In this lively conference edition of The Leader in You Podcast, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and her daughter and co-host, Polina Marian, bring listeners behind the scenes at the ATD OrgDev Conference in Houston — joined by special guest Beth Messick, leadership coach and advisory board member for OrgDev.

Together, they unpack key insights from keynote speaker Galen Emanuele, who used the principles of improv — especially the “Yes, And” mindset — to illustrate how openness, flexibility, and emotional presence transform team dynamics and connection at work.

From playful improv exercises to deep reflections on emotional triggers, presence, and body awareness, this conversation bridges performance and neuroscience — showing how saying yes (and meaning it) creates trust and emotional safety in organizations.

You’ll learn how:

• The “Yes, And” approach mirrors emotionally safe communication in teams.
• Presence helps us tune into others’ emotions beyond just words.
• Disconnection and indifference can feel more painful than outright “no.”
• Emotional awareness allows leaders to expand flexibility and repair trust.

🎧 Tune in for a powerful mix of laughter, learning, and lived experience — and discover how Emotional Connection and improv thinking together can build more responsive, resilient teams.

The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.

Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.

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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:

LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc

Connect with Polina Marian:

LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids

Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...