Welcome to a special episode of The Co-Creators Podcast! This week, we're diving into a question that could change everything: Why should you invest in yourself?
You may have noticed we didn't release an episode last week—and here's why: we were walking the talk! We invested in ourselves by attending a powerful retreat with our coach and coaching collective, and what we experienced was too good not to share.
In this episode, you'll hear from incredible leaders who opened up about their own journeys with self-investment. Their stories are raw, real, and refreshingly different—each one offering a unique perspective that might be exactly what you need to hear right now.
Featured Guests:
Ready to be inspired? Whether you're on the fence about coaching, craving community, or wondering if investing in yourself is really worth it—this episode will give you the clarity (and maybe the push) you've been looking for.
Resources:
We would love to connect with you!
Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
This week, we're exploring how leaders can navigate unexpected disruptions and rapid change, drawing from The Prepared Leader by Erica H. James and Lynn Perry Wooten.
The Big Question: How can leaders stay grounded and prepared when change hits fast?
Phase 1: Detection
Phase 2: Preparation & Prevention
Phase 3: Damage Containment
Phase 4: Recovery
Hope is an action word. Build these skills before crisis hits. If you micromanage, you're not building agility. Recovery isn't optional—make space for it.
Resources: The Prepared Leader by Erica H. James & Lynn Perry Wooten | Gravitas by Lisa Sun
Resources:
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Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
We are re-sharing this episode from Season 1 about burnout as we are seeing a lot of it right now with our clients and partners. If you would like to hear more about burnout, check out Season 1. In this conversation, we wanted to remind you of the five non-traditional signs of burnout we highlighted in our very first episode:
Key Contributors of Burnout
In this week's episode, we dive into these contributing factors and share tips on how you can work through burnout.
Resources:
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Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
This week, we're challenging the deficit-focused mindset that dominates work culture and exploring why celebrating wins is essential for sustainable success and growth.
The Big Question: Why do we celebrate wins?
The Core Reasons:
How to Start Celebrating Wins Today:
Key Takeaway: Celebrating wins and continuous improvement aren't mutually exclusive—they're partners. Stop waiting to acknowledge success. You'll have more energy, clarity, and momentum for everything else.
Your Assignment This Week: Write down your wins, share them with someone, celebrate with your team, and email us your wins at podcast@cocreatework.com—we'll celebrate with you!
Want to read more about what the research says?
On the power of small wins:
On how your brain reinforces what you focus on:
On why negative feedback rarely works:
On why negative self-talk undermines performance:
On approach vs. avoidance goals:
On the power of leader positivity:
On the brain's negativity bias:
Resources:
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Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
This week, we explore why asking for help feels like admitting defeat and how this mindset keeps us isolated when we could be achieving breakthrough results through collaboration.
The Big Question: Why do I treat asking for help like admitting defeat?
The 4 Key Blocks:
Remember: Asking for help isn't defeat—it's how you create something bigger than you could build alone. You deserve support, and collaboration leads to breakthrough results.
Key Takeaway: The sum is greater than the parts. Stop treating independence as strength and start treating co-creation as the path to your best work.
Resources for this Episode: Uncompete by Ruchika T. Mahotra
Have a question for the show? Email podcast@cocreatework.com. Subscribe to our newsletter for written framework and prompts.
As always, thank you for your leadership.
Resources:
We would love to connect with you!
Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
This week, we talk about the tension between going all-in on your biggest goals and avoiding burnout—especially as we see conversations about "the great lock-in" trending.
The Big Question Can I square ambition and sustainability, or do I have to choose one over the other?
The 4 Steps
Remember: You can do it all, but you can't do it all at one time. Balance isn't static—it changes based on your season and priorities.
Key Takeaway: Don't limit your ambition by what you think is sustainable. Have the ambition first, then figure out how to make it sustainable through intentionality, co-creation, and community.
Resources for this Episode: Rest is Resistance, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
Have a question for the show? Email podcast@cocreatework.com. Subscribe to our newsletter for written framework and prompts.
As always, thank you for your leadership.
Resources:
We would love to connect with you!
Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
This week, we dig into a line we hear often from leaders and founders: I’m not sure I can do this.
The Big Question
What do you do when the next step feels bigger than your current confidence?
The 3 Moves
Remember
Mindset first. Skills and tools work best after the decision is made.
Key Takeaway
Your past successes are proof. Intention changes how you move. Start small and start today.
Have a question for the show? Email podcast@cocreatework.com.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the written framework and prompts.
As always, thank you for your leadership.
Resources:
We would love to connect with you!
Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
Welcome back to Season 4! This week, we discuss a question we hear frequently from our coaching clients: What does it mean when you have all the authority on paper, but still feel like you can't make decisions?
What does it mean when you are in the position of authority, but you don't feel like you can make decisions or feel empowered?
Ask yourself: "What's keeping me from making these decisions?" Tools like journaling and asking deeper questions can help you get clarity.
Common blocks include fear of not being liked, not wanting to be wrong, or not trusting yourself. Once you identify these beliefs, you can address them through approaches like custom affirmations or professional support when needed.
After addressing mindset, you may find gaps in practical skills like having difficult conversations or making structured decisions—and that's when building those capabilities becomes essential.
Remember: You must address the mindset first. All the skills won't help if you haven't made the decision to step into your authority.
The blocker is usually something deeper than the surface-level decision. Start with introspection, get clarity through journaling, and take imperfect action.
Have a question for the show? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
Subscribe to our newsletter for additional insights and tools.
As always, thank you for your leadership.
Resources:
We would love to connect with you!
Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
In this episode of The CoCreators Podcast, we dive into what co-creation really means and how to put it into practice. Whether you're a consultant, an HR leader, or a founder building your culture from the ground up, this episode offers the essential principles that guide effective, sustainable co-creation at work.
We share our definition of co-creation and why it’s more than collaboration. We walk through the 8 principles that help organizations lead with culture, embed equity, and build trust. We also talk about how to move from top-down leadership to a more agile, high-impact approach, and we offer real-life stories of co-creation in action from our work with clients and leaders.
You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of the difference between collaboration and co-creation, a framework to evaluate and improve how your team builds together, and practical ways to start applying co-creation in your own work today:
The 8 Principles of Co-Creation are:
We use these principles in every part of our work, and you’ll hear us return to them throughout the season. In future episodes, we’ll talk with founders, consultants, HRBPs, and culture builders who are living these ideas and shaping the future of work every day.
Resources Mentioned:
Take the free CoCreator Style Quiz
Join our email list for updates and upcoming episodes at cocreatework.com.
Let us know which principle resonated most with you or how you’re already practicing co-creation. We’d love to hear from you.
Resources:
We would love to connect with you!
Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
We’re kicking things off with a fresh name and an expanded vision. In this episode, we share why we’ve rebranded to The CoCreators, what co-creation means to us, and what you can expect moving forward.
We’re here for founders, HR leaders, and anyone committed to building culture with intention—and we’re so glad you’re with us.
Resources:
We would love to connect with you!
Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
Join us on this exciting finale of our Culture Series where we discuss the essence and impact of building a great culture within organizations. We debunk misconceptions about culture, clarifying that it goes beyond work perks, but encompasses everything from project management to diversity, inclusion, leadership, and beyond. Culture is the foundation for creating adaptive organizations, thriving in the future of work.
And we invite you to apply to the CoCreate Work Culture Certification Program to help us build the future of work - together.
Resources:
We would love to connect with you!
Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
Ever wondered why some workplaces feel terrible? Let's talk about it. In this episode we’re talking all about toxic workplaces. We walk you through some significant data about the prevalence of toxic work environments and their impact on employee's mental and physical health. It's time to understand the power dynamics and beliefs that contribute to creating such workplaces, and how these can often blur the line between healthy friction and genuine toxicity.
But it's not all gloom and doom! We turn the lens towards potential solutions and proactive steps you can take to combat toxicity in your workspace.
Links and Resources
To Put Your Company Values into Action, Create Working Agreements
We’re All More “Toxic Aware” in 2023
Toxic Culture Is Driving the Great Resignation
Resources:
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Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
Today, we're turning our attention to burnout, a problem plaguing more than 40% of employees, according to a recent poll by Future Forum. Join us as we shed light on the overlooked systemic causes of burnout, rather than just the individual-level issues. We explore the challenges posed by the pandemic and the pressures of unrealistic expectations and perfectionism. Listen in as we argue for more systems-level solutions.
Discover why it's vital for people to show up as themselves, understand and appreciate others' perspectives, and establish working agreements to prevent false urgency and overworking. You don't want to miss this critical conversation about redesigning the future of work to reduce stress, burnout, and promote a healthier, more effective working environment.
Links and Resources
Resources:
We would love to connect with you!
Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
Can you imagine a workplace where purpose is the driving force, where every team member is connected to a shared vision, and where fulfillment is not just a buzzword but a lived experience? This is not some utopian dream, but a reality that forward-thinking organizations are looking to create. Listen in as we unpack the transformative power of purpose in the workplace. We'll share statistics, like how employees experience 64% higher levels of fulfillment when they identify as purpose-driven, and discuss how purpose is the foundation for direction, identity, and culture in an organization.
