Episode Summary
Leadership doesn’t pause for personal storms. In this candid conversation, the Divas explore how to lead through workplace “crises” while privately managing burnout, family illness, layoffs, caregiving, and other hidden struggles. Daniela recounts a high-stakes client rescue during her father’s cancer diagnosis; Claudia shares guiding a team through outsourcing while losing her own role; and Misha reflects on leading amid burnout and parental cancer scares. Together they show how honest boundaries, trusted support, and steady—not perfect—leadership sustain you and your team.

What You'll Learn in this Episode

• How to name the real crisis: Distinguish organizational urgency from your personal capacity and needs.
• Healthy disclosure that helps teams: When and how to say “me too” to reduce isolation and build trust.
• Grounding practices for hard seasons: Daily self-check, resilience “anchors,” and small acts of steadiness over perfection.
• Boundary-setting scripts: Practical language for time limits, workload, and availability without abandoning accountability.
• Building your safety net: Identifying a small, trusted network (coach/mentor/peer) before you need it.
• Spotting hidden strain: The subtle ways crisis shows up (sleep loss, overeating, detachment) and what to do early.

Takeaway

You are not the company’s emergency room. Define what’s truly in crisis, protect your non-negotiables (sleep, time, support), and communicate with steady honesty. Leading with humanity—especially when you’re struggling—keeps you effective, strengthens your team, and turns survival into sustainable resilience.

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We peel back the label “soft power” and reveal it as kind, intelligent, human-centric leadership—the foundation that makes hard metrics possible. From biotech to startups to security engineering, Azin Tabrizi shows how empathy, intuition, and clear boundaries turn tense, KPI-driven work into collaborative execution.

She describes being the buffer and bridge: translating “we need it yesterday” client urgency into achievable commitments while protecting her team’s energy and dignity. It’s the everyday touches—quick gratitude, “how are you really?”, picking up the phone—that quietly compound into trust, retention, and yes, better numbers. The crew challenges the “hard vs. soft” binary, landing on a truth: fear can force output; safety unlocks initiative. When people feel trusted, they bring ideas, not just deliverables.

Why It Matters

• Soft power is performance infrastructure. Culture shows up later as KPIs: lower turnover, faster decisions, more creative problem-solving.
• Trust first, then course-correct. “My trust is yours to lose” creates ownership—and makes tough feedback land.
• Leaders model the weather. Vulnerability (“I missed this—my bad”) invites truth early, before small issues become expensive.
• Human > theater. Team-building is built in the micro-moments, not offsites.

Azin’s Soft-Power Playbook (you can steal this)

• Be the bridge. Name client pressures to your team and show the team you’ve got their back.
• Micro-gratitude. “Could you please…”, “Thank you for the quick turnaround”—tiny phrases, outsized compounding effect.
• Trust as default. Hire → grant trust → protect it. Course-correct clearly when needed.
• Everyday culture. Call, drop by, check in. Rituals > slogans.
• Model accountability. Apologize fast; ask “What happened and how do we move forward?” (save the retro for later).
• Guard the standard with kindness. Kind ≠ permissive. Address poor behavior directly and respectfully; protect the culture.

Proof Points & Stories

• Client-team translator: Empathy on both sides turned “us vs. them” into partnership—and better delivery.
• Technician loyalty: Field teams stay for years; clients notice—the culture is visible at the edge.
• Crisis generosity: During COVID, Azin paid meaningful bonuses to essential field staff—loyalty deepened.
• Dignity with customers: When a client mistreated an employee, leadership backed the employee, reset norms, and preserved the relationship.
• Ripple effect: Clients asked Azin for mentorship on building similar environments internally.

Memorable Lines

• “Being ‘soft’ never meant I wasn’t noticing. Kind leadership is intelligent leadership.”
• “Trust is yours to lose.”
• “Culture is built in the day-to-day, not at a team-building event.”
• “Safety invites creativity; fear shrinks it.”

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform! Thanks for tuning in!

Stay Connected!

Thanks again for tuning in to the Coaching Divas Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate and review the show. That's the best way you can show your support.

We’d also love to connect on Instagram, so go ahead and take a screenshot of this episode or maybe a photo of yourself listening along to the podcast. Post it to your Instagram stories. Be sure to mention us on www.instagram.com/thecoachingdivas or email us at thecoachingdivaspodcast@gmail.com.

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In this episode, we go beyond policies and platforms to unpack the human side of hybrid work. Inspired by themes from past Coaching Divas conversations, we look at how leadership, self-awareness, and empathy play critical roles in making hybrid teams successful—and sustainable.

