Winning Season Podcast: Confidence Rewired Series
Episode 1: The Neuroscience of Confidence Crashers
Host: Jacqueline Twillie
In this episode of Winning Season, Jacqueline Twillie explores the science behind confidence crashes and provides practical tools to rewire your response to setbacks. Drawing from her personal experience with imposter syndrome during Zero Gap's first enterprise rollout, Jacqueline breaks down the neuroscience of why our confidence can unravel so quickly and offers research-backed strategies to bounce back stronger.
Key Takeaways:
Episode Timestamps:
Resources Mentioned:
Research Referenced:
UCLA studies on "affect labeling" - how putting language to emotion shifts brain activity
Connect with Jacqueline:
Legal Note: The neuroscience and psychological content shared is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or therapeutic support.
Program: Resilient Leaders Program at zerogap.co
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Winning Season, host Jacqueline welcomes talent executive and inclusion strategist Fadjanie Cadet to discuss revolutionary approaches to performance management, talent development, and creating psychologically safe workplaces. Fadjanie shares insights from her career, including practical frameworks for identifying high-potential talent, building effective feedback cultures, and leading organizational change. The conversation covers common misconceptions about performance management, emerging trends in organizational development, and strategies for nurturing future leaders in volatile environments.
Guest Bio:
Fadjanie Cadet is a talent executive, inclusion and transformation strategist, certified organizational development and DEI leader known for blending heart and strategy to create workplaces that both feel good and perform optimally. A Top 100 Under 50 Emerging Leader, she has expertise in performance management, leadership development, and cultural transformation, with experience building systems and programs from scratch in her last three roles.
Notable Quotes:
Resources Mentioned:
Chapters
In This Episode In this revamped episode of The Winning Season Podcast, host Jacqueline Twillie introduces a new "professional girlfriend" format, offering candid advice on navigating VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) environments when the chaos feels overwhelming including when we're contributing to it ourselves. Drawing from personal experience, Jacqueline shares actionable strategies for finding clarity, making decisions without complete information, recognizing your value, and creating plans aligned with your core values.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Winning Season Podcast
02:21 Navigating VUCA Environments
10:08 Overcoming Personal Chaos and Self-Doubt
12:37 Strategic Planning in Uncertain Times
13:59 Resilience and Adaptability in Action
Key Takeaways
Resources Mentioned
Connect With Jacqueline
Have a question for a future episode? Reach out to Jacqueline:
Quote of the Episode
"Remember who she was and the game changed." - Lalah Delia
The Winning Season Podcast: Finding the Win in Any Season
In this episode, Jacqueline Twillie breaks down how to navigate Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) situations using the science-backed AHA framework—Attitude, Habits, and Actions.
Key Topics:
Books:
Action Steps for Listeners:
About Jacqueline:Jacqueline Twillie is the creator of the Resilient Leaders Program at Zero Gap. With over a decade in training and development, she helps leaders build resilience through evidence-based approaches.
Connect:
Episode 2 in the VUCA Series: Understanding Uncertainty & Building Powerful Habits
In this powerful episode, Jacqueline Swilley breaks down why uncertainty isn't your weakness—it's potentially your greatest competitive advantage. Discover how consistency trumps certainty in leadership and learn practical habits that create clarity during wildly unpredictable times.
🎙️ Episode Highlights
🔑 Key Takeaways
⚡ The Morning Momentum Method (5-Minute Daily Practice)
📚 Research Spotlight
👉 Real Talk Resilience: Aaron's Story
Follow how Aaron, a project lead in biotech and one of the only Black men in his division, navigated a massive company merger using his "Top Three Anchors" approach:
❓ Ask Jacqueline
Q: How do I lead my team when I don't have clear answers from senior leadership?A: Use the Known-Unknown-Next framework to be transparent without transferring anxiety
Q: What's one habit that helps with executive presence during uncertainty?A: Continuous learning with strategic sharing using the 3-2-1 method
⏭️ Next Episode Preview
Coming up next: How to take clear action when everything seems interconnected and chaotic. Jacqueline will share insights from the LATTE Framework that's helped hundreds of leaders cut through the noise.
"Emulate excellence and eliminate excuses because this right here, it's your winning season."
