Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all role—so why should your leadership style be?

In this episode, we explore how to identify your strengths, recognize how they shape your leadership, and intentionally refine your approach to align with your values and your team’s needs. We’ll break down the five key elements of leadership style—communication, relationships, structure, development, and failure—and explore how to craft a leadership presence that is both authentic and effective.

These shorter episodes are designed to spark reflection and build your leadership toolkit. Have a question for comfyHQ? Share it with us here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Explore, Define, Align: A conversation about values.

In this Comfy Chairs episode, Dr. Benjamin Ritter and I explore how relying on your core values can lead to fearlessness and career fulfillment.

Drawing from his book Becoming Fearless, Dr. Ritter provides a step-by-step guide to exploring, defining, and aligning your personal values with your professional goals. We discuss practical approaches like calendar audits and team crafting to help you identify what matters most and build a career you’re proud of. Tune in to learn how clarity, purpose, and self-leadership can support your journey.

• Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbenjaminritter-leadershipdevelopment/
• Learn more about his business: https://www.liveforyourselfconsulting.com/
• Learn more about his book: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Fearless-Strategies-Self-Doubt-Self-Mastery/dp/B0D9MVV64Y

We discussed Root Cause Analysis. Learn more about what it is and how it can be done: https://www.6sigma.us/etc/what-are-common-root-cause-analysis-rca-tools/

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Don’t leave this to chance.

How do you balance long-term vision with short-term goals? And when setbacks happen (because they will), how do you recover with resilience?

In this comfyHQ (comfy chairs, hard questions) episode, we’re diving into practical strategies for keeping your leadership balanced and adaptable. From making short-term goals more purposeful to developing "double vision"—the ability to see failure as both a challenge and a learning opportunity—you'll walk away with tools to strengthen your leadership approach.

Join me as we explore how small adjustments can help you align daily efforts with the bigger picture—and how the best leaders don’t just recover from failure, they use it to drive their next steps forward.

These shorter episodes are designed to spark reflection and build your leadership toolkit. Have a question for comfyHQ? Share it with us here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Kindness is an act: A conversation for leaders about kindness.

Kindness isn’t just nice—it’s a force for connection, well-being, and even workplace success. In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Browning, founder of Time for Kindness, to explore how small acts of kindness ripple outward, shaping healthier teams and stronger communities. We dive into the science behind kindness, its impact on productivity and mental health, and why noticing kindness is just as important as practicing it. Sarah shares practical ways to cultivate kindness in our daily lives—starting with ourselves.

Feeling overwhelmed by the world? This episode is a reminder that kindness is always within reach, and it has the power to transform the way we lead, work, and live.

🎧 Listen now and take a moment to notice the kindness around you. Then, pass it on.

• Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-browning-she-her-438b4120/
• Learn more about Time for Kindness: https://timeforkindness.co.uk/

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

How do great leaders use storytelling to inspire and motivate? And how can you lead effectively through uncertainty when you don’t have all the answers?

In this comfyHQ Q&A episode, we explore the power of stories as leadership tools and practical strategies for navigating ambiguity with confidence, clarity, and trust. Tune in for insights that will help you connect, communicate, and guide your team—no matter the circumstances.

These shorter episodes are designed to spark reflection and build your leadership toolkit. Have a question for comfyHQ? Share it with us here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

The right amount: A conversation about leadership styles.

In this episode, Kate Johnson and guest Paul Thornton explore leadership styles: the practical application of different leadership behaviors and how they impact people and organizations.

The discussion covers the three primary leadership styles – directing, discussing, and delegating – and how effective leaders adapt their approach based on the needs of their team members and the circumstances at hand.

Kate and Paul also tackle the challenges facing leaders today, such as finding the courage to speak up and dealing with constant change.

• Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-thornton-5061216/
• Check out his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2V4T43zLi_U&t=1090s
• Browse Paul’s books: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Paul-B-Thornton/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3APaul%2BB%2BThornton

Additional resources:

• Situational Leadership https://situational.com/
• Crucial Conversations https://cruciallearning.com/courses/crucial-conversations-for-dialogue/
• Everything DiSC© https://www.everythingdisc.com/what-is-disc/
• CliftonStrengths https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

What, why, how: A comfyHQ Q&A

In this bite-sized episode of the comfy chairs, we’re diving into two essential leadership questions:

1. How can you delegate effectively without micromanaging?
2. What’s the best approach to giving constructive feedback?

Join me as we break down common misconceptions about micromanagement, explore how clarity is the key to delegation, and discover the “what, why, how” of delivering impactful feedback.

These shorter episodes are designed to spark reflection and build your leadership toolkit. Have a question for comfyHQ? Share it with us here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Pull them close: A conversation about grief and loss

In this episode of The Comfy Chairs, host Kate Johnson welcomes Justin Clifford, CEO of bereave, for a heartfelt conversation about the critical role of workplace bereavement practices. Together, they delve into how employers can compassionately support employees navigating grief and the profound ripple effects this has on retention, productivity, and workplace culture.

Justin shares actionable insights for managers, from fostering empathy through training to crafting inclusive policies that honor modern family dynamics. He challenges leaders to rethink how they approach grief—not only as a moral imperative but as a smart business strategy. With unaddressed loss often leading to burnout and turnover, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The episode also explores the transformative power of vulnerability in leadership. Justin underscores the importance of modeling self-care and cultivating a workplace where employees feel seen and supported during life’s toughest moments. He highlights practical tools and resources to help organizations build a culture of care, reminding us that addressing grief at work isn’t just about resilience—it’s about creating a workplace that values humanity.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to shape compassionate, resilient workplaces that prioritize both people and performance.

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinclifford2/

Learn more about Bereave: https://www.bereave.io/

Additional resources mentioned during our conversation:

• Liesel Mertes, empathy coaching: https://www.lieselmertes.com/
• A single platform for practical support resources and tools: https://www.supportnow.org/
• Family support for estate and other matters after the death of a loved one: https://www.full-circlecare.com/
• Supporting employees after the loss of a child: https://www.hopeworkshere.com/
• Employee leave management platform: https://www.cocoon.com/

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Welcome to comfyHQ! New from the comfy chairs.

In this first comfyHQ installment of the comfy chairs, we’re answering some of your burning questions and introducing a new format: shorter, focused episodes packed with practical advice.

This episode explores what it means to lead with intention, offering actionable insights for leaders who want to make an impact—without overcomplicating things. If you’re looking for quick, meaningful takeaways to apply at work (or in life), this episode is for you.

Get comfy, because today we’re answering these hard questions:

1. I don’t like one of my direct reports. How can I manage them?
2. How can you lead people who are more experienced or knowledgeable than you?

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Tell me more: A conversation about curiosity and joy

What if the secret to joyful, innovative, and resilient leadership lies in a single quality—curiosity? In this episode, Kate sits down with Tatyana Sanikovich, HR consultant and executive coach, to explore how curiosity transforms leadership and team dynamics. Together, they unpack the true meaning of curiosity and offer actionable insights on how leaders can build trust, foster experimentation, and create psychological safety.

From curiosity check-ins at meetings to celebrating both successes and failures, Kate and Tatyana highlight practical strategies to integrate curiosity into everyday leadership. They also delve into the connection between curiosity and joy, explaining how embracing the unknown can spark creativity and strengthen teams.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this episode will help you embrace curiosity’s power to unlock potential in your team, your organization, and yourself.

• Connect with Tatyana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatyanasanikovich/
• Visit her website: https://www.tatyanasanikovich.com/

Additional resources:

• Six Surprising Benefits of Curiosity by Emily Campbell on www.greatergood.berkeley.edu
• Why Are Humans Curious? by Grant Currin on www.livescience.com

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay