Not every leader needs to be like Ted Lasso.

Karen Lam was the Nate Shelley of her organization—quiet, brilliant, deeply knowledgeable. Then she got promoted. The feedback?

Be louder.

Be more visible.

Inject more energy.

So she tried. She forced it. And everything fell apart.

In this episode, Karen reveals what happened when she stopped performing extroversion and started leading like Coach Beard and Roy Kent—strategically brilliant, people-first, and powerful in a completely different way.

Discover:

• Why "be more vocal" is terrible feedback (and what actually helps)
• The team member who cried because no one had ever asked what they truly wanted
• How to build rapport without draining your energy
• Why slowing down is the fastest way to build trust

This episode dismantles the myth that great leaders have to be extroverts. It's for anyone who's been told to "speak up more," even though their deep 1-on-1s were already transforming their team.

Some of us are Coach Beard. Some are Roy Kent. And that's okay because human-centered leadership is also about diverse leadership styles.

In this engaging conversation, Nate Brown shares his journey of leadership and inspiration through Ted Lasso's leadership style. He discusses the importance of building communities, navigating toxic work environments, and the philosophy of being a 'servant challenger.' The dialogue emphasizes the significance of authenticity, empathy, and the need for leaders to inspire and uplift their teams while also holding them accountable. Nate reflects on his experiences, both successful and challenging, and offers insights into fostering a positive workplace culture.

What really keeps people motivated at work? Beyond salaries and titles lies something far more powerful — the Emotional Paycheck.

In this uplifting and thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Jaime Leal, global speaker, author of Modern Day Miracles, and founder of the Emotional Paycheck Institute of Canada, joins Kirsten Penaloza to explore what it means to lead with empathy, purpose, and humanity.

Together, they dig into the ideas that define kind leadership — from embracing uncertainty and bridging generational gaps to building workplaces where people feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow. Jaime shares insights drawn from his experience working in over 18 countries, the lessons learned from multicultural living, and the stories that remind us leadership starts — and ends — with human connection.

If you’ve ever wondered how to build teams that thrive not just in results but in spirit, this episode will leave you rethinking the true payoff of leading with heart.