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Start 2026 with a steadier compass, not a louder calendar. When the world feels heavy and noisy, we dig into how leaders can stay grounded by pairing a real growth mindset with practical, intentional choices that cut through uncertainty. Instead of sugarcoating hardship, we redefine growth mindset as curiosity over judgment—asking what can be learned, where grace belongs, and how to move forward when confidence wobbles.

We talk candidly about the hidden cost of negativity and disengagement. Burnout rarely shows up as flames; it shows up as numbness, cynicism, and reactive decisions. From missed opportunities to rooms we weren’t invited into, we name the moments that push us from curiosity into self‑protection and share how to spot that shift before it hardens into a fixed identity. You’ll hear why openness beats having all the answers, and how leaders who listen, question, and reflect create psychological safety and better decisions.

Then we get practical. Intentional leadership isn’t a grand plan—it’s the small, repeatable behaviors that shape culture: pausing before you respond, preparing for hard conversations, holding people kindly to high standards, and protecting capacity through clear boundaries. We introduce three grounding questions to regain agency: what’s within my control, what story am I telling myself, and what’s the most intentional next step. These tools help you challenge worst‑case thinking, focus your energy, and build momentum without waiting for perfect conditions.

If you’re ready to trade autopilot for purpose, hit play and take the next right step with us. Share this episode with someone who needs a reset, and leave a five‑star review so more leaders can choose growth this year.

Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/

www.jolyean.com

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Measure what matters. Lead with purpose. Take the LEADERs Catalyst Index: https://katieervin.com/catalyst-score/

Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/

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Ever feel like celebration is something you’ll “get to” after the next deadline? We flip that script and show how pausing to celebrate is a leadership competency that fuels momentum, creativity, and culture. Katie and Rhonda break down why so many of us skip recognition—productivity myths, minimizing mindsets, and unhelpful cultural norms—and how the brain reads constant urgency as safety while seeing stillness as a threat. The fix isn’t confetti; it’s intentional, well-timed pauses that reward progress and close cognitive loops so teams can start the next cycle clear and energized.

We dive into the neuroscience of dopamine as a teaching signal, explaining how micro celebrations mark effective processes and counter the negativity bias that drains motivation. Then we layer in self-determination theory—competence, relatedness, autonomy—to show how thoughtful recognition boosts confidence, builds belonging, and reduces burnout. From quiet contributors to the loudest voices, we map recognition patterns that feel fair, inclusive, and values-aligned.

You’ll get a practical playbook: the Pause Protocol (pause, name, anchor), a “Celebrate Like A Leader” checklist (who contributed, what we learned, how we honor the moment), and a menu of low-lift rituals for co-located and remote teams. Think weekly shout-outs, brag boards, sensory cues that signal safety, traveling tokens, and meeting openers that connect people beyond tasks. For long projects, we outline how to plan micro milestones that keep energy high without diluting meaning.

Walk away ready to make celebration consistent, authentic, and tied to real work. Try one ritual this week, send a two-line thank-you, and watch engagement shift. If this conversation helped, follow the show, share it with a teammate who needs a nudge to pause, and leave a quick review to help more leaders find us. What’s one win you’re celebrating today?

Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/

www.jolyean.com

www.katieervin.com

Measure what matters. Lead with purpose. Take the LEADERs Catalyst Index: https://katieervin.com/catalyst-score/

Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/

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Clarity gets easier when you can name what you stand for. We’re launching our Leader Briefs with a fast, practical guide to defining three to five personal values and turning them into simple behaviors you can practice when stakes are high and time is short. Instead of vague aspirations, we walk through a concrete flow: capture peak moments across your life, translate the feelings and patterns you notice into candidate values, and refine a long list down to a focused core you can remember and use.

We dig into why values act as guardrails for decisions, how they cut burnout by reducing default yeses, and why they offer clarity when emotions run hot. You’ll hear examples from our own lists—integrity, acceptance, relationships, growth, empathy, creativity, joy, fun, exploration—and how we define them in action with “I show this when…” statements. We also talk about grouping related terms into themes so your shortlist reflects what truly matters without bloating into a feel-good catalog. The aim is a compass you can carry, not a poster you forget.

Then we put values to work. Borrowing Octavia Butler’s reminder that habit beats inspiration, we show how to precommit small, repeatable actions: choose empathy in the first minute of a tense exchange, ship a creative draft before perfect, protect time blocks for family, or take one bold step when imposter syndrome bites. We cover review rhythms, how values can evolve with life stages, and why sharing your list with your team builds trust, speeds decisions, and invites mutual accountability. Ready for a quick win that pays off every day? Press play, pick your five, define the behaviors, and practice one habit this week. If this helped, follow the show, share it with a friend, and tell us your top value in a review or on LinkedIn.

