Agency is one of the most overlooked—and misunderstood—skills in the workplace.

In this episode, we explore what agency at work really means and why so many people were never taught how adult communication is supposed to work in professional settings.

This conversation is for both employees and leaders:

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Agency is a skill, not a personality trait Avoiding hard conversations stalls growth—for everyone. Psychological safety includes honest communication, not avoidance. Leaders set the tone for whether feedback is safe or risky. HR supports the process—it doesn’t replace adult conversations.

Reflection Questions For Employees: When something feels uncomfortable at work, do I avoid the conversation or address it respectfully?  Am I expecting someone else to handle situations I could address myself?

For Leaders: How do I react when I receive feedback I don’t agree with? Have I made it genuinely safe for people to speak up. What signals am I sending when someone brings me something uncomfortable?

Resources Mentioned 📘 What Training My Dog Taught Me About Leadership Practical leadership lessons, reflection prompts, and real-world insights—delivered in a relatable and engaging format.

Get your copy of my book here: Amazon.com: What Training My Dog Taught Me About Leadership: 52 Practical Lessons in Patience, Clarity, and Leading with Confidence: 9781955533478: Pearson, Marty: Books

Today’s workplaces often include four—or even five—generations working side by side. While that diversity can be a powerful strength, it can also become a source of frustration when differences are misunderstood or poorly led.

In this episode, we explore the myths and strengths of different generations at work and challenge leaders to rethink how they approach generational differences. Instead of treating those differences as problems to manage, we’ll talk about how to see them as opportunities to lead better.

This conversation isn’t about labels or stereotypes. It’s about clarity, communication, and leadership responsibility.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Reflection Question: Are generational differences on your team being treated as problems—or opportunities?

If you are looking to develop yours or your team's leadership skills - check out my Mindful Leader Experience. Use this link to learn more and book your spot.   https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

 If you are looking for the perfect book for 2026 - I am excited to announce my latest book is now available: What Training My Dog Taught Me About Leadership. Learn more and get your copy here: https://www.lftconsult.com/leadership-book

Managers are exhausted — and it’s not because they don’t care or aren’t capable.

In this episode, we talk about why middle managers are burning out faster than anyone else, what overwhelm really looks like in leadership roles, and the hidden cost of promoting people without giving them the support they need to lead.

If you’ve noticed frustration, disengagement, or inconsistency showing up in your management team — this conversation will feel uncomfortably familiar.

In this episode, we cover:

Reflection Question: If your managers are overwhelmed, what are you expecting them to handle that they’ve never been trained for?

Leadership doesn’t improve overnight — it improves with intention, reflection, and support.
If you’re looking for a practical leadership training experience for your managers and team leaders, you can learn more about The Mindful Leader experience here: 

https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

Life doesn’t usually ask permission before it changes. It doesn’t check your calendar. And it definitely doesn’t care what’s going on at work.

In this episode, I share a personal story about caregiving and how an unexpected life transition reshaped daily routines, capacity, and mental load. From there, the conversation expands into what these moments mean for leadership, company culture, and the way we support people at work.

This isn’t an episode about having all the answers. It’s an honest reflection on what really happens when life shows up — and how leaders can respond with clarity, humanity, and intention.

In this episode, we talk about:

This episode is for business owners, leaders, and HR professionals who want to build workplaces that don’t just look good on paper — but actually support people through real life.

Reflection Question: Are your expectations, policies, and leadership practices designed for the season of life your people are actually in. 

Ways to work with us:

1:1 Executive Coaching - https://www.lftconsult.com/coaching

The Mindful Leader Experience - https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

January gives us a natural pause — a chance to reflect, realign, and reset how we work together. But a culture reset doesn’t mean scrapping everything and starting over. It means getting intentional about what matters most and how it shows up every day.

In this episode, we talk about how leaders can use the new year to reset culture with clarity, consistency, and purpose — without burning out their teams or chasing shiny new initiatives.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Reflection Question: If someone observed your workplace for a week, what would they say your values actually are — based on behavior, not words?

If you’ve ever wondered why your values sound great but don’t always show up in behavior — this episode is for you.

When you hear “leadership training,” you might think it’s only for owners, executives, or managers. But the truth is — leadership skills matter at every level of a business.

In this episode, we explore why leadership training isn’t just for the C Suite — it’s a gift you can give yourself. From receptionists and project managers to solopreneurs wearing every hat, leadership training helps people communicate better, respond instead of reacting, and build stronger relationships with customers and coworkers alike.

