TW: Talk of Misscarriage

Dear Leaders,

Some of the hardest moments in leadership don’t come from deadlines, launches, or meetings—they come when life happens outside of work, and you're still expected to lead. When your heart or energy is at home, and your team still needs guidance, how do you show up?

In this episode, we’re exploring what it looks like to lead through grief, personal change, and emotional hardship. Whether it’s a health issue, a loss, or simply a season of life that’s heavier than usual, you don’t have to pretend to be unaffected.

We’ll talk about how sharing what you’re going through (even a little) builds vulnerability-based trust, how to delegate in a way that empowers your team, and why modeling healthy boundaries is one of the most powerful things you can do—not just for yourself, but for everyone watching you.

If you’re going through something now, or want to be prepared when life inevitably interrupts work, this episode is for you. Because leadership isn’t about having it all together—it’s about showing us how to walk through hard things, one step at a time.

Love,

Your People

Book Brandi to speak! sagecultureco.com/speaking-engagements

Download the leader guide for this episode here: https://sagecultureco.com/dear-leader-downloadable-leader-guides/

Dear Leaders,

We’re wrapping up our three-part culture series with what might be the most important (and most challenging) part: owning it.

You’ve said what kind of culture you want. You’ve built the systems and processes to support it. But now comes the part where it all lives—or dies—by what you do next. This episode is all about modeling the culture you’ve defined, holding yourself accountable before asking it of anyone else, and making your actions reflect your words.

Because here’s the truth: if you say PTO matters but never take it, we notice. If you say feedback is welcome but never ask for it yourself, we notice. Culture isn’t just created by what you say or what you build—it becomes real through what you do.

We share powerful stories (including Patagonia’s founder giving away his company), simple leadership audits, and a reminder that every silent signal you send either reinforces trust—or breaks it.

Culture doesn’t work unless you live it. Start with you. Own it.

Love,

Your People

Book Brandi to speak! sagecultureco.com/speaking-engagements

Download the leader guide for this episode here: https://sagecultureco.com/dear-leader-downloadable-leader-guides/

This episode is sponsored by  Hawthorn Bank. Learn more about banking with them at HawthornBank.com

Dear Leaders,

Last week, we started the conversation on culture—what it is, why it matters, and how you can define it for your team. But defining it is just the beginning. This week, we’re moving to the next step: building it.

Culture isn’t just words on a wall—it’s the systems and processes that bring those words to life. Without them, your words aren't a culture... they're just a wish.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why building culture isn’t about more systems and processes, it’s about the right ones.

• Walt Disney and his trashcans.

• The three qualities of effective culture-building systems.

• Three questions to help you identify what’s working, what’s missing, and what your team really needs from you.

For effective team culture, it is up to you to add the scaffolding to the culture you're trying to create. Start building today.

Love,

Your People

Book Brandi to speak! sagecultureco.com/speaking-engagements

Download the leader guide for this episode here: https://sagecultureco.com/dear-leader-downloadable-leader-guides/

This episode is sponsored by  Hawthorne Bank. Learn more about banking with them at HawthornBank.com

Dear Leaders,Culture isn’t just snacks in the break room, nap pods, or branded t-shirts. It’s not about the perks—it’s about the actions, big and small, that create the environment we work in every day. And here’s the thing: you shape that culture.

For the last few episodes, we’ve talked about the things we need from you—imposter syndrome, feedback, and generational differences. But now, it’s time to have the conversation: your role in creating culture.

Culture doesn’t just happen. It’s not an accident. It’s built with intention, and we need you to lead the way.In this episode, we break it down:

• Why culture feels ambiguous (and how to define it).
• The golden ticket to creating a culture for your team through a three-step approach. 
• The first step in creating culture: Say it. Define what you want your team to be known for, communicate it, and make it crystal clear.

Culture starts with you. We need to know what kind of team we’re building—so tell us. Then, we’ll build it together.

Love,

Your People

Book Brandi to speak! sagecultureco.com/speaking-engagements

Download the leader guide for this episode here: https://sagecultureco.com/dear-leader-downloadable-leader-guides/

This episode is sponsored by  Hawthorne Bank. Learn more about banking with them at HawthornBank.com

Dear Leaders,Generational differences in the workplace are nothing new, but with Gen Z entering the workforce, it feels like the conversation has gained fresh momentum. The challenge isn’t just about understanding each generation’s quirks and preferences—it’s about crafting a team culture that accommodates everyone while setting clear expectations to reduce conflict.In this episode, we talk about:

• Why generational conflicts arise and how you as a leader can resolve it.
• The importance of setting clear, consistent expectations to guide behavior and reduce ambiguity.
• How to lead your team like the goose at the front of the V (yes, we’re going all-in on the geese analogy).
• Practical strategies to create a culture where all generations can thrive, feel seen, and stay productive.

