Not all power is loud or forceful. In this episode of Unspoken Career Truths, Lauren Livak Gilbert and Cara Wood unpack the underestimated art of soft power—the ability to influence through credibility, connection, and authenticity rather than authority. They explore how emotional intelligence, communication, and presence can drive real impact (and why soft power often fuels the biggest shifts behind the scenes).

There is a moment many of us recognize. You look at your PTO balance and realize you have not taken a real break in months. Maybe it feels risky to step away. Maybe you worry about the pile waiting when you return. Or maybe rest has become one more thing you have to manage. In this conversation, we unpack the quiet pressures around taking time off, the habits we pick up from teams and past jobs, and the small ways we learn to give ourselves permission to rest.

What happens when “assume best intent” collides with workplace reality?

It’s a phrase that’s been echoed everywhere from ancient texts to modern boardrooms. In this episode of Wisdom Under Fire, Cara and Lauren unpack one of the most quoted — and most misunderstood — pieces of modern leadership advice. We found a reframe for the phrase that adds a powerful twist.

This is a must-listen for anyone navigating trust, feedback, and conflict at work or at home.

When should you extend grace, draw boundaries, and how can you better balance empathy with accountability? We tackle how “assuming best intent” can strengthen relationships, reduce emotional reactivity, and build psychological safety — but also why it can’t excuse bad behavior or toxic patterns.