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

January is one of the highest turnover months of the year — not because people want new jobs, but because leaders miss the warning signs in December. In this episode we break down how to recognize burnout, re-engage your team, and plan for staffing success in the new year.

Whether you lead a small team or a growing company, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to prevent burnout, boost retention, and build stronger connections heading into 2026.

✅ The top reasons employees quit in January — and how to prevent it
✅ Simple ways to recognize and re-engage your team before the holidays
✅ How to hold effective “stay conversations” that strengthen loyalty
✅ Why clarity and recognition are your best retention tools
✅ How to plan staffing and training for Q1 growth
✅ The R.A.P. framework — Recognize, Ask, Plan — for keeping people engaged year-round

Before the year ends, schedule one 15-minute “stay conversation” with each of your top performers. Don’t script it — just listen. Ask what’s working, what’s not, and what they’d love to see next year. Then, act on what you hear. That small step could make the biggest difference in January.

The Mindful Leader Course Group Cohort— starts January 14th!   https://www.lftconsult.com/the-mindful-leader-group-cohort

Executive & Leadership Coaching - https://www.lftconsult.com/coaching

Subscribe to the Build a Better Business Podcast for more leadership tools and strategies

What’s it like to be on the other side of you?

In this episode, we dive into one of the most underrated leadership skills — self-awareness. Learn how to recognize blind spots, align your intent with your impact, and create a culture where trust and communication thrive.

You’ll hear how internal and external self-awareness shape the way your team experiences you, how to catch subtle cues when your message isn’t landing, and practical ways to build consistency, empathy, and confidence as a leader.

Because leadership isn’t just what you say — it’s how people feel after you’ve said it.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ Why self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership

✅ The difference between internal and external self-awareness (and why both matter)

✅ Common signs of blind spots — and how to identify them early

✅ Simple, actionable steps to improve self-awareness

✅ How reflection and feedback turn awareness into action

✅ How to reframe communication missteps and rebuild trust

Takeaway Challenge:

This week, ask yourself: “What’s it like to be on the other side of me?” Then reflect, identify, reframe, and reset — one conversation at a time.

Explore my signature 8-week leadership course — The Mindful Leader — designed to help business owners and leaders improve communication, connection, and culture through practical, mindful leadership.

👉 Learn more about The Mindful Leader Course - https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

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In this episode of The Build a Better Business Podcast, we explore the science and strategy behind bringing pets — and even pet imagery — into the workplace. From real dogs under desks to dog wall art on the walls, research shows that our furry friends can reduce stress, strengthen connection, and improve overall well-being.

Discover the proven benefits of pets at work, the challenges leaders should consider, and how to bring “dog energy” into your culture — even if your office can’t host actual pets.

You’ll also learn about the creative idea of building an Employee Pet-Photo-Wall — a meaningful perk that connects teams, celebrates employees’ lives outside work, and reinforces belonging.

What You’ll Learn:

🐶 The proven benefits of pet-friendly workplaces (lower stress, higher morale, and stronger engagement)

🧠 How simply looking at dog photos can trigger oxytocin, reduce cortisol, and lower blood pressure.

🖼️ How dog wall art can transform workplace culture

📸 Why creating a personalized Employee Pet-Photo-Wall can deepen connection and pride

💡 Practical considerations for pet policies and leadership takeaways on connection and well-being.

Key Quote: “Whether it’s a real dog under a desk or a framed photo on the wall, dogs remind us to slow down, smile, and connect. They help us create workplaces that feel more human — and that’s where real performance begins.”

Live in Florida and want to learn more about Dog Wall Art visit: www.critterpics.net

If you’re ready to lead with less stress and more confidence, check out my 8-week intensive The Mindful Leader. You’ll learn how to build the habits, systems, and culture that helps your business thrive — even when you’re away.  ➡️ https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

We’ve all heard the saying, “When the cat’s away, the mice will play.”

But what happens when you — the business owner or leader — are the cat?

If your team struggles the moment, you step away, that’s not just a people issue — it’s a leadership and systems issue.

In this episode, we’ll talk about how to build a business that runs smoothly even when you’re not around.

You’ll learn how to:

Because true leadership isn’t proven by what happens when you’re there — it’s proven by what happens when you’re not.

🎧 Listen in for real-world examples, practical takeaways, and a weekly challenge to help you build a stronger, more independent team.

Listener Challenge:

This week, step back for one afternoon and observe what happens. Where do things stall? Where are people waiting for you? Those are your opportunities to strengthen your systems and clarify expectations.