In this first episode of a 4-part series on leading through VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity), Jacqueline explores how to transform volatility from your biggest stressor into your competitive advantage using her AHA Framework: Attitude, Habits, and Actions. This episode specifically focuses on the "Attitude" component and provides practical strategies for staying grounded when everything around you is changing rapidly.
Introduction (0:00-2:45)
Introduction to the 4-part VUCA series using the AHA Framework
Today's focus: Volatility and transforming it from stressor to advantage
Main Topic Discussion (3:15-11:30)
Definition of volatility beyond market fluctuations (3:15)
Research highlights (4:00):
American Management Association's 2023 "Leading Through Disruption" study surveying 1,200+ executives found 70% list "rapid change" as their top stressor
Harvard Business Review found leaders who regulate their response to volatility outperform peers by up to 45% in decision-making effectiveness
Key insight: Emotional regulation was a stronger predictor of success than technical expertise
Introduction to the Attitude component of AHA Framework (5:15)
Quote from Jacqueline's book "Dear Resilient Leader": "Resilience isn't about ignoring the storm—it's about learning how to dance in the rain."
Leadership Lab (11:30-15:00)
Introduction of the "Reframe Ritual" practice
7-day challenge with daily reflection component:
Set a reminder for the same time each day
Take 3 minutes to write down ONE volatile moment
Complete: "This challenge is showing me..."
Example from Jacqueline's own experience (13:00)
Real Talk Resilience (15:00-18:30)
Engineering manager case study using a "Volatility Protocol"
Three key questions in the protocol:
What facts do we actually know today?
What remains aligned with our team purpose?
Where can we make progress despite the chaos?
Ask Jacqueline (18:30-22:00)
Q1: Staying optimistic during volatility (18:30)
"Anchor Statement" Method:
Write down the volatile situation
List three previous times you've navigated significant change
Identify one skill you used in each situation
Craft your statement: "I've led through [similar challenge]. I have [specific skills]. I am not facing this alone."
Based on science-backed brain rewiring, not just positive thinking
Winning and Learning (22:00-24:00)
Success story from a Minneapolis listener in manufacturing
Applied the AHA Framework to successfully pitch a new initiative to C-suite using just 3 clear data points
Quote: "The clarity I got from the AHA structure made me feel like I deserved the seat at the table not like I was begging for one."
Thank You to Our Sponsor
A special thanks to ZeroGap.co for sponsoring this episode! Your support enables us to continue providing valuable leadership insights and strategies to our Winning Season community. Visit ZeroGap.co to learn more about their commitment to helping professionals close the gap between where they are and where they want to be.
Closing Remarks (24:00-25:30)
Key takeaways:
Volatility is inevitable. But your attitude is your anchor.
The Reframe Ritual turns chaos into clarity by creating a consistent response pattern.
Real leadership isn't about avoiding the storm—it's learning to move with purpose through it.
Next steps and resources:
Try the 7-day Leadership Lab Reframe Challenge
Power Phrases
💪 "Resilience isn't about ignoring the storm—it's about learning how to dance in the rain." (7:00)
💪 "I realized I couldn't control the change, but I could control how I showed up in it." (15:00)
💪 "The clarity I got from the AHA structure made me feel like I deserved the seat at the table—not like I was begging for one." (22:00)
💪 "Real leadership isn't about avoiding the storm—it's learning to move with purpose through it." (24:00)
In this episode, Jacqueline V. Twillie introduces what VUCA really means Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity and why it’s showing up in your work life more than ever. Whether you have a formal leadership title or not, this series will give you practical tools to stay grounded, clear, and confident.
🧭 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Why work feels so chaotic lately (and how VUCA explains it)
A breakdown of the VUCA framework—what each piece means and how it shows up
The philosophy behind Jacqueline’s AHA Framework (Attitude, Habits, Actions)
A preview of the full 4-part series and what you’ll learn in each episode
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:01 – Welcome + why work feels so unpredictable right now
00:42 – What is VUCA and why it matters now more than ever
01:04 – Breakdown of each part: Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity
01:55 – Who this series is for and why it’s personal
02:04 – What is the AHA Framework? (Attitude, Habits, Actions)
02:50 – What you’ll get from each episode in the series
03:50 – Leadership in the middle: honoring informal leaders
💡 Key Quote:
“When the world around us is uncertain, we need internal certainty.”
