What if the most powerful tool in leadership wasn’t a strategy—but a conversation?

In this insightful episode of the People Success Circle podcast, executive coach and leadership expert Carissa Gay joins host Mindy East to explore how capacity-building conversations can transform teams, shape workplace culture, and elevate leadership. As the founder of Courageous Leaders and a Master Certified Coach, Carissa shares how neuroscience, trust, and communication intersect to drive real, lasting change.

Listeners will walk away with actionable tools to lead better one-on-ones, give feedback with confidence, and create team environments rooted in safety, ownership, and respect. Whether a seasoned leader or just stepping into management, this conversation reframes communication as the foundation of transformational leadership.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How every conversation sparks a neurochemical response—and why that matters for engagement and trust
  
  
• What makes a conversation truly “capacity-building” and how it empowers creativity, accountability, and connection
  
  
• Barriers that prevent leaders from having courageous conversations (and how to overcome them)
  
  
• Leading with honor, dignity, and respect—even when conversations are difficult
  
  
• Balancing empathy with accountability in performance feedback
  
  
• Coaching case studies that illustrate the power of high-capacity leadership and intentional communication
  
  
• The shift from old-school leadership to transformational leadership models
  
  
• How to use values to anchor culture change during disruption and uncertainty
  
  
• Why title isn’t everything—how influence and conscious communication can come from anywhere in the organization
  
  

This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to improve performance management, tackle tough conversations, or become a more conscious and courageous leader.

Resources & Guest Info:
Learn more: courageousleaderscoaching.com
Connect with Carissa Gay on LinkedIn: Carissa Gay

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com