Most leaders think they’re self-aware — but they’re often just self-critical. The truth is, you can’t lead what you don’t feel. When emotions go unnamed, they run the show from behind the scenes, shaping decisions, reactions, and team dynamics. In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Tera Wages to unpack why emotional fluency is the missing link between burnout and breakthrough. Tera introduces the Core Emotion Wheel — a simple but transformative framework for identifying and naming emotions that can completely change how you lead, parent, and communicate. By learning to spot what’s really happening beneath the surface, you stop reacting out of fear or frustration and start responding with clarity, empathy, and control. It’s a tool that gives you language for what you feel so your emotions become data, not drama — and that shift changes everything about how you lead others and yourself. In this episode you’ll take away: -Why most leaders misread their emotions — and how to change that -How to use the Core Emotion Wheel to navigate tough conversations -The difference between “fixing” emotions and actually feeling them -How emotional clarity turns reaction into intentional leadership -Practical ways to bring calm, confidence, and connection into your day Get the Core Emotion Wheel at ConnectionCodes.co/BadassSoftie — the exact tool Tera shares to help you name what you’re feeling before it turns into burnout or conflict. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify When you stop running from emotion and start naming it, you unlock your ability to lead with both clarity and compassion — the essence of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

Most leaders assume that working more hours means getting more done. But what if doing less actually produced better results—and a healthier, more loyal team? In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Hannah Lee, co-founder and CEO of Second Mile. Hannah helps organizations shift from a five-day to a four-day work week without losing productivity or profit. Hannah has led this transformation inside her own business and seen firsthand how redefining productivity changes everything. Together, J.J. and Hannah explore how rest, trust, and smarter systems can fuel creativity and focus. You’ll learn why “time” is the most overlooked leadership tool—and how reclaiming it can make both your business and your people thrive. Here’s what you’ll take away: -Why working fewer days can increase profit, focus, and retention -How to spot and eliminate wasted effort across your team -Why rest and recovery are the true drivers of long-term performance -How AI can give you hours back each week when used strategically -Practical steps to test and implement a four-day model without disruption If you’re ready to start reclaiming time and leading more effectively, explore these ideas mentioned in the episode: -It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work — Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson -Shorter and Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang -Connect with Hannah at TheSecondMile.com or at LinkedIn.com/in/Hannah-R-Collins/ 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify When you stop measuring success by how long you work and start focusing on what truly matters, you’ll build a business—and a life—that’s both productive and human. That’s the heart of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

Most leaders feel caught between impossible expectations. Be driven, but stay humble. Strive for excellence, but give yourself grace. Speak with candor, but never lose kindness. If that tension sounds familiar, this episode will change how you lead. Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Tim Arnold — international keynote speaker, best-selling author, and leadership coach — to reveal how embracing tension instead of trying to solve it is the true mark of great leadership. Something Tim and J.J. have come to call “the dance.” You’ll learn how to stop chasing perfect balance and start managing life’s most critical leadership paradoxes — drive and grace, striving and accepting, candor and kindness — so you can lead with confidence and compassion. By the end, you’ll know how to create a culture where people feel both challenged and cared for — and where your leadership finally feels sustainable. Here’s what you’ll take away: -Why balance is a myth — and tension is the real goal -How to hold high expectations without losing grace -The difference between striving and accepting (and why you need both) -Why true confidence requires humility -How candor and kindness together build trust that lasts 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify

When you stop trying to solve the tension and start learning to dance with it, you’ll discover a whole new way to lead — with both strength and softness. That’s the heart of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com