What if the real test of character isn’t how kind you are on easy days, but how you show up when it costs you? We delve into the messy, daily moments where values collide with pressure: late projects, tense meetings, and difficult conversations, and outline a practical path to being a truly good person, not just a pleasant one that others approve of. The core idea is simple yet demanding: goodness is built on awareness, empathy, and responsibility, and it is evident in what you choose when no one is watching.

We unpack the difference between being nice and being good, why conflict avoidance drains trust, and how integrity becomes visible when words match actions. You’ll hear a small coffee shop story that changed the mood of a crowded morning with a few calm words, illustrating how one act of grace can reset energy and encourage others to do the same. From there, we translate emotional intelligence into concrete skills: how to pause, breathe, and choose language that lowers the heat while maintaining high standards.

For leaders and teammates alike, we challenge the myth that kindness weakens authority. Respect grows when expectations are clear, feedback is honest, and ownership is modelled from the top. We also confront the cost of integrity in competitive or toxic cultures, where humility gets mistaken for weakness. The long game wins: credibility, trust, and peace of mind. You’ll leave with a simple checklist to steer tough choices. Is it kind? Is it fair? Is it honest? Can I live with my decision? And the reminder that behavior becomes legacy.

If the message resonates, help us grow this conversation on integrity and people skills; please subscribe, share with a colleague who needs it, and leave a review with one moment you plan to handle differently this week. Your small act might shift a room.

Thank you for listening to Be THAT Leader, where we help leaders show up with purpose, presence, and impact.

If today’s episode inspired you, share it with a colleague or your team, and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.

You can learn more about leadership training and coaching, as well as where to find me, by going to itasolutions.info/m/links

And remember: leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about influence. Be intentional, be authentic, and be THAT leader.

Karen Amlin, Ashleigh Ford, and James Tyack answer Reddit questions from managers: Tension between coworkers, and a team feeling the weight: sound familiar? We unpack how to stop workplace friction from stealing momentum by pairing a values-first stance with practical tools you can use the moment tensions rise. We start with the “surgical” approach to conflict: build trust in one-on-ones, surface triggers and needs, then host a focused joint session that uses “I feel” language, body‑language awareness, and a short list of shared commitments both people agree to practice. From there, we show how a living team pact—your engagement and expectations agreement—lets you redirect behavior in seconds: “Does what’s happening match what we agreed?”

We pivot to designing monthly meetings that matter when weekly one‑on‑ones already cover status. The goal: make the longer session a purposeful event. Rotate facilitation to include quieter voices, blend light connection with problem solving, and close with decisions, owners, and timelines. Then we challenge recognition habits. Candy-bar kudos won’t fix change fatigue; ownership will. Try low‑budget innovation sprints, celebrate “best failures,” and publicly link effort to impact so autonomy and purpose rise together. When people control how they solve real problems, morale follows progress.

We also confront the “leave at five” stigma. Results beat seat time unless coverage truly requires presence. Set clear objectives, share collaboration windows, keep calendars transparent, and shut down public shaming that erodes psychological safety. Throughout it all, one thread holds every tactic together: trust. Trust turns expectations into culture, experiments into learning, and conflict into clarity. If you’re navigating team tension, meeting fatigue, or morale dips, this conversation gives you a grounded playbook to realign values, raise standards, and regain momentum. If it resonated, follow the show, share it with a manager who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.

Thank you for listening to Be THAT Leader, where we help leaders show up with purpose, presence, and impact.

If today’s episode inspired you, share it with a colleague or your team, and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.

You can learn more about leadership training and coaching, as well as where to find me, by going to itasolutions.info/m/links

And remember: leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about influence. Be intentional, be authentic, and be THAT leader.

Ever felt your voice shake and thought, “Maybe I’m not a leader”? We go straight at that fear and show why confidence is built through action, not bestowed at birth. From public speaking jitters to the quiet strength of introverted managers, we share practical tools to grow real influence—without becoming someone you’re not.

We start with the myth that leadership belongs to the loudest person in the room. It doesn’t. You’ll learn how soft-spoken leaders succeed by preparing thoroughly, asking more effective questions, and speaking with precision. We talk concrete tactics: scripting your first 30 seconds, using pauses to project presence, and running one-on-ones that uncover blocks without shaming. If you’ve been blamed in public, especially while leading without an official title, you’ll get language to reset the room on the spot and a simple follow-up play that rebuilds credibility with your team.

Then we zoom out to culture. Fear-based leadership can drive short-term obedience, but it quietly taxes retention, hides mistakes, and kills innovation. We map the real costs in terms of turnover and rework and outline how to build a local shield of psychological safety through rituals, retrospectives, and clear expectations. Finally, we grapple with a difficult question: Can you maintain your integrity and still thrive in a large company? Yes, if actions match values. When they don’t, we offer ways to test for change, make a business case for humane policies, and, if needed, plan a values-aligned exit.