Hybrid work isn’t just about where you work. It’s about how you show up, how teams stay connected, and how leaders foster environments where trust, autonomy, and clarity can coexist. Whether you’re an executive redefining team culture or a solo contributor managing your energy, this episode will spark fresh thinking on how to navigate the new normal with intention and impact.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• 🧭 Flexibility is Powerful—But Needs Structure
  We love the freedom hybrid work offers—but without shared expectations, that freedom can become fragmentation. We explore how leaders and teams can co-create guardrails that support both autonomy and accountability.
• 💬 Communication Must Be Intentional
  As the Coaching Divas have often said, “What gets left unsaid gets misunderstood.” In a hybrid world, intentional communication isn't optional—it’s essential. We talk strategies for maintaining psychological safety, building team rituals, and avoiding the slow fade of connection.
• 👀 Proximity Bias is Real—And Fixable
  Those showing up in-person often get more facetime—and sometimes, more favour. We explore how conscious leadership and inclusive practices can ensure remote team members aren’t left behind in visibility or advancement.
• 🏢 Culture Doesn’t Live in Walls
  Culture is built in every interaction. We look at how to intentionally shape team culture—virtually and physically—through coaching-style leadership, shared values, and emotional intelligence.
• 🔄 The Inner Work of Hybrid Work
  One of the most overlooked pieces of the hybrid puzzle? Mindset. We discuss how awareness of your own habits, biases, and needs can transform how you collaborate—and how you lead.

✨ Bonus Insight:
Just like past Coaching Divas episodes have highlighted, success in hybrid work isn't just operational—it's relational. The leaders and teams thriving right now are the ones asking better questions, not just implementing better tools.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform! Thanks for tuning in!

Stay Connected!

Thanks again for tuning in to the Coaching Divas Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate and review the show. That's the best way you can show your support.

We’d also love to connect on Instagram, so go ahead and take a screenshot of this episode or maybe a photo of yourself listening along to the podcast. Post it to your Instagram stories. Be sure to mention us on www.instagram.com/thecoachingdivas or email us at thecoachingdivaspodcast@gmail.com.

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In this dynamic and down-to-earth episode, the Coaching Divas dive into the buzzing world of Artificial Intelligence — not as techies, but as curious, conscious humans navigating the future of work. From awe to uncertainty, creativity to caution, we unpack how AI is showing up in our lives and reshaping how we think, feel, and connect at work and beyond.

This isn’t just a conversation about code — it’s about co-creation, emotional intelligence, and the very human responses to a rapidly changing world. Whether you’re already collaborating with ChatGPT or just starting to explore, this episode invites you into a rich, real conversation about what it means to be human alongside machines.

✨ Key Themes Explored:

🖋️ Co-Creation with AI:

• Real-life stories of using AI for writing, brainstorming, presentations, and even coaching prep.
• How people are blending their voice with AI to elevate creativity (without losing authenticity).

🤔 Trust & Skepticism:

• What makes us trust an AI-generated answer?
• How do we check for accuracy and bias — and how do we feel when AI gets it wrong?
• Why emotional intelligence matters more than ever in this tech-forward world.

👵👩‍💻 Generational Perspectives:

• Are younger generations more open to AI? How are seasoned professionals adapting?
• Is this wave of AI just another tool — or is it something fundamentally different?

🧭 Call to Action — Join the Experiment:

• Try an AI tool this week — write something, brainstorm, co-create!
• Reflect: How did it feel? What surprised or challenged you?
  Share your story with us: What's your most memorable or emotional moment involving AI?
  Ask yourself: What kind of relationship do I want with technology?

🎧 Tune In If You’re Curious About:

• The emotional and ethical layers of AI in the workplace
• How to stay creative and empowered while using emerging tech
• Having real, honest conversations about what AI means for our work and our humanity

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform! Thanks for tuning in!

Stay Connected!

Thanks again for tuning in to the Coaching Divas Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate and review the show. That's the best way you can show your support.

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In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into a powerful and often overlooked part of career growth: Identity Shift. What happens when your title changes, your responsibilities expand, or the very structure of your organization evolves?

Whether you're stepping into a leadership role for the first time, navigating the dynamics of a merger or acquisition, or figuring out how to show up as an executive, these transitions can shake up how you see yourself—and how others see you.

Topics Covered:

• The Psychological Impact of a Promotion
  Why getting a new title is only part of the change—and why your mindset needs to evolve, too.
• From Individual Contributor to Manager: A Whole New Playbook
  How the shift from doing the work to leading the work challenges your identity, confidence, and communication style.
• Executive Presence and the Pressure to Perform
  What changes when you’re now “in the room where it happens,” and how to navigate imposter syndrome, power dynamics, and influence.
• Mergers and Acquisitions: When Your Role and Culture Change Overnight
  How to stay grounded when your job still exists, but the context around it shifts dramatically.
• New Role, New You?
  The tension between evolving and staying authentic when you take on a program leadership role or rotate into a new domain.
• Identity Anchors and Tools for Transition
  Practical strategies to stay rooted in who you are—while embracing who you’re becoming.

