Kellye and Charisse explore the phenomenon of the "conference glow." You know, that invigorating energy and connection felt during conferences. They discuss the challenges of maintaining this energy upon returning to daily routines and share strategies for integrating insights and connections into everyday life. The importance of reflection, intentional outreach, and creating a supportive community is emphasized as key to sustaining the glow beyond the conference experience.

Takeaways

• The conference glow is a shared experience that energizes participants.
• Returning to routine can cause the glow to fade, but it's a natural process.
• Intentional actions can help maintain the glow after a conference.
• Reflecting on key conversations can anchor the insights gained.
• Building connections with peers is essential for ongoing support.
• Decompression time is crucial for processing experiences from the conference.
• Cultivating the glow involves integrating insights into daily life.
• Reaching out to connections can keep the energy alive.
• The glow is a reflection of personal clarity and alignment with values.
• Practicing the glow in everyday life is essential for sustained growth.

Chapters
00:00 The Conference Glow: A Shared Experience
03:18 Transitioning Back to Routine: The Energy Shift
05:54 Strategies for Maintaining Connection and Energy
08:57 Integration Time: Absorbing the Conference Experience
11:55 Reclaiming Agency: Cultivating the Glow Beyond Conferences
14:31 Practicing the Glow: Daily Reminders and Connections

Charisse and Kellye explore the delicate balance between optimism and pessimism in leadership, particularly within public service. They discuss the importance of hope as a catalyst for innovation, the risks associated with inaction, and the need for grounded optimism. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of creating a culture that encourages responsible creativity while managing risks effectively. The speakers also highlight the emotional and physical aspects of leadership, advocating for awareness and curiosity as essential traits for effective leaders.

Takeaways

• The tension between risk and progress is a daily challenge for leaders.
• Hope is often misunderstood as risky due to a focus on safety.
• Avoiding risk can lead to a different kind of loss.
• Leadership involves making judgment calls about risk.
• The cost of saying no can impact community trust.
• Grounded optimism allows for creative and innovative solutions.
• Responsible innovation requires a structured approach.
• Leaders must regulate their emotions to make clear decisions.
• Curiosity should be prioritized over caution in leadership.
• Awareness is the foundation of effective leadership.

Sound Bites

• "What is the cost of saying no?"
• "Optimism has to be structured."
• "More curious than cautious."

Chapters
00:00 Navigating the Space Between Optimism and Pessimism
02:41 The Role of Hope in Leadership
05:16 Grounded Optimism and Responsible Innovation
08:17 The Inner Work of Hope
11:15 Curiosity Over Caution

Kellye and Charisse explore the complex relationship between structure and freedom in leadership. They discuss the importance of finding a balance between being overly structured and too loose, emphasizing that both extremes can lead to feelings of being stuck. The conversation delves into the concepts of outer and inner structure, the rhythm framework of anchors, focus blocks, and margins, and the necessity of adapting one's structure to align with personal energy and creativity. Ultimately, they advocate for a dynamic approach to structure that supports individual growth and well-being.

Takeaways

• Both too much and too little structure can lead to feeling stuck.
• Structure should feel personal and designed around your energy.
• Outer structure is visible; inner structure is about mindset and clarity.
• Structure is not the goal; it should support your growth.
• Margins in your schedule are essential for creativity and renewal.
• Understanding your energy patterns can help in structuring your day.
• Seasons of life require different types of structure.
• Integration of all life pieces is more important than balance.
• Structure should adapt as you evolve in your leadership journey.
• Creating a rhythm in your life leads to sustainable leadership.

Chapters
00:00 Navigating Structure in Leadership
02:52 The Balance of Control and Capacity
05:38 Understanding Outer and Inner Structure
08:13 The Rhythm Framework: Anchors, Focus Blocks, and Margins
11:26 Seasons of Structure: Adapting to Change
14:17 Energy Over Time: Finding Your Flow
16:50 Integrating Structure and Rhythm
19:37 Conclusion: Structure as Support, Not Constraint

Charisse and Kellye explore the deeper aspects of leadership, focusing on self-awareness, the inner story of leaders, the impact of their presence on teams, and the importance of personal growth. They emphasize that true leadership is about serving others and understanding how one's leadership style affects those around them. The conversation encourages leaders to reflect on their own experiences and the emotional footprint they leave behind, ultimately guiding them towards more intentional and effective leadership practices.