📚 Mentioned in This Episode:
Book: Dear Resilient Leader
📌 Connect with Jacqueline:
Website: ZeroGap.co
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacquelinetwillie
Podcast: Winning Season (Available on Apple + Spotify)
Threads: @jacquelinetwillie
Episode Summary
In this mini-pod episode, Jacqueline shares a practical seven-question framework to transform your one-on-one meetings from basic check-ins into meaningful growth opportunities. She explains how to apply her LATTE method (Look, Anticipate, Think, Talk, Evaluate) to create more intentional and empowering conversations with your team members.
The Seven Question Framework
Common Problems with One-on-Ones
The LATTE Method Applied to One-on-Ones
L - Look
Question: What are you working on and what's going well?Purpose: Builds momentum, trust, and psychological safetySuggested phrasing: "Let's kick off with a win. What's something you're proud of this week?"Caution: Don't skip celebrating wins and jump straight to problems
A - Anticipate
Question: What challenges are you anticipating?Purpose: Encourages proactive thinking and builds coaching relationshipSuggested phrasing: "Is there anything that might create friction over the next week or so?"Focus: Help team members strengthen their ability to foresee potential issues
T - Think
Question: What does success look like this month?Purpose: Centers conversation on their goals, not just yoursSuggested phrasing: "Imagine it's the end of the month and you crushed it - what happened?"Tip: Be comfortable with pauses; don't define success for them
T - Talk
Question: Who do you need support from and how can I help?Purpose: Builds leadership voice, emotional intelligence, and a support mindsetSuggested phrasing: "Who else needs to be in the loop? How can I back you up?"Reminder: Empower your team member rather than taking on all responsibility
E - Evaluate
Question: What have you learned recently and how can we apply it?Purpose: Promotes reflection, celebrates growth, and improves decision-makingSuggested phrasing: "What's one lesson you've picked up recently? How can we use that?"Tip: Focus on insights, not just outputs
Additional Resources
Episode Summary
In this episode, Jacqueline Twillie shares a simple yet powerful three-word phrase that can transform your leadership, elevate your negotiation skills, and help you navigate workplace dynamics with greater confidence: "Tell Me More."
Jacqueline reveals how this simple language shift led to a breakthrough in a challenging negotiation situation and provides practical guidance on how to use this power phrase in various professional scenarios.
Chapter
Key Takeaways
How to Use "Tell Me More" in Three Key Scenarios
Real Talk Resilience Segment
Listener Q&A
Q: "I've tried to use 'tell me more' in meetings, but sometimes people shut down or give vague answers. How do I navigate that without pushing too hard or seeming intrusive?"
A:
Celebrating Kelly Walton's appointment as Chief Marketing Officer at Snipes USA. Her career spans global giants like Amazon Music, NBA, Under Armour, and LVMH. In her new role, she will oversee all marketing activities and lead Snipes Serves, an initiative focused on community engagement.
Remember: Small language shifts create powerful career moves. When you use "Tell Me More" intentionally, you'll deepen conversations, strengthen leadership, and open new doors.
In this mini-episode, Jacqueline shares insights about building a strong inner circle of female peers for professional success. Harvard Business Review found women with strong female-dominated inner circles are 2.5x more likely to land executive positions.
Key Takeaways"When we lift each other up, we do not just rise, we thrive."
Resources MentionedHarvard Business Review • "Dear Resilient Leader" book • Resilient Leaders Program at Zero Gap
Connect With JacquelineReach out on LinkedIn or Threads to share how you're expanding your table with intention.
Episode SummaryIn this power-packed episode, Jacqueline Twillie tackles the universal workplace challenge of ineffective meetings.
Drawing from research showing professionals spend over 20 hours weekly in meetings with half feeling wasted Jacqueline shares her exclusive R4 Framework typically reserved for private coaching clients. This actionable framework has helped tech executives reclaim 10 hours weekly, propelled finance leaders to promotions, and transformed team dynamics for startup founders.
