In this episode of The Dr. Melissa Show: The Stories That Shape Us, Dr. Melissa Carman—licensed therapist, executive coach, and founder of CNY Mental Health Counseling—sits down with Kate Houck, Executive Director of David’s Refuge and founder of Brave CNY.

Kate is a seasoned nonprofit leader, speaker, and culture-builder who shares what it really takes to lead with intention, build trust, and hold yourself accountable in both professional and personal spaces. She opens up about the feedback that changed her leadership style, how emotional regulation shaped her impact, and the honest work of staying aligned with your values while managing the invisible weight many leaders carry.

This conversation is raw, reflective, and rich with tools you can use.

Together, Dr. Melissa and Kate explore:

• How feedback transformed Kate’s leadership—and her team
• The shift from defensiveness to ownership in high-stakes roles
• “Exit energy,” and how to leave people better than you found them
• Building trust cultures at work and emotional safety at home
• Emotional regulation as a leadership superpower
• The relationship between identity, integrity, and influence
• Making leadership decisions that reflect who you want to be—beyond titles or outcomes

Whether you're an executive, a caregiver, or a high-performing professional navigating identity and growth, this episode will give you something real to hold onto.

🎧 Featured Resources from This Episode:

• www.davidsrefuge.org – Respite, community, and wellness support for caregivers of children with special needs or life-threatening conditions
• www.bravecny.com – Executive coaching and leadership consulting for high-impact individuals and organizations

⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional counseling or mental health treatment. Listening to this podcast does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health concern, please reach out to a licensed professional.

🔹 Brought to you by CNY Mental Health Counseling, PLLC
We proudly serve individuals, couples, and families across New York State and partner with schools, nonprofits, and corporate teams to support mental wellness and resilience.
🌐 Learn more: www.cnymhc.com
📍 Please note: Due to state licensure laws, services are only available to residents of New York State.

Looking for executive or performance coaching support?
Explore Dr. Carman’s work with global leaders, entrepreneurs, and high-performing teams:
🌐 www.drmelissacarman.com

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This is what we explore in depth inside my private executive coaching practice. If you're a high-performer or leading a team navigating growth, identity, or burnout—let’s talk.