Leadership, ownership, accountability, leadership mindset, leadership mistakes, self-preservation, how to take responsibility as a leader, blame-shifting in leadership, leadership growthWhen something goes wrong on your team, do you find yourself saying, “I wasn’t there,” or “That wasn’t my fault”?You’re not alone — and this subtle habit could be quietly eroding your credibility, trust, and influence.In this episode of The Better Conversations Podcast, Kara List breaks down why leadership is often unfair — and why that’s not a bad thing. You’ll learn how to shift from self-preservation to ownership, model accountability that strengthens your team, and build the kind of trust that transforms your culture.💡 You’ll learn:Why “fairness” isn’t the goal of great leadershipHow blame-shifting weakens trust (and what to do instead)What real ownership sounds like in leadership conversationsHow to model accountability without fear or defensiveness📩 Want weekly encouragement + practical leadership tools?Join Kara’s free Thursday email for leaders: https://heykaralist.com/newsletter

Struggling to handle your team’s ‘bad’ ideas without crushing morale? Here’s a simple 3-step approach that keeps them engaged, heard, and motivated—even when you have to say no.

Get my best leadership tip sent directly to your email each week: https://www.heykaralist.com/newsletter

Transform your 1:1 Meetings with These 7 Questions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-better-conversations-podcast/id1743846395?i=1000685152040

If you’ve ever wondered how to handle workplace conflict, lead through team conflict, or stop workplace drama before it spreads, this episode is for you. Kara shares exactly what she’d do if her employees weren’t getting along—and how you can use these same conflict resolution strategies for leaders to build a healthy team culture. You’ll learn how to manage employee conflict, coach your team through conflict, and communicate clearly during tough conversations without becoming the referee.

🎧 Download Kara’s free Drama-Free Conflict Resolution Guide at https://www.heykaralist.com/conflict

If you’ve ever thought, “This meeting could have been an email,” you’re not alone. The average company spends up to 15% of its personnel budget on meetings — and most of that time isn’t spent well.

In this episode, leadership coach Kara List shares how to take back control of your calendar and make meetings work for you, not against you. You’ll learn how to lead meetings with purpose, care, and creativity — and why it all starts with a “meeting about your meetings.”

✅ What you’ll learn:

• How to identify which meetings are actually necessary

• The 4 types of meetings worth keeping

• How to decide who needs to be in the room

• The leader’s posture of stewardship

• 4 creative practices to make meetings meaningful and energizing

  
  

🎁 Free Resource: Download Kara’s Meeting Kickoff Guide (B.A.N.G.) → heykaralist.com/kickoff

In this episode of The Better Conversations Podcast, Kara List breaks down why silence is one of the cruelest leadership mistakes you can make—and how to replace avoidance with clarity, kindness, and impact. You’ll learn:-Why avoiding feedback creates fear, low performance, and turnover

-How high performers lose confidence when leaders stay quiet

-The CLEAR feedback framework (with real examples you can use right away)

-How to deliver tough feedback without sugarcoating—or bulldozing

-Why honesty and clarity are the most powerful leadership tools you haveIf you’ve ever struggled to give feedback, feared hurting someone’s feelings, or found yourself avoiding hard conversations—this episode is for you.👉 Grab Kara’s free CLEAR Feedback Template here: heykaralist.com/feedback👉 FULL EPISODE on CLEAR Feedback Method: https://youtu.be/iRvZFC5UiZ4?si=Z5-dq_sTI83GDhg_👉 Work with Kara to build a drama-free dream team by emailing her with the subject line DREAM TEAM: Kara@karalist.co

Struggling to deliver bad news at work without creating chaos? Learn how clarity and empathy can help you lead tough conversations that build trust instead of confusion. Delivering bad news at work is one of the hardest parts of leadership. Most leaders don’t fail because of what they say, but how they say it. When conversations aren’t clear, they blow up into confusion, chaos, and hurt.In this episode, I’ll show you how to deliver bad news in a way that builds trust instead of destroying it.

You’ll learn:✅ Why clarity matters more than cramming in every detail✅ How to shape conversations so people walk away knowing what really matters✅ A simple rule for leading with empathy (without over-apologizing or sugarcoating)✅ How to avoid turning tough conversations into a total mess

Whether you’re letting someone go, rolling out a new initiative, or having a hard one-on-one, this episode will give you the tools to make your conversations safe, clear, and constructive.