Takeaways

• Leadership is about self-awareness and understanding your inner story.
• Your leadership style impacts how others experience you.
• Helping others rise is a key accomplishment for leaders.
• Awareness builds trust faster than any speech or vision statement.
• Leaders should own the emotional footprint they leave behind.
• Effective leaders protect their well-being to avoid burnout.
• Leadership is a practice of awareness, not just performance.
• Understanding your impact can lead to more intentional leadership.
• Your growth edge is where you are still learning to grow.
• Asking 'What's it like to be led by you?' can transform your leadership approach.

Chapters
00:00 The Leader Within: A New Perspective
06:34 Understanding Impact: The Ripple Effect of Leadership
11:26 Growth Edge: Evolving as a Leader

In this heartfelt episode, Charisse helps Kellye share the profound impact her grandfather, Paw Paw, had on her life and leadership philosophy. As Kellye reflects on his legacy, she highlights the lessons of scrappiness, resourcefulness, and the importance of humor in leadership. Through personal anecdotes, Kellye illustrates how Paw Paw's unconditional love and support shaped her understanding of leadership and resilience. This conversation serves as a tribute to the values he instilled in her and the lasting influence he has on her approach to life and work.

Takeaways

• Paw Paw embodied the essence of being scrappy in leadership.
• Scrappiness means doing whatever it takes to accomplish something.
• Resourcefulness is key; it's not always about strength.
• Humor plays a vital role in leadership and problem-solving.
• Leadership is not about perfection; it's about persistence.
• You can rearrange and adapt to fit your goals.
• Unconditional love fosters confidence and belief in oneself.
• Every challenge can be approached with creativity and flexibility.
• The importance of community and helping others in need.
• Leadership requires humanity and understanding. 

Chapters
00:00 Remembering Paw Paw: A Personal Tribute
04:36 The Meaning of Being Scrappy
06:21 Lessons in Resourcefulness and Flexibility
09:26 Helping Others: Paw Paw's Legacy of Service
11:28 Life Lessons from a Car Accident
14:03 Leadership Beyond Perfection
15:19 The Unconditional Love of Paw Paw
16:23 Final Thoughts: Leadership with Humor

Charisse and Kellye discuss the complexities of election season, sometimes known as 'silly season.' They explore the challenges faced by public service staff, the importance of preparation, and the need for clear communication and policies. The conversation covers scenario planning for potential election outcomes, effective onboarding for new councils, managing project timelines, and navigating the use of public resources. The episode emphasizes the significance of maintaining public trust and neutrality during politically charged times.

Takeaways

• Silly season refers to the election period when public service work is scrutinized.
• Neutrality is not just a best practice; it's a legal requirement.
• Preparing staff early is crucial for navigating election season.
• Scenario planning can help anticipate changes in council dynamics.
• Tools like the three horizons framework aid in strategic foresight.
• Onboarding new councils should start well before elections.
• Project timelines may need to be adjusted during election season.
• Public resources cannot be used for political purposes.
• Building public trust requires transparency and credibility.
• Staff should be supported and protected during stressful election periods.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Silly Season in Local Government
02:23 Preparing Staff for Election Season
04:45 Onboarding New Councils Effectively
07:40 Strategizing Project Management During Elections
10:02 Navigating Public Resources and Facilities
12:50 Maintaining Public Trust and Neutrality
15:23 Key Takeaways for Election Season

Kellye and Charisse discuss the detrimental effects of constant notifications on focus and decision-making for city leaders. They explore the neuroscience behind distractions, the concept of decision fatigue, and the importance of creating a culture that prioritizes deep work. The conversation emphasizes practical strategies for managing distractions, including auditing notifications, batching tasks, and establishing boundaries to reclaim focus and enhance leadership effectiveness.