If you’re ready to replace noise with clarity, anxiety with reps, and authority with earned trust, this conversation will give you the scripts, habits, and mindsets to lead today. If it resonates, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs the boost, and leave a review with the one tactic you’re going to try next.

Thank you for listening to Be THAT Leader, where we help leaders show up with purpose, presence, and impact.

If today’s episode inspired you, share it with a colleague or your team, and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.

You can learn more about leadership training and coaching, as well as where to find me, by going to itasolutions.info/m/links

And remember: leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about influence. Be intentional, be authentic, and be THAT leader.

What happens when a manager's good intentions collide with spectacular misjudgment? Join us for an eye-opening conversation about a workplace nightmare that's almost too outrageous to believe.

We dive deep into a Reddit post that had us both gasping: a manager who hired their massage therapist—doubling as a "spiritual guide"—to lead a mandatory team-building workshop. The agenda? A full day of forced emotional vulnerability, guided healing practices, and group sharing of personal wounds... all in front of coworkers. This boundary-shattering disaster serves as the perfect case study for what NOT to do when trying to build team connections.

Drawing from our backgrounds in leadership, counseling, and nursing management, we unpack why this approach is not just inappropriate but potentially harmful. We explore the crucial boundaries between therapeutic work and workplace development, discussing how even well-trained therapists are careful not to force vulnerability—making a massage therapist's leadership of such exercises particularly alarming. The conversation reveals important distinctions between organic vulnerability that strengthens teams versus forced sharing that damages psychological safety.

The episode transitions into practical alternatives that actually work. We share success stories from diverse healthcare teams, including thoughtful approaches to scheduling team activities during appropriate shift times, bringing celebrations to staff rather than expecting them to attend after hours, and using cultural food sharing to create natural bonds without pressure. These real-world examples demonstrate how respecting boundaries actually creates more authentic connection than forced vulnerability ever could.

Whether you're a leader looking to strengthen your team or an employee facing questionable team-building practices, this conversation offers valuable guidance on navigating the delicate balance between professional development and personal boundaries. Listen now and join the conversation about creating workplace connections that respect everyone involved.

Thank you for listening to Be THAT Leader, where we help leaders show up with purpose, presence, and impact.

If today’s episode inspired you, share it with a colleague or your team, and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.

You can learn more about leadership training and coaching, as well as where to find me, by going to itasolutions.info/m/links

And remember: leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about influence. Be intentional, be authentic, and be THAT leader.

Embark on a voyage of self-discovery with Dianne Dupuis – a force of nature in the financial industry, whose life reads like an adventure novel. She's not only reshaped her own destiny, moving from the culinary arts to senior finance manager, but also embodies the essence of a nurturing leader, a mentor, and fitness enthusiast who has turned the corporate world into a place of growth and kinship. 

In our heart-to-heart, Diane unveils her battles with self-doubt and the life-altering mentorship that helped her chart a course through the turbulent seas of career transition. 

This episode is brimming with insights on cultivating a thriving work environment that mirrors a supportive family dynamic, one that encourages camaraderie through team collaboration, support, and social gatherings. 

In this podcast, you will listen to how Diane propelled her career trajectory by embracing the values of transparency and accountability and the profound impact it had not only on her tenure but also on the culture of her team. 

Her story and high energy serve as a beacon for anyone daring to chase their dreams. They remind us of the ripples of inspiration one person's journey can create, spreading far into the lives of others. 

Join us for a conversation that's as much about personal evolution as it is about transforming the fabric of leadership and mentorship in today's fast-paced world.

Dianne's Bio & Links:
Dianne is an entrepreneur; she works as a manager in the financial industry and is rapidly expanding her brokerage across the country. Through business, she is helping people change their mindset, crush limiting beliefs, create a new empowering identity and build their best life in all aspects. 

Dianne is a licensed financial broker and Master practitioner of NLP and timeline therapy. She’s passionate about helping people believe in themselves and create the life they’ve always dreamed of. Dianne loves fitness, personal growth, finding the beauty in the day, having fun, and learning about people.

Follow Dianne:
Website - HTTPS://agents.WFG Canada.ca/diannedupuis
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianne-dupuis-7043b1239/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/superdi_3.0/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@superdi82

Thank you for listening to Be THAT Leader, where we help leaders show up with purpose, presence, and impact.

If today’s episode inspired you, share it with a colleague or your team, and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.

You can learn more about leadership training and coaching, as well as where to find me, by going to itasolutions.info/m/links

And remember: leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about influence. Be intentional, be authentic, and be THAT leader.

When we peel back the layers of management, what core truth do we find? For James Tyack, engineering manager at Coursera and a new dad, that truth lies in the intersection of leadership and vulnerability. Our latest episode brings you a riveting conversation with James, where he shares his journey of discovering how showing his human side has helped create a culture of trust and empowerment within his teams. His approach, inspired by speakers and leaders like Wade Chambers, emphasizes that leaders who embrace their own imperfections pave the way for their teams to learn, thrive, and innovate without fear.