If you’re ready to lead with less stress and more confidence, check out my 8-week intensive The Mindful Leader. You’ll learn how to build the habits, systems, and culture that helps your business thrive — even when you’re away.  ➡️ https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

Conflict at work is inevitable — but chaos doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, Marty shares a simple four-step framework for handling employee conflict calmly and effectively. Whether it’s two employees who just can’t get along or tension that’s been simmering for weeks, this episode gives you practical tools to bring clarity and resolution.

🪄 You’ll Learn:

🧭 Key Takeaway: When you handle conflict early and with clarity, you don’t just fix a problem — you strengthen your culture.

💬 Reflection Question: When was the last time you avoided a difficult conversation because you didn’t want conflict? What did that decision cost you—or your team—in the long run?

👉 Learn more about The Mindful Leader – an 8-week intensive course that helps leaders strengthen communication, build trust, and handle difficult conversations with confidence. Learn more here ➜ The Mindful Leader

We send out additional tool and resources in our monthly newsletter.  Sign up here: https://www.lftconsult.com/

We spend years teaching our kids to think for themselves—to question, to ask why, and to not just follow the crowd. So why, as business owners and leaders, do we get frustrated when our employees do the same thing?

In this episode, we explore why curiosity is a strength, not a threat, in your workplace. You’ll learn how to respond when employees ask “why,” why that question actually signals engagement and buy-in, and how you can use it to build trust and innovation on your team.

What You’ll Learn: 

Why “why” is a sign of healthy engagement, not defiance

The difference between questioning and challenging

How explaining your reasoning builds trust and clarity

Four practical ways to handle “why” conversations with confidence

Key Quote:
“When your employees ask why, don’t see it as a challenge—see it as proof that they’re thinking.”

Takeaway: We raised a generation to think critically. Now it’s time to lead them the same way—by encouraging curiosity, not crushing it.

💡 Reflection Questions:

When an employee asks “why,” how do you typically respond—defensively or with curiosity?

What would change if you saw those questions as a sign of engagement rather than pushback?

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with another leader who could use the reminder that thinking employees are a good thing.

If this podcast resonates and you want to take your leadership skills to the next level, check out my 8-week intensive, The Mindful Leader. It’s designed for business owners and leaders who want to improve communication, set clear expectations, and build trust with their teams. https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

We send out additional tool and resources in our monthly newsletter.  Sign up here: https://www.lftconsult.com/

How do you keep your employees motivated when you don’t have the budget for big bonuses or perks? If you’re a small business owner, this is a question you’ve probably asked yourself more than once. The good news is—you don’t need a big budget to build a motivated, loyal team.

In this episode, I share four powerful strategies to motivate employees without money—all practical, low-cost approaches that focus on leadership, not dollars. These are tools any small business owner or leader can start using right away.

We’ll cover:

Motivation isn’t bought—it’s built. And in many cases, these non-financial motivators last longer and create deeper loyalty than a bonus ever could.

Whether you lead a team of five or fifty, these strategies will help you create an engaged, motivated workplace without stretching your budget.

Key Takeaway: Your employees don’t just want a paycheck—they want to feel valued, trusted, and connected. As a leader, you can provide that without spending a dime.

🎧 Tune in now and learn more on how to motivate your team without breaking the Bank. 

If this podcast resonates and you want to take your leadership skills to the next level, check out my 8-week intensive, The Mindful Leader. It’s designed for business owners and leaders who want to improve communication, set clear expectations, and build trust with their teams. https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

We send out additional tool and resources in our monthly newsletter.  Sign up here: https://www.lftconsult.com/

Are you addicted to your phone?

If you’re like most people, the answer is yes. The average person checks their phone 96 times a day—that’s once every 10 minutes. And while it may feel harmless, the constant pings, scrolling, and notifications are rewiring our brains and eroding our ability to focus.

In this episode, I break down why phone addiction isn’t just a distraction—it’s a leadership issue. As leaders, our habits set the tone for our teams. Being “always on” makes us reactive instead of strategic, models unhealthy behavior for employees, and drains both our productivity and our presence.

We’ll explore practical strategies for setting boundaries around notifications, email, and downtime. You’ll learn how to replace mindless scrolling with intentional habits like journaling, reflection, and purposeful use of your phone. We’ll also talk about the mental health costs of staying constantly connected—higher stress, disrupted sleep, and the anxiety that comes from the comparison trap of social media.

By the end, you’ll have tools to reclaim your focus, protect your peace of mind, and model healthier connection habits for your team. Because leadership isn’t about being connected all the time—it’s about showing up with clarity and presence when it matters most.

We send out additional tool and resources in our monthly newsletter.  Sign up here: https://www.lftconsult.com/

Interested in learning how coaching might help you or your team?

Learn more here: https://www.lftconsult.com/coaching