Takeaways

• Constant notifications create a dopamine loop that distracts the brain.
• It takes an average of 23 minutes to regain focus after a distraction.
• Burnout is often a result of mental fatigue from constant interruptions.
• 95% of notifications are not urgent and can be ignored.
• Leaders model behavior for their teams, impacting organizational culture.
• Setting boundaries around notifications can improve focus and productivity.
• Auditing notifications helps identify which are beneficial and which are distracting.
• Batching tasks can help maintain focus and reduce interruptions.
• Creating rituals for deep work can enhance creativity and problem-solving.
• Turning off notifications can significantly reduce decision fatigue.

Chapters
00:00 The Impact of Notifications on Focus
10:41 Strategies for Managing Distractions
20:50 Reclaiming Leadership Through Focus

Charisse and Kellye explore the complexities of inspiration, particularly when it's feeling a little dim. They discuss the importance of showing up even when motivation is lacking, the value of small moments of joy, and the impact of external noise on your days. The conversation emphasizes the ebb and flow of inspiration, encouraging listeners to embrace their feelings and recognize that it's okay to not always feel inspired. Through personal anecdotes and practical tips, they highlight the significance of community, self-care, and honesty in nurturing creativity back alive.

Takeaways

• It's okay to feel uninspired sometimes.
• Showing up is more important than feeling inspired.
• Creating conditions for inspiration is essential.
• Small moments can spark joy and creativity.
• Survival is a form of success, not failure.
• Inspiration has an ebb and flow; it's not constant.
• Admitting a lack of inspiration can create space for it.
• Community and connection can reignite inspiration.
• Mindfulness and self-care are crucial for creativity.
• Honesty about our feelings fosters deeper connections.

Chapters
00:00 Embracing the Dim Days
07:17 Finding Inspiration in Small Moments
13:30 The Noise of Inspiration
16:08 Honesty and Connection in Inspiration

Kellye and Charisse discuss the impact of language, particularly the misuse of terms like gaslighting, narcissism, and trauma. They emphasize the importance of using precise language to avoid diluting the meaning of these serious concepts and the potential harm that can arise from casual usage. The conversation explores the consequences of mislabeling behaviors and the stigma associated with mental health diagnoses. The hosts also offer practical solutions for communicating more effectively and mindfully.

Takeaways

• The words we choose shape our perceptions and interactions.
• Misusing mental health terms can dilute their meaning and impact.
• Gaslighting is a serious form of manipulation, not just a casual insult.
• Trauma has lasting effects and should not be trivialized.
• Labels like narcissist and sociopath carry significant stigma.
• Casual language can lead to misunderstandings and misdiagnosis.
• Effective communication requires specificity and clarity.
• Staying curious can help avoid jumping to conclusions.
• Words can either heal or harm, depending on their use.
• Mindful language is essential for supporting those in need.

Sound Bites
"Words shape how we see ourselves."
"Misusing terms increases stigma."
"Use your words with care."

Chapters
00:00 The Power of Language in Mental Health
03:23 Understanding Key Terms: Gaslighting, Narcissism, and Trauma
05:49 The Impact of Misusing Mental Health Terminology
08:06 The Consequences of Casual Labels
10:24 Moving Towards Better Communication
13:25 Practical Solutions for Thoughtful Language

Charisse and Kellye explore the multifaceted nature of productivity, emphasizing that it extends beyond traditional work metrics to include roles such as caregivers, community members, and friends. They discuss the importance of recognizing invisible work, the need for integration over balance in work and life, and the significance of engagement. The conversation also highlights systemic changes needed in workplace culture to foster trust and measure productivity by outcomes rather than hours logged. Listeners are challenged to reflect on their contributions outside of work and to engage more deeply with their communities.

Takeaways

• Productivity is not just about work; it includes all roles we play.
• Invisible work, like caregiving, is often undervalued.
• Busyness does not equate to value or fulfillment.
• Integration of work and life is more beneficial than balance.
• Community engagement is essential for personal and societal well-being.
• Trust in employees is more effective than control measures.
• Productivity should be measured by outcomes, not hours worked.
• Redesigning work culture is necessary for modern lives.
• Protecting time for personal interests enhances productivity.
• Engaging in community activities enriches our lives. 

