping analytical team members make decisions with confidence. Plus, they share tips for analytical thinkers on how to work effectively with more spontaneous or expressive colleagues.

If you've ever struggled to understand the meticulous, data-driven mind of an analytical coworker—or if you are that person—this episode is packed with insights to help you build stronger, more productive relationships in the workplace.

Tune in for practical advice, real-life workplace stories, and a few laughs along the way!

🎧 Listen now and learn how to work better with the analytical minds around you!

📌 Personality Assessments & Work Styles

Understanding different personality assessments can help leaders and teams communicate and collaborate more effectively. Here are some key ones we mentioned:

• DISC Personality Test – A widely used tool that categorizes personalities into four types: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C). Analytical personalities align with the "C" (Conscientious) type.
• Social Styles Model – A behavioral model categorizing individuals into four types: Analytical, Driver, Amiable, and Expressive. Ray represents the Analytical type.
• The Achiever Personality Quotient (APQ) – A tool used in hiring and leadership development to assess personality traits and work habits.
• Working Genius Assessment – Created by Patrick Lencioni, this model helps teams identify their natural strengths in the workplace.

💡 Stay Connected

If you enjoyed this episode and want to dive deeper into leadership and team dynamics, subscribe to Stepping Into Your Leadership and follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram for more insights!

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AI is changing the game in business, and it’s happening fast! In this episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, host Christine Courtney sits down with Vince Waduwani, founder of Econify, to discuss how AI is transforming workflows, productivity, and business strategy.

Vince shares his experiences leading groundbreaking projects—from helping develop Wi-Fi at Apple to working with top media companies like NBC and Bloomberg. He breaks down how AI tools are already reshaping industries and how business leaders can leverage AI effectively rather than fear it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ AI-Powered Productivity Hacks – Tools like ChatGPT Tasks, Otter.AI, and Summate that help streamline work

✅ AI in Business Operations – Using Notebook LLM (Google) to create interactive employee handbooks and match talent to projects

✅ The Future of AI in Organizations – How to go beyond just “sprinkling AI” and strategically integrate it into workflows

✅ Leadership Lessons from Apple & Beyond – Why choosing the right boss over job can define your career

🚀 Whether you're an AI skeptic or enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to stay ahead in an AI-driven world.

📌 All resources mentioned in this episode are listed in the show notes below.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

AI Productivity & Business Tools

• ChatGPT Tasks – Set up recurring AI-generated insights, reminders, or industry news updates
• Summate – AI-powered tool that summarizes newsletters & YouTube transcripts
• Otter.AI – Real-time transcription and meeting summary tool
• Firefly – AI-powered meeting assistant for automatic notes & action items

AI for Business & Team Efficiency

• Notebook LLM (Google) – Upload internal documents (like employee handbooks) for instant AI-powered responses
• Vercel V0 – AI-assisted website builder that allows you to generate custom sites with simple prompts

Other Mentions in the Episode

• Wi-Fi Development at Apple – Learn more about 802.11b Wi-Fi standard, which Vince helped develop
• Econify – Check out Econify, the software development firm founded by Vince Waduwani
• Leadership Insight: “Don’t pick your job, pick your boss.”

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https://ledevpartners.com/the-power-of-storytelling-in-sales

Podcast Episode Description: The Power of Storytelling in Sales 🎙️✨

In this episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, we dive deep into how storytelling can transform sales conversations and client presentations. Research shows that stories are 22 times more memorable than facts alone—so why aren’t more sales professionals using them to their advantage?

Join Christine as she breaks down:

✅ The neuroscience behind storytelling and why it builds trust and engagement.

✅ The top storytelling frameworks—including the Hero’s Journey, Before-After-Bridge, and STAR Method.

✅ How to handle objections using customer success stories instead of data alone.

✅ Practical exercises to help you refine and shorten your sales stories for maximum impact.

We also discuss the Storytelling Playbook for Sales and Client Presentations, a resource packed with tips, exercises, and templates to help you integrate storytelling into your sales strategy. Want a copy? Download it now using the link in the show notes!

📢 Tune in and start using storytelling to boost sales, engage clients, and make your pitches unforgettable! 🚀

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