⭐️⭐️⭐️If this episode hit home for you, I’d love to help you go deeper. Open up your email app right now and send me a quick note at kara@karalist.co with the subject line: “I am interested.”That’s it—no pressure, no long message required. Just let me know you’re ready, and I’ll respond personally to learn more about your work and share a quick win to help you lead better conversations at work.

Check out this episode: Sympathy is OUT! Empathy is IN!: https://youtu.be/t3Vzvr8h7YE?si=2XlPHrXz2WMyFiPD

Feeling exhausted from trying to do it all? In this episode, I share why hustle culture is stealing your joy and how to break free from burnout as a leader, working mom, or busy professional. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by endless to-do lists, team responsibilities, or family demands, this episode will help you step into healthy leadership without the exhaustion.Don't Forget the OCEAN ROLL EMAIL!! Kara@karalist.co📩 Get my free Better Conversations weekly newsletter: https://www.heykaralist.com/newsletter(packed with my exclusive and best leadership tips)

Your words matter more than your title. In this video, Kara List, leadership coach and host of The Better Conversations Podcast, shares the 5 sayings that will determine your impact as a leader. Whether you lead a small team or an entire organization, these signature phrases you repeat shape your workplace culture, influence how your team sees you, and create a lasting leadership legacy. If you’ve ever wondered what your team will remember you for, this episode will give you the tools to choose your words on purpose—and lead with greater impact.More leadership & communication tips:📩 Get my free Better Conversations newsletter: https://www.heykaralist.com/newsletter FREE RESOURCES ] 👉 Watch my FREE TRAINING on how to empower your team to STOP needing you for every answer and directive: https://www.heykaralist.com/workshop

👉 Get a FREE guide to the BEST way to start your meetings: https://www.heykaralist.com/kickoff

When an employee refuses to help a coworker and says, “That’s not my job,” it can trigger frustration, self-doubt, or even anger. In this episode, I’ll show you how to respond—not with ego or avoidance, but with confident, clear leadership. You’ll learn the exact words to say and how to shift the conversation from pushback to partnership.

Whether you’re dealing with resistance, non-compliance, or just navigating another tough team moment, this episode will equip you with practical tools, mindset shifts, and phrases that foster connection, not control.

10 go-to phrases for hard or uncomfortable conversations: https://www.heykaralist.com/cheatsheat
👉 Subscribe to get new content, freebies, and tips directly in your inbox: https://www.heykaralist.com/newsletter

Feeling drained from nonstop conversations, endless meetings, and constant team needs? You're not alone. In this episode of The Better Conversations Podcast, Kara shares 4 practical tips to beat leadership burnout and protect your energy—without disconnecting from your team.

Learn how to recover from burnout, shift your leadership mindset, and build emotionally sustainable habits that help you lead with clarity and care. Whether you’re struggling with hard conversations, feeling overwhelmed by workplace culture, or just tired of talking all the time—this episode is packed with tools to help you lead well without burning out.

👉 Want personalized help? Book a free call at https://www.⁠heykaralist.com/freecall

👉 Join my circle and get my weekly leadership communication TIP: Better Conversations Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://www.heykaralist.com/newsletter

Learn more about Calendly: https://calendly.com/

Awkward at work? You're not alone. In this video, learn how to master small talk at work, build trust, and connect with your team using my “2-Minute Talks” method. Whether you’re an introvert, new manager, or just tired of surface-level chats, these leadership communication tips will help you turn microwave convos and hallway chats into real moments of influence.

Get the Better Conversations Weekly Tip: https://www.heykaralist.com/newsletter

👉 Watch my FREE TRAINING on how to empower your team to STOP needing you for every answer and directive: https://www.heykaralist.com/workshop

Struggling to give honest feedback without feeling awkward, anxious, or overly emotional? You're not alone—and you're not a bad leader for dreading it. In this episode of The Better Conversations Podcast, Kara List shares her proven 3-step framework that makes hard conversations at work feel more natural, confident, and effective.

Whether you’re managing underperformance, addressing behavior issues, or just trying to communicate feedback without damaging trust, this practical episode will give you the tools to speak clearly, challenge directly, and stay connected.

You’ll learn:

• Why feedback feels so hard—and how to shift your mindset

• The CLEAR feedback method for confident communication

• How to stop sugarcoating and actually say the thing

• The secret to building a feedback culture where conversations lead to growth, not conflict

  
  

👉 Download the free feedback template at heykaralist.com/feedback
👉 Want personalized help? Book a free call at heykaralist.com/freecall

After a year of connecting with so many of you, one truth stands out: culture is built in the everyday conversations we have at work. And if we want a better culture, we need better conversations.