Chapters

00:00 Redefining Productivity
02:53 Invisible Work and Its Value
05:20 Integration vs. Balance in Life
08:15 The Role of Community in Productivity
10:53 Cultural Shifts in Work Dynamics
13:52 Systemic Change and Trust in the Workplace
16:43 Measuring Outcomes Over FaceTime
19:34 Bringing It All Together: Key Insights and Challenges

Kellye and Charisse explore the complex decision-making process leaders face when considering whether to stay in their current roles or move on. They discuss the importance of aligning personal values with organizational culture, recognizing signs of misalignment, and the emotional and physical toll that such decisions can take. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-reflection, courage, and practical steps to navigate these challenging crossroads in leadership.

Takeaways

• The decision to stay or go is deeply personal.
• Our bodies often signal misalignment before our minds do.
• Not every rough patch in a job means it's time to leave.
• Compromising values can erode your leadership effectiveness.
• Courage is about acting in the face of fear.
• Reflect on what your health is telling you about your work environment.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining well-being.
• Engagement comes from aligning personal and organizational values.
• It's important to seek support from mentors or peers during transitions.
• Your values should guide your decisions in leadership.

Chapters
00:00  The Crossroads of Leadership: Stay or Go?
09:04  Navigating the Reckoning: Courageous Choices
17:55  Health and Values: The Body's Signals
21:40  Practical Steps for Decision-Making

Charisse and Kellye explore the complexities of maintaining passion in public service roles. They discuss the gradual fading of enthusiasm, the challenges of identity tied to public service, and the importance of recognizing signals of change. The dialogue emphasizes the need for self-reflection, the acceptance of evolving values, and the encouragement to embrace new possibilities for personal growth and fulfillment.

Takeaways

• When passion fades, it may signal a need for change.
• It's common for public servants to feel a sense of obligation.
• Identity can be deeply tied to one's role in public service.
• Recognizing the shift in passion is the first step to addressing it.
• Self-reflection is crucial in understanding personal values.
• It's important to allow oneself to imagine new possibilities.
• The fading fire of passion doesn't mean it's gone, just shifting.
• Growth often requires letting go of old identities.
• Community service roles can lead to feelings of burnout.
• Embracing change can lead to greater fulfillment.

Chapters
00:00 When Passion Fades: Understanding the Shift
06:58 Navigating Identity and Purpose in Public Service
11:50 Recognizing Signals: The Call for Change
16:15 Embracing Growth: The Journey of Reimagining Passion

Charisse interviews Kellye Mazzoli, who shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an assistant city manager and eventually transitioning into coaching. She discusses the significant influences in her life, the importance of education, and the role of mentorship in shaping her career. Kellye reflects on the challenges faced in city management, including navigating media scrutiny and the personal battles of leadership. She emphasizes the need for resilience, emotional intelligence, and intentionality in leadership roles. As she looks to the future, Kellye expresses her desire to help others in the field of city management and to create a supportive community for leaders.

Takeaways

• Kellye's childhood was marked by instability, but also strong influences from her mother and grandfather.
• Education was seen as a pathway to stability and success for Kellye.
• Mentorship played a crucial role in Kellye's career development.
• City management involves navigating complex relationships and media scrutiny.
• Leaders often face personal battles that are not openly discussed.
• Burnout is not just about workload, but also about emotional and mental fatigue.
• Resilience is critical for leaders to manage their responsibilities effectively.
• Kellye transitioned to coaching to have a broader impact on city leaders.
• Intentionality in leadership is essential for personal and professional fulfillment.
• Kellye believes that circumstances do not define one's path; choices do.

Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: Kellye's Early Life
04:51 Education as a Path to Stability
08:58 Navigating City Management: Challenges and Lessons
13:20 The Personal Battle of Leadership
20:36 Transitioning to Coaching: A New Chapter
23:41 Aspirations for the Future
30:13 A Lesson for Leaders

Kellye interviews Charisse Deschenes, exploring her journey from childhood in a small town to a career in public service. Charisse shares her experiences in local government, the challenges she faced, and the importance of taking a sabbatical for personal growth. She discusses her new venture, Lead from Center, which focuses on health coaching for leaders in local government, emphasizing the need for support and connection in the profession. The conversation highlights the significance of knowing one's values and the impact of community service.

Takeaways

• Charisse's diverse upbringing shaped her perspective on community.
• Her early passion for sports reflected her drive for excellence.
• Public service became a calling during her college years.
• Charisse's career path evolved from journalism to urban planning.
• She experienced significant challenges during her tenure in local government.
• The importance of community support was a recurring theme in her life.
• Taking a sabbatical was a crucial step for her mental health.
• Charisse aims to support local government leaders through health coaching.
• Her new venture, Lead from Center, focuses on leadership and wellness.
• Building connections and supporting one another is vital in public service.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Charisse's Journey
01:03 Early Life and Childhood Memories
05:35 Path to Public Service
09:28 College and Early Career Decisions
13:27 Highlights of Public Service Career
16:48 Challenges in Local Government
19:12 Navigating Turbulent Times in Leadership
19:21 Stepping Up in Leadership
22:45 The Importance of Mental Health
24:20 Taking a Sabbatical for Self-Discovery
26:45 Launching Lead from Center
32:15 Hope and Resilience in Local Government
33:30 Creating a Lasting Legacy
36:49 The Power of Support and Values

Kellye and Charisse explore the concept of discomfort as a necessary component of growth, particularly in leadership roles. They discuss the allure of comfort and its potential to stifle innovation and progress. The conversation delves into various types of discomfort—identity, skill, and relational—and how embracing these challenges can lead to personal and professional development. The hosts share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for reframing discomfort as a pathway to growth, emphasizing the importance of recognizing signals that indicate it's time to step out of one's comfort zone.

Takeaways

• Discomfort is essential for growth and leadership.
• Comfort can lead to stagnation and lack of innovation.
• Embracing discomfort can build community trust.
• Identity, skill, and relational discomfort are key areas to explore.
• Reframing discomfort as a signal for growth is crucial.
• Building tolerance for discomfort is a gradual process.
• Recognizing personal signals of coziness can prompt growth.
• Discomfort can be seen as a professional currency.
• You don't need to be fearless to embrace discomfort.
• Small steps toward discomfort can lead to significant growth.

Chapters

00:00 The Cost of Cozy: Understanding Discomfort
07:23 The Many Faces of Discomfort
16:38 Navigating Identity, Skill, and Relational Discomfort
21:46 Reframing Discomfort as Growth
24:00 Embracing Discomfort for Growth
29:06 Building Tolerance to Discomfort
34:02 The Cost of Staying Cozy
37:52 Choosing Growth Over Comfort

Charisse and Kellye discuss the critical role of support systems in leadership. They explore the consequences of isolation, the different types of support available, and how to build and maintain these systems effectively. The conversation emphasizes that leadership is not a solo endeavor and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Takeaways

• Leadership doesn't mean doing it all alone.
• Independence isn't always strength without support.
• Without support, even the strongest leaders burn out.
• Isolation distorts perspective and decision-making.
• Trusted peers and mentors are essential for clarity.
• Burnout accelerates without a release valve.
• Strong leadership is about creating connections.
• Support systems must be built intentionally.
• Healthy support systems leave you feeling lighter.
• Leaning on others is a sign of wisdom.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Support in Leadership
04:11   Personal Experiences with Support Systems
06:24 Types of Support Systems
09:57  Building and Maintaining Support Systems
14:06  Identifying Healthy vs. Draining Support Systems

Charisse and Kellye discuss the critical importance of attending conferences for city managers and leaders. They explore the value of networking, the return on investment, and the personal and professional growth that comes from engaging with peers. The conversation emphasizes the need to overcome guilt associated with attending conferences and offers practical tips for maximizing the experience. Ultimately, the hosts encourage listeners to embrace opportunities for connection and recharge their morale through these events.

Takeaways

• Conferences provide essential networking opportunities.
• Connection is vital for city managers.
• Attending conferences can lead to fresh ideas.
• It's important to have candid conversations at conferences.
• Conferences can recharge your morale and prevent burnout.
• Planning sessions backwards helps prioritize networking.
• Building relationships at conferences is crucial for career growth.
• Overcoming guilt about attending conferences is necessary.
• Engaging with peers can lead to innovative solutions.
• Conferences are a valuable investment for personal and professional development.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Getting Out of Town
05:26 Connection and Collaboration
11:21   Professional Growth and Visibility
17:04 Tips for Maximizing Conference Experience
22:20 Encouragement to Attend Conferences

Kellye and Charisse discuss the implications of the 'Open to Work' banner on LinkedIn, exploring its significance in the job market and the messages it sends about employee engagement and leadership. They emphasize the importance of understanding the motivations behind this public declaration and how leaders can respond effectively to such signals from their employees. The conversation also touches on the need for empowerment and ownership in career decisions, encouraging individuals to reflect on their professional paths and the environments they work in.

Takeaways

• The 'Open to Work' banner is a significant signal.
• Employees often post it after feeling undervalued.
• Leaders should approach the situation with curiosity.
• Retaliation against employees who post the banner is counterproductive.
• Having open conversations can lead to better understanding.
• The banner can represent a moment of empowerment.
• It's important for leaders to reflect on their own roles.
• Career transitions should be approached with clarity and intention.
• The banner is not a solution but a signal for deeper issues.
• Creating a supportive environment is essential for employee retention.

Chapters

00:00  Introduction to the Green Banner on LinkedIn

05:16  Leaders' Misinterpretations and Responses

10:36  Conversations That Matter: A Leader's Responsibility

Kellye and Charisse discuss the pervasive issue of perfectionism among leaders. They explore how perfectionism manifests as high standards and fear, leading to stress and isolation. Through personal anecdotes, they highlight the hidden costs of striving for perfection, including mental and physical health impacts. The conversation emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership and the need to detach self-worth from outcomes. They encourage listeners to embrace vulnerability and lead without the pressure of perfection.

Chapters

00:00 The Hidden Costs of Perfectionism

01:37  Personal Stories of Leadership and Perfectionism

04:43 Decision-Making Under Pressure

08:28 The Physical Toll of Perfectionism

10:56  Unlearning Perfectionism

13:38  The Isolation of Perfectionism

16:14   Embracing Imperfection in Leadership

Takeaways

• Perfectionism disguises itself as high standards.
• Fear of judgment drives perfectionism.
• Leadership requires making decisions with partial information.
• Perfectionism can lead to analysis paralysis.
• Authentic leadership is about being real, not flawless.
• Perfectionism can cause physical stress and health issues.
• Detaching self-worth from outcomes is crucial.
• Real transformation starts with honesty.
• Growth often requires discomfort and vulnerability.
• You are not alone in your struggle with perfectionism.

Kellye and Charisse delve into the complexities of emotional eating and the subconscious behaviors that lead to emotional sabotage. They explore how leaders often suppress their emotions, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms, and discuss the neuroscience behind these patterns. The conversation emphasizes the importance of awareness and practical steps to break the cycle of numbing behaviors, ultimately guiding listeners towards healing and healthier choices.

Chapters

00:00  Understanding Emotional Eating and Its Impact

08:29  The Neuroscience of Emotional Sabotage

16:23   Breaking the Cycle of Emotional Numbing

Takeaways

• Emotional eating is a way to avoid confronting feelings.
• Leaders often lack safe spaces to process emotions.
• The brain prioritizes familiarity over happiness.
• Numbing behaviors can manifest in various forms, not just food.
• Awareness is the first step towards healing.
• Coping behaviors can create a false sense of community.
• Validation from shared struggles can hinder personal growth.
• Interrupting patterns can lead to healthier choices.
• Breath work and grounding techniques can aid emotional regulation.
• Support from coaches can facilitate personal transformation.