How do you lead when the work gets hard, uncertainty is high, and your team is struggling to stay positive?

In this episode, Chris Lancaster, CEO of Baylor Scott & White in Waco, shares how leaders can navigate difficult seasons without losing sight of what matters. He reflects on why leadership requires both high standards and grace, how reconnecting people with their purpose can help them through challenging times, and why leaders need to find a way forward even when things feel hard.

Chris offers a thoughtful reminder that difficult seasons are part of leadership. The challenge is learning how to respond to them, support the people around you, and keep moving forward together.

Chris Lancaster has devoted more than 17 years to serving communities across Texas and is passionate about strengthening healthcare access and quality for Central Texans. He serves on the Council of Policy Development for the Texas Hospital Association, is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and was named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s Rising Stars list of 67 healthcare leaders under 40.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How to give people grace while still holding them accountable
• Why reconnecting people to their why matters when the work gets tough
• How leaders can stay optimistic without ignoring the challenges
• How to help your team navigate uncertainty without creating an “us versus them” mentality

Learn More About Heather Smith:

• Talent Elevated

Resources:

• The Six Types of Working Genius

I’m joined in this episode by Margie Cobb, Director of Branches Worldwide, an organization I’m also proud to be a part of. Margie has a wealth of views on a global scale working with leaders and entrepreneurs from all over the world and at all stages of business in her role at Branches.

Margie and I talk about the importance of recognizing and considering your own lens on resilience, leadership, impact, and community, how her own faith and beliefs shape how she thinks about leadership, tapestry as a metaphor for a career journey, and the difference between healthy resilience and just surviving.

Margie Cobb serves as the Director of Branches Worldwide, where she equips global entrepreneurs to grow in faith, leadership, and community impact. With over 30 years of experience in leadership development, Margie is deeply passionate about servant leadership and the power of strong, Christ-centered communities.

Originally from Texas, Margie now lives in Wooster, Ohio with her husband Bruce. Together, they have three adult children and two wonderful grandchildren.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• Why long-term support and community are essential to transformational leadership
• How leadership development has been a consistent thread in the tapestry of Margie’s career
• The elements of entrepreneurship and leadership that cross language, culture, and geography
• Why helping business owners create community impact is a core part of mentorship at Branches Worldwide
• How everyone benefits from sharing space and ideas with people at various stages of their businesses and careers

Learn More About Margie Cobb:

• Branches Worldwide: https://www.branchesworldwide.org
• Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margiecobb3/

Learn More About Heather Smith:

• Talent Elevated: https://www.talentelevated.org

What if creating a great culture has less to do with programs and more to do with how we lead every day?

In this conversation, I talk with Kristen Fox about what it really takes to create a workplace where people can thrive. Kristen shares why curiosity and vulnerability are such powerful leadership tools, how to build the trust needed for honest feedback, and why leaders need to take responsibility for creating the conditions for their people to succeed.

Kristen Fox is a senior human resources executive with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations navigate growth, transformation, and cultural change. Her career has spanned healthcare, higher education, and some of the world’s largest and most complex operations.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How moving from “expert” to curious leader can unlock the talent around you
• Practical ways to build trust so people feel safe giving honest feedback
• The powerful lesson Kristen learned from her rowing coach about putting people in the right “seat”
• How to create psychological safety by meeting your team where they are
• Why leaders can save time by involving the people who created an outcome in solving the problem
• How to discern between issues with performance, fit, or a lack of the right supports

Learn More About Kristen Fox:

• Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-fox-hr-executive/

Learn More About Heather Smith and Talent Elevated:

• Talent Elevated: https://www.talentelevated.org