In this short episode, I’m sharing why I’m making a big change, what’s coming next, and how this podcast (and my new weekly newsletter!) will help you lead with more clarity, confidence, and connection—one conversation at a time.

✨ Sign up for the Better Conversations newsletter at heykaralist.com/newsletter

For years, I struggled with giving honest feedback. I thought I had to be perfect, have all the answers, or sugarcoat what needed to be said. But what I’ve learned is that mindset beats method. And these 5 truths? They make feedback so much easier—and far more effective.✅ Why the goal of feedback is not your comfort

✅ How to shift from monologue to meaningful conversation

✅ Why “you might be wrong” is the best leadership stance

✅ What to do when your team member disagrees

✅ Why feedback is never a one-and-done momentBy the end of this episode, you’ll have a mindset framework that makes giving feedback a lot less stressful—and a lot more helpful.🎯 Want to learn exactly how to have feedback conversations that build trust and accountability?👉 Join the waitlist for the No More Hard Conversations Summer Cohort at: https://heykaralist.com/cohort FREE RESOURCES ] 👉 Watch my FREE TRAINING on how to empower your team to STOP needing you for every answer and directive: https://www.heykaralist.com/workshop

👉 Get a FREE guide to the BEST way to start your meetings: https://www.heykaralist.com/kickoff

👉 Subscribe to get new content, freebies, and tips directly in your inbox: https://www.heykaralist.com/newsletter[ WORK WITH ME ] 🔥 Want to build a happy and high performing team so you can go on a vacation? Join my signature program, Empowered Teams Academy at: https://www.heykaralist.com/eta🔥 Looking to grow in your leadership skills and finally overcome that challenge that continues to get in the way and keep you frustrated? Apply for one-on-one coaching with kara: https://www.heykaralist.com/coaching-page

Feeling like you’re not qualified to lead? Struggling with imposter syndrome as a new or growing leader? In this video, leadership coach Kara List shares the truth about what makes someone truly qualified—and it’s probably not what you think.

Whether you're managing a team, running a project, or stepping into leadership for the first time, this episode will help you feel empowered and equipped to lead well—right where you are.

🎁 Free Leadership Training – “Free to Lead”: www.heykaralist.com/workshop

Need more help with finding your unique value add as a leader? Check out this video: https://youtu.be/sg5WvTqqAWE

[ FREE RESOURCES ]

👉 Watch my FREE TRAINING on how to empower your team to STOP needing you for every answer and directive: https://www.heykaralist.com/workshop

👉 Get a FREE guide to the BEST way to start your meetings: https://www.heykaralist.com/kickoff

👉 Subscribe to get new content, freebies, and tips directly in your inbox: https://www.heykaralist.com/newsletter

[ WORK WITH ME ]

🔥 Want to build a happy and high performing team so you can go on a vacation? Join my signature program, Empowered Teams Academy at: https://www.heykaralist.com/eta

🔥 Looking to grow in your leadership skills and finally overcome that challenge that continues to get in the way and keep you frustrated? Apply for one-on-one coaching with kara: https://www.heykaralist.com/coaching-page

Even if you love your team, you might be asking yourself, “Is this as good as it gets?” Or maybe you feel stuck with the “B team.” Here’s a hard truth: if your team isn’t performing like you want, it might not be their fault. It might actually be yours—not because you’re a bad leader, but because you may be unknowingly creating 4 common roadblocks that hold your team back from becoming the A team.

In this episode of The Culture Keepers Podcast, I break down these 4 leadership habits that well-meaning leaders often fall into — and I give you practical steps to fix them this week. No guilt, no shame—just honest reflection and a roadmap for real growth.

You’ll learn how to:
✔️ Stop micromanaging and build trust, confidence, and ownership
✔️ Avoid rescuing your team and empower them to solve problems independently
✔️ Recognize perfectionism disguised as helpfulness and shift to constructive feedback
✔️ Delegate effectively to unlock your team’s unique strengths and free your time

[ FREE RESOURCES ]

👉 Watch my FREE TRAINING on how to empower your team to STOP needing you for every answer and directive: https://www.heykaralist.com/workshop

👉 Get a FREE guide to the BEST way to start your meetings: https://www.heykaralist.com/kickoff

👉 Subscribe to get new content, freebies, and tips directly in your inbox: https://www.heykaralist.com/newsletter

[ WORK WITH ME ]

🔥 Want to build a happy and high performing team so you can go on a vacation? Join my signature program, Empowered Teams Academy at: https://www.heykaralist.com/eta

🔥 Looking to grow in your leadership skills and finally overcome that challenge that continues to get in the way and keep you frustrated? Apply for one-on-one coaching with kara: https://www.heykaralist.com/coaching-page

Want to improve your workplace culture and boost team morale in 2025? In this episode of The Culture Keepers Podcast, leadership coach Kara List shares 7 practical strategies to build a positive, high-performing team culture—even if your team feels disengaged or burned out. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned leader, you’ll learn how to build trust, encourage feedback, foster connection, and drive engagement without needing a massive budget or endless time.

From celebrating progress to inviting disagreement, Kara walks you through actionable leadership tips that help you lead with clarity, kindness, and consistency. This is your leadership playbook for creating a workplace where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to do their best work.

[ FREE RESOURCES ]

👉 Watch my FREE TRAINING on how to empower your team to STOP needing you for every answer and directive: https://www.heykaralist.com/workshop

👉 Get a FREE guide to the BEST way to start your meetings: https://www.heykaralist.com/kickoff

👉 Subscribe to get new content, freebies, and tips directly in your inbox: https://www.heykaralist.com/newsletter

[ WORK WITH ME ]

🔥 Want to build a happy and high performing team so you can go on a vacation? Join my signature program, Empowered Teams Academy at: https://www.heykaralist.com/eta

🔥 Looking to grow in your leadership skills and finally overcome that challenge that continues to get in the way and keep you frustrated? Apply for one-on-one coaching with kara: https://www.heykaralist.com/coaching-page

Today, we’re tackling one of leadership's hardest and most important moments: what to do when someone on your team drops the ball. You’ll learn a 4-step framework to handle missed goals with compassion and clarity—without shaming your team or lowering your standards. We’ll talk about the emotional tension between kindness and accountability, and how to navigate it with confidence.You'll walk away with:-A clear script for naming the miss without blame-Questions that invite reflection (not excuses)-Coaching strategies to move forward with structure-Ways to reinforce accountability while strengthening trustWhether you're a seasoned leader or new to management, this episode will help you handle hard conversations in a way that builds your culture—not breaks it.

[ FREE RESOURCES ]

👉 Watch my FREE TRAINING on how to empower your team to STOP needing you for every answer and directive: https://www.heykaralist.com/workshop

👉 Get a FREE guide to the BEST way to start your meetings: https://www.heykaralist.com/kickoff

👉 Subscribe to get new content, freebies, and tips directly in your inbox: https://www.heykaralist.com/newsletter[ WORK WITH ME ]

🔥 Want to build a happy and high performing team so you can go on a vacation? Join my signature program, Empowered Teams Academy at: https://www.heykaralist.com/eta

Want to build a stronger, more motivated team? Most leaders default to vague praise like “good job”—but that’s not enough. In this episode, leadership coach Kara List shares 3 practical coaching strategies that will completely shift how your team hears feedback and responds. You’ll learn how to train your brain to spot what’s going right, how to coach for connection, development, and culture, and how to use everyday moments to create real transformation.

🎯 Perfect for:

✔️ Managers and team leaders

✔️ Culture builders

✔️ Leaders who want to give better feedback

✔️ Anyone tired of feeling like praise falls flat

[ FREE RESOURCES ]

👉 Watch my FREE TRAINING on how to empower your team to STOP needing you for every answer and directive: https://www.heykaralist.com/workshop

👉 Get a FREE guide to the BEST way to start your meetings: https://www.heykaralist.com/kickoff

👉 Subscribe to get new content, freebies, and tips directly in your inbox: https://www.heykaralist.com/newsletter

[ WORK WITH ME ]

🔥 Want to build a happy and high performing team so you can go on a vacation? Join my signature program, Empowered Teams Academy at: https://www.heykaralist.com/eta

Your employee just got defensive—now what? In this episode, you'll learn exactly what to say and do when a team member shuts down, pushes back, or gets emotional during feedback conversations.If you've ever struggled with employees who take feedback personally or derail productive conversations, this is for you. Whether you're a new manager, experienced leader, or HR professional, these communication tips will help you stay calm, build trust, and give feedback that actually sticks. We'll walk through: