In this episode of Uncover the Human, Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore dive into the power of deep listening—the often-overlooked skill that transforms conversations, relationships, and leadership. Joined by Aaron Wilson, they explore why listening feels so difficult at work, how it’s commonly undervalued, and why it’s actually the key to trust, collaboration, and empowerment. Through humor, honesty, and examples from their coaching practice, they unpack their signature LAVA framework—Listen, Acknowledge, Validate, Ask—as a simple yet transformative approach to building authentic connection and reducing workplace friction.

From navigating tough conversations to creating empowered teams, Cristina and Alex show how deep listening redefines what it means to “win” in leadership: not by being right, but by creating understanding. Whether you’re a manager seeking to strengthen your team or someone tired of surface-level communication, this conversation will leave you rethinking what it really means to be heard—and to truly hear others.

What does it mean to truly lead yourself before you lead others? In this episode of Uncover the Human, Cristina and Alex explore the foundation of authentic leadership—beginning with self-awareness, values, and the courage to live in alignment with both. Joined by guest interviewer Aaron Wilson, they dive into what authenticity really means (and what it doesn’t), how to recognize the “shoulds” that keep us stuck, and why creating supportive environments helps us try new ways of showing up—without the masks.

Through humor, candor, and lived experience, they unpack the ongoing practice of authenticity: rediscovering the same lessons, refining your values until they become non-negotiable, and surrounding yourself with people who hold you accountable with compassion. This conversation invites listeners to reflect, recalibrate, and take the next courageous step toward leading—and living—with integrity.

Cristina and Alex kick off a mini-series around their book, The Authenticity Upgrade: Rebooting Leadership for Real Humans, arguing that culture and authenticity—not org charts and processes—determine whether change sticks. They move past theory into day-to-day practices: how leaders (and humans) can reduce friction, align to values, and create environments where people can show up fully. Along the way, they name the early signals of misalignment—dread, resistance, and over-functioning—and frame a “better way” anchored in flow, trust, and lived values.