You’ll learn:

If you’ve ever thought, “Leadership training isn’t for me,” this episode may change your mind.

Holiday Reflection: As you head into the holidays, consider giving yourself the gift of growth — leadership skills that support your confidence, clarity, and calm going into the new year.

Next Steps: Learn more about The Mindful Leader — an 8-week leadership experience designed to help you lead with intention, connection, and confidence.

https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

As we move into the final two weeks before Christmas, the busy season can easily overshadow the quiet moments that give this time of year its meaning. In today’s episode, we’re slowing things down and exploring the heart of the holiday season—gratitude.

We’ll talk about:

This is a gentle reminder that people want to know they matter—and sometimes, a sincere “thank you” is the most powerful gift of all.

Reflection Question: Who is one person you can thank today—someone who may not realize the difference they make?

If you want to kick off 2026 with clarity and confidence, check out my Mindful Leader Experience. Use this link to learn more and book your spot.   https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

As leaders, we love a good goal-setting session — but how often do those big plans actually make it off the page?

In this episode, I break down how to create a plan that actually works — one that connects your goals, capacity, and accountability so progress doesn’t stall by February.

You’ll learn how to:

✅ Align goals with your real capacity (people, time, and budget)

✅ Define the “why” behind each goal — and why that matters

✅ Filter goals through the SMART method — with a practical twist

✅ Tell the difference between a goal and a project

✅ Build accountability without micromanaging

✅ Use 90-day sprints and quarterly reviews to stay on track

If you want your 2026 plan to actually happen, use last week episode and this episode as your starting points.

If you want to kick off 2026 with clarity and confidence, check out my Mindful Leader Program. Use this link to learn more and book your spot.   https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

If you are looking for the perfect book for 2026 - I am excited to announce my latest book is now available: What Training My Dog Taught Me About Leadership. Learn more and get your copy here: https://www.lftconsult.com/leadership-book

Year-End Reflections: What Worked, What Didn’t, and What to Do Differently.

Before you rush into goal setting for next year, hit pause.

This episode walks you through a simple, practical reflection process to help you identify what truly worked this year — and what didn’t — so you can build smarter, more sustainable plans for 2026.

We’ll talk about:

✅ How to celebrate wins without glossing over lessons

✅ Why understanding why something worked is key to strategy

✅ How to review setbacks without guilt or blame

✅ Simple reflection questions to bring to your team

✅ How reflection sets the stage for meaningful goals Because better planning starts with better reflection.

Listen now and learn how to close this year with clarity — and open the next with intention.

Check out my latest book: What Training My Dog Taught Me about Leadership.

Get Your Copy Here: https://www.lftconsult.com/leadership-book

Balance, kindness, and creativity during what can be a chaotic time of year.

The holidays can bring out the best — and sometimes the most stressful — moments at work. One person loves the decorations, another can’t stand the noise. Some look forward to the party, while others quietly wish it didn’t exist.

In this episode of the podcast, I share how leaders can approach the season with thoughtfulness, balance, and heart. You’ll learn how to create holiday celebrations everyone can enjoy — without losing sight of safety, respect, or sanity.

Whether you lead a small business or a large team, this episode will help you keep the season merry, meaningful, and manageable.

What You’ll Learn

🎄 Why thoughtful celebrations build trust and belonging

🥂 How to handle parties, alcohol, and gift exchanges with clarity and care

📦 Out-of-the-box perks that small businesses can afford — from shipping perks to volunteer time

🧠 How to recognize and support employees struggling with holiday stress

💬 The power of gratitude and early communication during busy seasons

🕯️ Holiday safety reminders that protect both people and culture

Key Takeaways

Favorite Quote from the Episode “The holidays at work aren’t about decorations or cookies — they’re about connection. When people feel respected, appreciated, and safe, that’s where the real magic happens.”

Find one way to make the holidays less stressful for your team this year — whether it’s giving a few hours off, sending a thank-you note, or leading with compassion.

I'd love to hear how you’re making the holiday season meaningful at work.

The holidays are full of giving — but don’t forget yourself. Join the next Mindful Leader group cohort starting January 14, 2026, and make 2026 the year you lead with confidence, clarity, and calm.

🎁 A gift that pays dividends all year long. 

https://www.lftconsult.com/the-mindful-leader-group-cohort