Learn how to transform draining meetings into platforms that showcase your leadership, amplify your team's brilliance, and accelerate your career.
Key Power Phrases for MeetingsFor Setting Clear Meeting Goals (Risk):"Today we're specifically deciding [X] because it directly impacts our upcoming goals. Let's stay focused on actionable ideas in this meeting."For Handling Resistance (Resilience):"I understand it's different, but let's give this a try and evaluate its effectiveness afterwards. We all deserve more productive meetings.""Our goal is quality over quantity. If we stay focused, we'll free up more time for our actual work.""Let's touch base after this week to discuss how these changes are helping our productivity."For Recognizing Contributions (Rewards):"Thanks to Taylor's insights, we're saving significant production time.""Thanks to Christie's suggestions, our next steps are clarified and we can move forward quickly."The R4 Framework Explained1. Risk (00:06:35)Strategic disruption that signals authority. The first five minutes define the meeting's power dynamic. Take the risk to explicitly state meeting objectives and expected outcomes.2. Resilience (00:08:57)Staying firm when your new meeting approach faces resistance. Acknowledge concerns while gently reinforcing the benefits of structured meetings.3. Rewards (00:10:24)Strategic recognition to transform meeting culture. Intentionally highlight contributions that move the agenda forward and celebrate real outcomes.4. Reset (00:15:06)Create clear follow-up actions for lasting impact. Implement the 24-hour rule: summarize decisions in bullet points, assign clear ownership, and define actionable next steps.
Resources MentionedHarvard Business Review article: "Stop the Meeting Madness" - Data source on meeting inefficiencyBook: "Dear Resilient Leader" by Jacqueline Twillie - Features detailed explanation of the R4 FrameworkBook: "Navigating the Career Jungle" by Jacqueline Twillie - Mentions the 24-48 hour networking rule adapted for meetingsResearch: Gallup study linking employee recognition to higher engagement and productivityWinning Season ChallengePick one R from the framework and implement it consistently this week. Start with one element, then gradually build to incorporate all four for maximum impact.
Thank You to Our SponsorThis episode is sponsored by The Resilient Leaders Program by Zero Gap. They're starting a new 12-week group coaching cohort for mid-career professionals seeking clarity and strategic direction. Learn more at zerogap.co.
Chapters00:01 Introduction to meeting challenges and statistics02:21 Welcome and introduction to the R4 Framework04:31 Jacqueline's personal experience with meeting overload06:35 Risk: Strategic disruption that signals authority08:57 Resilience: Protecting your meeting strategy10:24 Rewards: Strategic recognition to transform culture15:06 Reset: Clear follow-up for lasting impact19:32 Putting it all together: The complete R4 framework21:46 Winning Season challenge and sponsor acknowledgment
In this episode, Jacqueline shares her transformative experience in Paris, where she stepped outside her comfort zone to take a creative writing class. She reflects on the importance of embracing new challenges, her surroundings' sensory richness, and her connections with others. Through her journey, she emphasizes the value of personal growth, storytelling, and the impact of being present in the moment.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Embracing the Winning Season
02:31 Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone
05:32 The Creative Writing Journey
08:35 Exploring Paris and Its Inspirations
11:15 Connections and Personal Growth
13:55 Continuing the Creative Journey
Keywords: personal growth, creative writing, Paris, comfort zone, sensory experiences, connections, professional development, storytelling, leadership, self-discovery
In this episode, Jacqueline Twillie discusses the challenges and strategies for confidently navigating leadership transitions. She emphasizes the importance of mindset shifts, emotional intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and continuous learning. Jacqueline shares personal experiences and practical tips to help leaders succeed in their new roles while addressing the familiar feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome many face during transitions.
