Who says two podcast cohosts can’t interview another podcast host? Not your Lifting Leaders Podcast hosts. This week we are excited to interview Suzanne Weller, leadership coach, speaker, change practitioner, communication strategist, and host of the podcast, The Courage Effect. Suzanne gifted us with her wisdom, stemming from experiences that paved the way for her to help leaders (and everyone is a leader) overcome what gets in their way of leading courageously. Listen in as she shares her story of recognizing her own courage. Want some advice on how to lead with more courage and possibility? If you want to learn more about the role that courage plays in true leadership, join us…meet Suzanne and learn how she defines leadership.

Once again, we had a great time, interviewing Melissa Castro, Millennial Leadership Coach and Author of the newly launched book, Intrinsic Leadership – A Coaching Guide for Millennials Who Want To Lead in All Aspects of Life. Melissa gifted us so many gems related to her book, that it was difficult to settle on just one…but we did! If you listened to the previous episode, you heard Melissa talk about how, many Millennial leaders walk around with a “backpack of crap” – all the stuff that becomes a heavy weight, like doubts, fears, world events, everything…those very things that can stall or prevent leaders from moving forward, doing their best work and that are, most often, the sources of anxiety and fear. Listen in, as we unpack a related article, and lend our own thoughts and ideas to the twelve things you might consider doing, to unload your own backpack of unneeded/unwanted “stuff.” We think you’ll find most steps are pretty foundational, some might even be simple to navigate…all are positive steps toward discovering your own intrinsic leadership self. Check it out!

Attention, Millennial Leaders and Everyone Else! It was so fun welcoming Melissa Castro, Millennial Coach and all-around amazingly creative leader, back to our podcast to celebrate and talk about her newly published book, Intrinsic Leadership – A Coaching Guide for Millennials Who Want To Lead in All Aspects of Life. While Melissa wrote this book, with a specific audience in mind, it is clear that everyone who leads (and everyone leads) will find value within the pages of this book. Listen in and learn what compelled Melissa to write this book, at this time, in the world. Hear her share a bit of her philosophy on leadership and, from that, the questions that help her navigate though greater, intentional living. If you’ve been working within long-subscribed business success formulas that do not offer what you need, to lead in your most comfortable and authentic way, then spend this time with us. We hope you’ll listen in AND we believe you will feel inspired and ready for action.

As we recorded this episode, on the front end of Mother’s Day weekend, we started simmering on the topic of caregiving…something moms know all too well about. So, with a world of respect, to all the moms out there, we are taking a look at caregiving, from a few different angles. The first angle is, of course, all about people who provide care for others. This includes all women AND men, who may be providing ongoing care for one or more parent or other family member(s). It includes the “Sandwich Generation,” who may have kids at home and, just maybe, have older family members living in their homes. Being a primary caregiver is a truly challenging job, and it can be difficult to realize the rewards, while you’re entrenched in the role. Listen in, as we share a few of our personal journeys, as caregivers and what we gained from our experiences. If you’ve ever needed care from others, but found it difficult to ask or accept, you’ll learn more about why it’s okay and courageous to be vulnerable and accept care. Finally, we approach caregiving from the angle of caring for ourselves. This may be the most challenging aspect of caregiving and it’s critically important. So, join us as we hold caregiving “Story Time,” with you. We hope it inspires you to explore your own environment and feelings.

In this Encore Edition, Dr. Pam McLean, Co-Founder of The Hudson Institute of Coaching, talks with us about why this is “a golden moment for us as human beings” and what she has learned, through decades of working with leaders around the globe, about the critical capabilities leaders need to develop to solve the complex issues in the world today. This episode is even more relevant today than when we initially recorded it, prior to the podcast's launch more than three years ago! We hope you enjoy the revisit to this amazing, inspiring episode.

We’ve been in Santa Barbara, California, THRIVING at the Hudson Learning Conference. This is just an introduction to the experiences we’ve had this past week. We made great connections, both new and old and have learned so much about Possibilities, ahead! We are so honored that Lifting Leaders Podcast was spotlighted during the conference and we look forward to welcoming new listeners and followers, as a result! Many thanks to Hudson Institute’s amazing staff, for a world of support they gave us, to make this happen. Listen in as we talk to a fellow Seattle coach, at the conference, and learn how she is Thriving in 25! Also, we are giving a shout out to Corey, our favorite garden center representative, for his expertise and support in teaching us about native plants that attract and nurture birds, bees, and butterflies! Check out the episode…we recorded in the lobby!

This week’s episode seems so timely, as we are digging into the beauty and importance of creating spaces that attract and nurture birds, butterflies and bees. These vital creatures are not only a joy to watch but they play a critical role in our ecosystems – and their populations are declining! Listen in as we share a bit of information and statistics on this topic. Learn how incorporating native plants in your garden space provides the food and shelter these pollinators need to thrive. Whether you garden in a yard or containers, you can create an enticing space for these beautiful and important critters. We would love to hear from you – what are you doing in your garden or outdoor space to support birds, butterflies, and bees?

As we continue on our theme of “Leaders THRIVE in 25,” we look to ChatGPT, to help us show different ways, in which we can all THRIVE, this year. Listen in and learn how we decided to use this AI tool, without bailing on the commitment we have to our own values, knowledge and experience. Learn more about the courage and bold steps it takes to thrive and how reflection helps us grow into an intentional state of thriving. Hear how imagination ignites a contagious energy that can inspire others to dream and thrive as well. Finally, BONUS…we have an AI-inspired poem that wraps all of this up with a bow. We hope you enjoy this episode and that you feel inspired to reach back and share your thoughts about it. We would love to learn what you’re doing to THRIVE in 25. Enjoy!