We'll also touch on the power of storytelling in solidifying the messages of purpose. This episode will not only change how you view work, but also inspire you to create a workplace environment that is driven by purpose, passion, and fulfillment.
Links and Resources
Help your employees find purpose—or watch them leave
Why Purpose at Work is More Important than Ever
Build A Culture Of Fulfillment With A Mission That Matters
Resources:
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Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
Get ready to flip your workplace mindset with us! In this episode, we’re talking about something unconventional - celebrating those bumps and hiccups at work that we often label as "friction." What if we “challenge” the idea that friction is a problem, and consider how friction can ignite innovation. We'll dig into the impact of communication styles, differing generational expectations, and lived experience on the creative process. Discover how we can craft working agreements that support a diverse set of perspectives and personality types, whether you're an introvert or an extrovert. Plus, we'll emphasize the importance of accountability and respect, focusing on ideas rather than personal conflicts when differences arise.
By the time you finish listening, you'll have a fresh perspective on how friction can be a driving force for innovation, creativity, and teamwork in your workplace.
Links and Resources:
The CoCreate Work Culture Certification
Resources:
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Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
Hello CoCreators!
This week's episode is a replay from last summer because it was a great conversation and we thought it would be a perfect podcast episode for May which is Mental Health Awareness month!
We are discussing all things well-being, including your personal rating across several of the dimensions of well-being:
In the episode we walk you through tips and strategies for improving your well-being in small and sustainable ways. We also walk you through our recommendations for supporting your team and their well-being, including some mistakes we see some leaders make and how to avoid them.
When we recognize and address the different areas of well-being you create more time and space while leveraging systems to support you and your team’s well-being. It’s our intention that after listening and taking action from this episode you will feel more calm and grounded, and build a culture that is also calm, grounded, and sustainable!
Join us for Coffee and Conversation with Women In Business on May 16th in Seattle at Greenwood Sip and Ship. La'Kita and Chloe will both be there and would love to see you, so please be sure to say hello!
Episodes referenced in this episode:
018: Solo Episode 1 - What We Did (and Learned) During Sabbatical
024: How Planning Keeps You Out of the F.E.A.R. Cycle so You Can Build with L.O.V.E.
Resources:
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Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
Hello CoCreators!
In this episode of the CoCreate Work podcast, we are discussing the impact of personal development on leadership and organizational change, including the benefits of stepping outside your usual environment to engage with diverse perspectives, as well as the importance of community and networking. Chloe shares her experience attending an event in Las Vegas this past week. And we are sharing strategies for how you can leverage these opportunities for growth, including some practical advice on expanding personal and professional connections.
Some of our favorite connection and growth opportunities:
And don't forget to join our mailing list for regular opportunities to learn, grow, and develop as a leader!
Resources:
We would love to connect with you!
Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
Hello CoCreators! This week on the podcast we're talking about the importance of personal transformation and why it needs to happen before organizational transformation can happen. This is something La'Kita has been talking about for years and we heard over and over from participants the Culture Crash Course just how impactful understanding this was, so we're sharing it with you!
Mentioned in today's epsiode:
Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life by Susan David
Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues by David Bradford Ph.D. and Carole Robin Ph.D.
6 Key Levers of a Successful Organizational Transformation by Andrew White, Michael Wheelock, Adam Canwell, and Michael Smets
Resources:
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Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
Hello CoCreators! On this week’s episode we are talking all about communication including how communication impacts culture, why effective communication is so important, strategies for improving your personal communication, and finally, systems-level solutions for improving your organization’s communication! We go deep and include insights, statistics, strategies, and tools to enhance both personal and organizational effectiveness.
Resources from today’s episode:
Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life by Susan David
Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) by Amy Gallow
Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues by David Bradford and Carole Robin
Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott
Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work by Ruchika Tulshyan
P.S. We mentioned that we would include a resource for facilitating a retrospective, but it turns out we don’t have a podcast episode with that information in it…yet. We cover retrospectives in one of the lessons in the Culture Crash Course and you can get access to our free limited series where we talk about additional tools and strategies for supporting culture here.
Resources:
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Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
Welcome back to Season 3 of the CoCreate Work Podcast. We're excited to be reconnecting with you here and dive into discussions around culture, sustainability, and beyond. In this episode, we’re sharing what we’ve been doing, including a bit of a deep dive into our new Culture Crash Course which we created in partnership with Marie Schacht, CEO of Akimbo, as well as what to expect in this season of the podcast.
Resources:
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Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? email us at podcast@cocreatework.com