Download toolkit here: https://shared.outlook.inky.com/link?domain=katieervin.com&t=h.eJxFjk0OwiAYRK_SsNbyIaVAV70KbWkh5S8UTYzx7oqauJzJvJd5oGt2aGiQKSUdA8a7KlbrfLOhnaPHTqtF58PYdE7GunjEZO4YnRq0VyroEvNGgHVMSPjC47z8qI9BAlsJ7WCWSgLn60W8M6cUYBKMcYkJ75kgAji0nSCk57TqddVr71U7ORV2HeqHcfPKuqqtk6VO_s3zBfLTPk4.MEUCIQCLROhZh5t9XgiLOTP7UVJtl06zFs5hrP0QgNy_I2fAHgIgKyX12bPRQwli0jo3mr2Yyp1fE5_i-5k_OtxCN3Sagec

Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/

www.jolyean.com

www.katieervin.com

Measure what matters. Lead with purpose. Take the LEADERs Catalyst Index: https://katieervin.com/catalyst-score/

Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/

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Burnout doesn’t fade because we work harder; it eases when we design our lives around values, play, and small, compounding wins. We unpack a realistic blueprint for thriving that starts with identity: not “What should I do this year?” but “Who do I want to become?” From there we map daily rhythms that honor sleep, movement, and connection—and we show why creative experiences lower stress and make growth stick.

We dig into the science and story behind play, including the rise of neuroaesthetics and how music, art, and aesthetic experiences measurably reduce stress. You’ll hear why a pizza party won’t fix burnout, how a simple “creative recess” can change your state, and what happens when teams swap passive perks for meaningful shared experiences. Middle managers get a candid playbook for leading without perfect conditions: set a rallying cry, translate strategy into near-term priorities, and create visible first steps your team can win this week.

Reflection runs through it all. We share how a word of the year can outperform brittle resolutions, from cultivate—therapy, boundaries, connection, and health—to flourish: growth with purpose, expand with joy, rise with confidence. If traditional journaling isn’t for you, try voice memos or a private AI workspace to name emotions, spot patterns, and turn insights into action. Make it tangible with visual cues: a desktop image of a blossoming tree or a Lego bonsai you add flowers to as you progress. Then keep momentum with habit stacking, monthly energy audits, and permission to pivot when priorities change.

If this conversation sparks a shift, help us reach more people on the path to leadership: subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review telling us your word for the year. Which small step will you take today to thrive?

Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/

www.jolyean.com

www.katieervin.com

Measure what matters. Lead with purpose. Take the LEADERs Catalyst Index: https://katieervin.com/catalyst-score/

Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/

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Success isn’t a finish line you cross; it’s a practice you live. We dig into what it really means to create your own path—beyond titles, paychecks, and other people’s expectations—and share the tools that make it doable day after day. Katie and Rhonda compare goals‑driven hustle with a values‑driven approach, showing how acceptance, integrity, relationships, legacy, and creativity can become a practical compass for leadership decisions when the pressure is on.

We talk candidly about burnout, comparison traps, and the loneliness epidemic at work, then pivot to what actually helps: daily habits that compound, creative expression as reflective practice, and community rituals that make people feel seen. You’ll hear a simple leadership philosophy framework, examples of behavior‑based goals that reduce stress, and low‑lift rituals like a daily gratitude reminder that strengthens relationships and morale. Vulnerability isn’t a brand; it’s a bridge—so we share real low points, how support networks show up, and how to use those moments to rewrite your definition of success.

If meditation or journaling isn’t your thing, try intentional experimentation: voice notes, sketching, crochet, walking reflections, or a visible “wins board” to track impact. For teams, borrow our favorite prompts: ask “How will 2035 us judge this decision?” and “What version of this work makes us feel most alive?” These questions spark better strategy and healthier output by reconnecting people to meaning. By the end, you’ll have practical steps to design success on your terms and help your team do the same—one aligned habit, one honest check‑in, one courageous choice at a time.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Tell us: what value will guide you this week?

Book recommendation: Project Unlonely by Dr. Jeremy Nobel

Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/

www.jolyean.com

www.katieervin.com

Measure what matters. Lead with purpose. Take the LEADERs Catalyst Index: https://katieervin.com/catalyst-score/

Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/

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Ever feel like your inbox is a novel and your day is a string of tiny decisions that drain the joy out of leading? We dig into a practical way forward: using AI to cut noise, spark ideas, and protect your judgment. Not to replace your voice—only to amplify it. From summarizing walls of text into crisp actions to turning messy thoughts into structured plans, we share specific prompts, ethical boundaries, and everyday wins that make leadership lighter and your work more creative.