Takeaways40% of new leaders fail within their first 18 months.Transitions are high risk, high reward situations that deserve serious preparation.Emotional intelligence is crucial for successful leadership transitions.Continuous learning is essential for adapting to new leadership roles.Building coalitions with key stakeholders can significantly impact success.Self-doubt is a common experience for leaders, but it can be reframed as a sign of growth.Effective communication and empathy are vital during transitions.Creating a structured 90-day transition plan can help establish credibility.Engaging in honest dialogue with team members fosters trust and collaboration.Leadership transitions are opportunities to step into your power and lead boldly.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Leadership Transitions
03:21 Recognizing the Stakes
12:44 Strategies for Successful Transitions
18:19 Leadership Lab Challenges
28:25 Personal Reflections on Leadership
33:26 Conclusion and Next Steps
Summary
In this episode, Shannah and Jacqueline delve into the complex relationship women have with money, exploring how childhood experiences shape financial mindsets, the pervasive feelings of scarcity, and the importance of negotiating self-worth. They discuss the emotional weight of money, the myths surrounding wealth, and the necessity of creating boundaries in financial giving. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to own their financial power and to challenge societal norms that dictate their relationship with money.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Money Mindset
02:47 Childhood Influences on Money Perception
05:54 The Impact of Gender on Financial Negotiation
08:41 Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset
11:52 The Emotional Weight of Money
14:57 Boundaries and Generosity in Financial Relationships
17:35 The Importance of Negotiation for Women
20:54 Challenging Money Myths
23:41 Empowerment Through Financial Knowledge
27:00 Conclusion and Call to Action
Summary
In this episode of Winning Season, Jacqueline discusses the importance of resilience in leadership, especially in male-dominated industries. She shares three proven strategies to build resilience: celebrating small wins, pausing to reset, and connecting tasks to a larger purpose. Jacqueline emphasizes that resilience is not about perfection but about adaptability and intentional action. She provides practical applications and real-life success stories to illustrate how these strategies can transform setbacks into comebacks. The episode concludes with a focus on maintaining team morale and celebrating wins, even in challenging times.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Resilience in Leadership
03:08 Understanding Resilience: More Than a Buzzword
07:44 Three Proven Strategies for Building Resilience
10:59 Practical Applications: Land Yap Mornings and AHA Method
17:22 Real Talk: Transforming Setbacks into Comebacks
20:28 Ask Jacqueline: Addressing Setbacks and Celebrating Wins
Keywords
resilience, leadership, team morale, setbacks, comebacks, strategies, motivation, workplace culture, personal growth, leadership development
Summary
In this episode of Winning Season, host Jacqueline Twillie delves into the complexities of imposter syndrome, particularly as it affects women and marginalized groups in leadership roles. She emphasizes that imposter syndrome is not a personal failing but a reflection of systemic issues such as racism and sexism. Jacqueline shares 12 empowering phrases to help listeners combat self-doubt and lead with confidence. The episode also highlights the importance of self-awareness and healing before stepping into leadership roles, and offers practical advice for leading authentically in the face of resistance. The conversation concludes with a call to address systemic biases in leadership rather than placing the burden on individuals.
Takeaways
Imposter syndrome is fueled by systemic issues, not personal inadequacies.
Women often face environments that magnify feelings of inadequacy.
Power phrases can help silence self-doubt and build confidence.
Leadership requires taking up space unapologetically.
Doubt is a natural part of growth and should be embraced.
Curiosity is essential for effective leadership.
Self-worth should not be defined by others' biases.
Healing and self-awareness are crucial for effective leadership.
Authenticity in leadership means standing out for the right reasons.
Addressing systemic issues is key to overcoming imposter syndrome.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Imposter Syndrome
10:51 Real Talk Resilience: The Importance of Healing
16:00 Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways
Grab the Power Phrases at www.zerogap.co
Keywords
Imposter Syndrome, Resilience, Leadership, Systemic Issues, Power Phrases, Authenticity, Healing, Women in Leadership, Confidence, Overcoming Doubt
Summary
In this episode of the Winning Season podcast, Jacqueline Twillie discusses the concept of imposter syndrome, particularly how it affects underrepresented leaders in male-dominated industries. She emphasizes the importance of transforming feelings of doubt into impactful leadership and provides practical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome. The episode introduces the AHA method (Attitude, Habits, Actions) as a framework for building confidence and resilience. Jacqueline also shares personal anecdotes and encourages listeners to celebrate their achievements and own their contributions in the workplace.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Imposter Syndrome
06:05 The AHA Method for Leadership
12:02 Owning Your Achievements
Sound Bites
"Your impact is your power."
"Celebrate those wins regularly."
"Own the value that you bring."