In this vulnerable and wisdom-packed conversation, Lori sits down with Dr. Susan Dean—an executive operations leader, educator, and researcher—to explore the leadership moments that shaped her. From running teams of 200+ to picking blueberries on a conveyor belt in 100-degree heat, Dr. Dean shares what she’s learned about leading people with empathy, structure, and presence.

This episode isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about who you become as you rise, and how your past (including your pain) can sharpen your leadership superpowers.

If you’re navigating big responsibilities and want to lead with heart, not burnout—this episode is for you.

Soft Skills = Strong Leadership

• Dr. Dean’s doctoral research proves that communication, emotional regulation, and empathy aren’t “nice-to-haves”—they’re essential in the 21st-century workforce.
• Audience follow-up→ Ask yourself: Which soft skill do I need to develop to better support my team right now?

Make It Safe to Talk About the Problem

• Susan uses the “Phone in the Middle” method: place the issue at the center of the conversation (literally or metaphorically) to encourage solution-focused dialogue without blame.
• Audience follow-up→ Try this in your next team debrief: “Let’s talk about the issue—not the person.”

Resilience Is a Skill—Not Just a Trait

• Susan shares a powerful metaphor of falling off a cliff during trauma—and learning how to land on a ledge instead of in the water.
• Her takeaway? Feel your emotions, take a beat, then rise with purpose.
• Audience follow-up→ What’s your “ledge” strategy? How do you care for yourself after a setback?

Don’t Confuse the Title with Readiness

• It’s not about chasing the next title—it’s about learning how to make better decisions through experience, listening, and asking great questions.
• Audience follow-up→ If you’re gunning for a bigger role, ask yourself: Am I ready to lead people—or just ready to manage tasks?

Your Story Is Your Leadership Edge

• Dr. Dean’s trauma shaped her empathy. Her former team of incarcerated individuals reshaped her worldview. These experiences became her legacy, not liabilities.
• Audience follow-up→ What in your past shaped how you lead today—and how can you own it more fully?

• “Phone in the Middle” Approach – Susan’s framework for safe, non-defensive team debriefs.
• Tony Burgess, PhD – Leadership trainer and mentor who influenced Susan’s cliff/ledge metaphor and resilience practice. Dr. Tony Burgess
• Dr. Dean’s Dissertation – Soft Skills for the 21st Century Workforce (great for leaders and HR pros).
• Her Transformative Warehouse Experience – Managing a team of formerly incarcerated workers and helping them rebuild their lives and resumes.

• What’s one mistake you’ve made as a leader—and what did it teach you?
• Are you managing performance… or mentoring people?
• Where could you lead more with your team instead of above them?

• Executives and managers responsible for large teams
• HR leaders looking to improve...