What does it actually take to spot the leadership gaps that matter, especially when life and work keep speeding up?

In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, I sit down with Erik Dodier, an entrepreneur who describes his career as a "30-year overnight success." Erik takes us from his early love of business and entrepreneurship to building a company through decades of pivots, pressure, growth, and change. What stood out to me right away was his willingness to discuss the pause that comes after the grind, that moment when you stop running and finally have enough space to reflect on who you became while you were building.

Erik's definition of becoming unshakable is refreshingly grounded. It is the quiet confidence that comes from surviving hundreds of hard moments and realizing you are still standing. He shares a simple line that stuck with me, "Of all my bad days, I'm undefeated." And from there, we discuss pattern recognition as wisdom, how experience helps you respond with greater calm, and how looking back can help you face what is next with a little more air in your lungs.

We also get into the real weight of leadership as teams grow. Erik opens up about a pivotal season in 2014, when his company had to narrow its focus and make a painful shift that changed people's careers. He describes doing it as humanely as possible, giving people time to retrain, find their path, or lean into the new direction. That conversation led us into something many leaders wrestle with: how to show care and compassion for others while you are privately carrying your own stress, doubt, and exhaustion.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Erik's honesty about what kept him steady. He talks about books, biographies, and even motivational YouTube videos as tools to reset his mindset on hard days. He also shares how his leadership evolved from feeling he had to have every answer to recognizing that his real job was building the right team, removing obstacles, and focusing everyone on the problems that truly moved the business forward.

We close with a powerful reminder for anyone who feels stuck right now. Erik's advice is to take the smallest step back in the right direction, because the shift you need might be closer than you think. As we step into 2026, he shares how he is using more time, greater intention, and AI tools as a sounding board to keep growing, personally and professionally.

As you listen, I would love you to reflect on what is one leadership belief you have outgrown, and what is the smallest step you can take this week to steady yourself again? Share your thoughts with me. I really want to hear what this brings up for you.

What happens when the identity I hold most proudly becomes the very thing that limits connection?

In this solo episode of Becoming Unshakable, I share a moment of reflection that surfaced for me during a retreat I attended in Canada at the end of the year. I went there to speak, but also to listen, learn, and be present as a participant. In the middle of all the meaningful conversations and connections, one simple question from another attendee stopped me cold and stayed with me long after the retreat ended.

I have always been comfortable giving, serving, and pouring into others. That part of my leadership feels natural to me. But when I was asked whether I was truly open to receiving what others wanted to give in return, it forced me to look more closely at how often I move past praise, support, and presence without fully allowing it in. I realized that even with the best intentions, refusing to receive can quietly block trust and shared humanity.

In this episode, I reflect on why receiving matters just as much as giving, whether we are leading teams, families, or communities. I explore how not allowing others to show up for us can limit their sense of purpose, their contribution, and even the growth of the relationship itself. When we deny others the opportunity to give, we may unintentionally slow progress, connection, and innovation.

As I step into a new year, I invite you to reflect alongside me. If you identify as a giver, what would it look like to become a better receiver as well? And how might opening yourself to receive create deeper relationships, stronger teams, and a fuller expression of who we are meant to be?

What does it take to lead with heart in one of the most demanding, misunderstood public service sectors? In this episode of the Leadership With Heart Podcast, I spoke with Billie Jo McCarley, Deputy Director of Operations at the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department.

From the moment I saw her speak on a panel, I was drawn to her clarity, purpose, and grounded approach to leading in a system that rarely gets the spotlight it deserves. Her words were honest, her tone firm, and her leadership style deeply human.

Billie Jo shares her journey from a union kid in upstate New York to a Marine Corps officer, and now to her executive role overseeing one of the largest utilities in the country. She brings a refreshingly straightforward style to leadership, one rooted in ownership, structure, and service. What resonated most was how she balances military precision with a deep sense of emotional intelligence and faith. Her mantra is simple: understand people, respect their uniqueness, and make hard decisions without ever stripping someone of their dignity.

We explored how she builds high-performing teams by focusing on talent, alignment, clarity, and trust. She described her people as "scrappy builders," but also reminded us that every person comes with a story, and our job as leaders is to create a space where that story matters. Whether shifting someone to a better-fitting role or navigating tough conversations with fairness and compassion, Billie Jo never loses sight of the mission: to serve the people of Miami-Dade County with integrity and purpose.

Her belief that leadership is not about softening expectations but elevating them through care stayed with me. You can be clear, direct, and firm, and still lead with a heart full of compassion. That's the real balance we're all trying to strike, especially in times of uncertainty, change, and disruption.

So here's my question: What does leadership with heart look like in your world, and how are you holding space for others while still pushing them to grow?

I would love to hear your thoughts. Share your reflections with me, and let's continue the conversation.