Generations might approach work differently, but it’s up to you, dear leader, to bridge those gaps and keep the team moving forward. Be the leader at the front, set the direction, and make the workplace a space where everyone, regardless of age, can show up and thrive.Love,Your PeopleBook Brandi to speak! sagecultureco.com/speaking-engagementsDownload the leader guide for this episode here: https://sagecultureco.com/dear-leader-downloadable-leader-guides/

Dear Leaders,

We need to talk about feedback. You know, that thing that’s supposed to help us grow but often feels like eating a Warhead—sour, overwhelming, and hard to swallow at first. But just like that candy, feedback has a sweet side when it’s done right, and you play a crucial role in helping us get there.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why feedback often triggers a “fight-or-flight” response and how to avoid it.

• Three actionable ways to create a feedback culture.

• Why feedback is more effective when it’s framed as “us against the problem,” not “you against me.”

We’re ready to grow and thrive, but we need your leadership to turn feedback into a safe and constructive process. Show us that feedback isn’t just sour—it’s the sweet path to stronger teams and better results.

Love,

Your People

Book Brandi to speak!sagecultureco.com/speaking-engagements

Download the leader guide for this episode here:https://sagecultureco.com/dear-leader-downloadable-leader-guides/

Dear Leaders,

We need to talk about imposter syndrome. You know, that nagging feeling of self-doubt your people—and maybe even you—experience after a big success or opportunity?

Imposter syndrome convinces us that our wins come from luck or timing instead of our own hard work and strengths. It can quietly drain confidence, hinder relationships, and impact productivity. But here’s the good news: as a leader, you can help rewrite this narrative for your team.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• How imposter syndrome shows up at work.
• Two simple ways you can help your team overcome it: praising intentionally and starting open conversations.
• Why your leadership matters more than ever in building confidence and fostering stronger relationships.

We know you have the ability to see what we’re doing well. We just need you to help us see it too. Let's rewrite the story of imposter syndrome together.

Love,Your People

Download the leader guide for this episode here:https://sagecultureco.com/dear-leader-downloadable-leader-guides/

Imagine I’m sitting behind you in class, leaning forward to tap you on the shoulder, only to slip you a tiny piece of folded up paper. Instead of it being from your crush that says “do you like me, check yes or no” it’s from your people, with all the ways you can show up as a better leader for them. Who knew you could take something we used to get in trouble for and turn it into a podcast? Not me, but look at us, we’re doing it anyway! 

This is Dear Leaders: Love, Your People. A podcast that’s a love letter to leaders in the form of bite-sized leadership topics from your people’s perspective. I’m your host and note passer Brandi Spurling. Keynote speaker, writer, and founder of Sage Culture Co. 

In the past 11 years in the corporate world, I’ve thrived under some leaders, struggled under others, and have passed my own fair share of notes hoping my leader would open them, read them, and see where I was coming from. I started this podcast for one reason: to help leaders listen, learn, and get a first hand view of what they’re people want and need. I’ve led hundreds of leadership workshops, keynotes and team buildings, and i’ve heard it all—directly from you and your teams. This is where those stories, feedback, and lessons come together with actionable strategies to make you the leader your people deserve, and the leader they’re looking forward to seeing on a Monday Morning… because life’s too short to hate our jobs, amiright?

Here’s what you can expect: 

Come connect with me on https://sagecultureco.com

Dear Leaders,

We need praise from you. But not like the "make their heads big" praise. We want the information praise; you know, when you see something that's working for us that we can do again?

We know you have a unique perspective of our strengths, gifts, processes and systems... we just need you to share that perspective.

Here's a ten-minute podcast to explain more. We can't wait to talk about it with you. Hip-hip Prrraise!

Love,

Your People

Dear Leaders,

We want you to lead our culture. But leading it has to start with you fully understanding what you're asking of us, defining it, and creating accountability around it.

We don't know what folding in the cheese means, but we're willing to learn. Here are three things that will help us.

We can't wait to share them with you.

Love,

Your People