Key Questions We Explore:

• How do you redefine your value when your work changes?
• What does it mean to “show up” differently in a leadership role?
• How can you maintain self-confidence during a period of change or uncertainty?
• What role does feedback and perception play in how we shape our new identity?
• How do you create space to reflect, adapt, and grow into your new role?

Who This Is For:

• Professionals recently promoted or in transition
• New managers and emerging leaders
• Executives navigating increased visibility
• Employees involved in mergers, acquisitions, or organizational restructures
• Anyone grappling with the question: “Who am I now at work?”

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform! Thanks for tuning in!

Stay Connected!

Thanks again for tuning in to the Coaching Divas Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate and review the show. That's the best way you can show your support.

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Feeling stuck, out of place, or drained at work? It might not be you — it might be the fit. In today’s episode, we dive into what finding the right workplace fit really means and why it’s crucial for your success and happiness. You’ll learn how to spot the signs you’re in the wrong environment, how to find a workplace that matches your values and strengths, and practical steps you can take today to move closer to a career that feels like home.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✨ What "fit" actually means beyond job titles and tasks
✨ The hidden signs you’re in the wrong environment
✨ How to uncover your personal workplace values
✨ Smart ways to research company culture before you say "yes"
✨ The one gut check you shouldn’t ignore during the interview process
✨ Small actions you can take today to start finding your best-fit career

Key Takeaways:

• You deserve a workplace where you can be yourself and thrive.
• The right fit energizes you; the wrong fit drains you.
• Trust your instincts — your energy is a better signal than any checklist.
• You’re not asking for too much; you’re asking for alignment.

Micro-Steps for Listeners:
📝 List your top 5 workplace values.
🔍 Reflect on when you’ve felt most energized at work.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform! Thanks for tuning in!

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In this episode, we discuss layoffs from three different perspectives – the manager handling the layoff, the employee being laid off, and the team member left behind. We believe it’s important to understand all perspectives to build empathy and improve organizational culture. This topic matters since layoffs are increasingly common in various industries and they affect everyone involved. Addressing them with empathy and clarity can make a significant difference.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Manager:

• Prepare well: Clear messaging and sensitivity.
• Provide resources and support (severance, career guidance).
• Maintain transparency and honesty.
• Emotional resilience: Recognizing and managing personal emotions.

The Employee Being Laid Off:

• Allowing space to grieve and process emotions.
• Building a support network (friends, family, mentors).
• Practical steps: Updating resumes, networking, seeking mentorship.
• Self-compassion and reframing: It’s a business decision, not a personal failure.

The Employee Left Behind:

• Communication: Encouraging transparency from leadership.
• Seeking mentorship and career development opportunities.
• Mental health support: Therapy, peer discussions.
• Re-engaging with purpose and redefining team goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional Impact & Coping Mechanisms: Layoffs are emotionally challenging for everyone involved. Managers deal with guilt and stress, employees being laid off face grief and anxiety, and those left behind struggle with fear and survivor’s guilt. Building resilience, offering support, and encouraging self-compassion are essential across all perspectives.
• Communication & Transparency: Clear, honest communication is critical at every stage. Managers need to communicate decisions with empathy and clarity, laid-off employees benefit from understanding the reasons and available support, and remaining employees need reassurance and transparency to rebuild trust.
• Rebuilding & Moving Forward: Whether it's the manager improving processes, the laid-off employee seeking new opportunities, or the remaining employees redefining their roles, the focus should be on recovery, growth, and positive transformation.
• Support Systems & Resources: Providing resources—whether it’s career guidance for those laid off, mentorship for those left behind, or emotional resilience tools for managers—is vital to ensure everyone feels supported.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform! Thanks for tuning in!

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In this episode, we cut through the corporate jargon to explore what resilience really means for businesses and employees. Whether you're a manager leading through uncertainty or an employee navigating constant change, we break down practical strategies to build resilience that goes beyond the buzzwords. Expect actionable insights on fostering adaptability, maintaining mental well-being, and creating a workplace culture that can thrive through challenges.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Defining 'real' Corporate Resilience: Why it’s more than just a buzzword and how it impacts organizational health.
2. For Employees: How to stay adaptable, manage stress, and thrive during times of change.
3. For Managers: Key leadership behaviors to foster a resilient team without resorting to clichés.
4. Practical Frameworks: Tools and strategies to make resilience a daily practice, not just a corporate talking point.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience Is Built, Not Bounced: True resilience comes from proactive preparation, not just reacting to crises. When you are in the depths of a situation, resilience becomes evident only after you have gone through the storm.
• Communication Is Key: Open and honest communication fosters trust and adaptability.
• Empowerment Over Micromanagement: Resilient organizations trust their people to make decisions and innovate.
• Well-being Matters: Resilience isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about sustaining people over the long term.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform! Thanks for tuning in!

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Thanks again for tuning in to the Coaching Divas Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate and review the show. That's the best way you can show your support.

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