We start by reframing AI as a collaborator. Adoption is moving fast and skill half-lives are shrinking, so leaders need tools that save time without outsourcing relationships. You’ll hear how to set clear guardrails—no AI writing personal notes or full reviews—while still using it to refine tone, tighten language, and check clarity. We also get real about cognitive overload and decision fatigue, and how switching perspectives in your prompts (like “explain this to a four-year-old” or “challenge my assumptions”) exposes blind spots and reveals simpler paths to action.

Then we get concrete. We show how one listener used AI to tame overlong emails and coach a manager toward simpler communication. We walk through building a reusable prompt library, using meeting transcripts to draft proposals, and turning AI into a sounding board that pushes your thinking beyond the obvious. Outside of work, we highlight meal planning that produces menus, shopping lists, and prep steps in minutes, plus travel logistics that turn complex trips into doable itineraries. Throughout, we emphasize authenticity: never paste AI text blindly; edit for truth, tone, and relevance so your message still feels like you.

If you want less busywork and more headspace for strategy and people, this conversation is your map. Subscribe, share with a colleague who’s curious about AI, and leave a review with the prompt you want us to build next.

Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/

www.jolyean.com

www.katieervin.com

Measure what matters. Lead with purpose. Take the LEADERs Catalyst Index: https://katieervin.com/catalyst-score/

Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/

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A messy, beautiful October turned into a bigger move: adding Rhonda as our new co‑host and doubling down on leadership that feels human, not performative. We open the door to our coffee-table conversations and invite you into a space where creativity, neuroscience, and lived experience meet practical tools you can use right away.

Rhonda brings a joy-driven approach to transformation that rejects rigid change management and embraces experimentation, play, and presence. Together, we unpack everyday creativity—not as painting or perfection, but as the act of connecting unlikely ideas, testing quickly, and learning in public. We dive into neuroaesthetics and why aesthetic experiences like music, movement, and museums can regulate stress, boost attention, and strengthen emotional intelligence. From social prescribing to team rituals, we explore how leaders can design environments that reduce burnout and spark better thinking, especially in a world reshaped by AI.

We also talk openly about imposter feelings, burnout from corporate life, and the courage to share the messy middle. Leadership shows up at home, in friend groups, on panels, and at work—far beyond job titles. You’ll hear about mirror believers, the people who reflect your energy and help you keep momentum, and how to build a personal board of directors that includes cheerleaders, challengers, and truth-tellers. The goal is simple: curate the circle that lifts you, protect your energy, and choose actions that leave others better than you found them.

If you’ve ever felt “not creative” or boxed out by formal leadership, this conversation gives you language, evidence, and small steps to move forward. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge, and tell us what you want us to dig into next—we’re shaping this journey with you.

Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/

www.jolyean.com

www.katieervin.com

Measure what matters. Lead with purpose. Take the LEADERs Catalyst Index: https://katieervin.com/catalyst-score/

Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/

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The way we finish the year decides how we start the next. Instead of coasting through December and losing a month of momentum, we walk through a clear, practical strategy for treating quarter four as the bridge to a stronger quarter one. We share the leadership moves that matter most right now: set a focused rallying cry, narrow your must-do list, celebrate wins early and often, and support your team with real flexibility and thoughtful boundaries through the holidays.

We dig into the nuts and bolts of planning early—running retreats in October, reviewing data and lessons learned, and locking Q1 priorities and owners before calendars flip. You’ll hear why clarity beats busyness, how to avoid the mid-December to mid-January stall, and what it looks like to communicate priorities so people return in January ready to execute. We explore recognition as a performance tool, mental health check-ins as a leadership habit, and the role of intentional scheduling to protect energy without sacrificing results.

On the personal side, we talk boundaries, energy management, and reflection: sleep, movement, and nutrition that keep leaders steady under stress; saying no to make room for deep work and real rest; and deciding which “priorities” to finally release. You’ll leave with simple homework that shifts focus from tasks to impact, helps you recognize the right people at the right time, and plants at least one seed of Q1 momentum before the year ends. If this conversation sparks an idea or gives you a useful tool, share it with a colleague, hit follow, and leave a quick review—then tell us: what’s your rallying cry for Q4?

Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/

www.jolyean.com

www.katieervin.com

Measure what matters. Lead with purpose. Take the LEADERs Catalyst Index: https://katieervin.com/catalyst-score/

Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/