Navigating the complexities of management isn't just about the bottom line—it's about the subtle art of human connection and continuous personal growth. We delve into the broader implications of leadership training that go beyond the workplace, spilling into the personal realms of our lives. James and I reflect on the 'see something, say something' mantra, a policy designed to encourage openness and inclusiveness that ensures no voice goes unheard. We also highlight the significance of team retrospectives in fostering a candid dialogue, an essential tool for teams to evolve and flourish. 

As our conversation draws to a close, we turn our focus to the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining a healthy team dynamic. We explore strategies to safeguard against burnout, the benefits of sharing responsibilities, and the essence of allowing team members to learn from their choices. As we sign off, we reminisce about the unexpected ways an hour-long talk can resonate so deeply as James closes the session to continue his family adventure to Hawaii—a fitting reminder that life's rewards often lie in the simplest of pleasures. Join us and be inspired to lead with heart, cultivate gratitude, and maybe even find a fresh perspective that could transform your approach to management and life.

Follow James: 
TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@truehumanai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamestyack/

Thank you for listening to Be THAT Leader, where we help leaders show up with purpose, presence, and impact.

If today’s episode inspired you, share it with a colleague or your team, and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.

You can learn more about leadership training and coaching, as well as where to find me, by going to itasolutions.info/m/links

And remember: leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about influence. Be intentional, be authentic, and be THAT leader.

In this conversation, Karen Amlin interviews Ashleigh Ford, a former director of nursing who transitioned to leadership training and mentorship. Ashleigh shares her passion for leadership and helping others, emphasizing the importance of people skills in leadership roles. She discusses the challenges of building trust and highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and training in conflict resolution and communication. She also emphasizes the importance of empowering middle managers and developing future leaders. 

Overall, the conversation emphasizes the significance of investing in people for better outcomes. This conversation highlights the importance of knowing and understanding your team members. It emphasizes the need for leaders to observe and get to know their people, as well as listen and learn from them. Building strong relationships and recognizing the positive qualities of team members are crucial for effective leadership. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of addressing complaints and creating a positive culture. Additionally, it highlights the need for training and supporting managers to become positive leaders and emphasizes the impact of positive leadership on morale and performance. 

Takeaways

• People skills are essential for effective leadership and management.
• Building trust and empowering employees are crucial for a positive work environment.
• Addressing conflict and negative behavior is necessary for team success.
• Ongoing dialogue and training are key to developing strong leaders.
• Investing in people leads to better outcomes and organizational success. Leaders need to take the time to observe and get to know their team members.
• Listening and learning from team members can provide valuable insights and help build strong relationships.
• Recognizing and acknowledging the positive qualities of team members is important for building trust and morale.
• Addressing complaints and creating a positive culture can improve the work environment.
• Training and supporting managers is crucial for developing positive leadership skills.

Follow Ashleigh:
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@leadwithash?lang=en
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-ford-9b8128265/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leadwithash/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LeadwithAsh

Thank you for listening to Be THAT Leader, where we help leaders show up with purpose, presence, and impact.

If today’s episode inspired you, share it with a colleague or your team, and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.

You can learn more about leadership training and coaching, as well as where to find me, by going to itasolutions.info/m/links

And remember: leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about influence. Be intentional, be authentic, and be THAT leader.

In this conversation, Karen Amlin and Twinkle Patel discuss the challenges and morale issues faced by managers in the long-term care industry. They explore the impact of delegating on morale and the importance of building trust and relationships with staff members. They also discuss the role of asking the right questions and tying people to a vision and purpose. Additionally, they address the approach and delivery of delegation and how to handle pushback and resistance. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the difference between managers and leaders.

Takeaways

• Building trust and relationships with staff members is crucial for effective delegation and maintaining morale.
• Asking the right questions can help managers understand their staff's strengths and preferences.
• Tying people to a vision and purpose can create a sense of teamwork and motivation.
• Approach and delivery of delegation can greatly impact how it is received by staff members.
• Addressing pushback and resistance requires understanding the underlying reasons and improving the manager-staff relationship.
• Setting clear expectations and considering staff workload can help prevent overwhelm and resistance.
• Managers have the potential to become effective leaders through a willingness to change and develop new skills.

#delegation #management #leadershipdevelopment #leadership

Thank you for listening to Be THAT Leader, where we help leaders show up with purpose, presence, and impact.

If today’s episode inspired you, share it with a colleague or your team, and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.

You can learn more about leadership training and coaching, as well as where to find me, by going to itasolutions.info/m/links

And remember: leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about influence. Be intentional, be authentic, and be THAT leader.

Just a short little introduction of our new Be THAT Leader Podcast with Karen Amlin  

Thank you for listening to Be THAT Leader, where we help leaders show up with purpose, presence, and impact.

If today’s episode inspired you, share it with a colleague or your team, and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.

You can learn more about leadership training and coaching, as well as where to find me, by going to itasolutions.info/m/links

And remember: leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about influence. Be intentional, be authentic, and be THAT leader.