In this episode of Decoding the Unicorn: The Podcast, I'll discuss what a lot of creators are too afraid to say out loud: what happens when you put your heart into a project and it goes absolutely nowhere.

This episode is about giving yourself permission:

to try something new
to have a "box office flop"
to walk away without shame or hustle-fueled martyrdom

Whether you’ve launched something that fizzled or you’re quietly holding on to a project that no longer fits, this episode offers you a soft place to land—and a reminder that real creativity isn’t about success at all costs. 

#DecodingTheUnicorn #DagHammarskjöld #LetItGo #PivotWithGrace #OnlineCourseTruth #CreativeDiscernment #CreativeClarity #CreativeFreedom 

In this episode of Decoding the Unicorn: the Podcast, I'll explore the quiet, often unconscious force that shapes so much of how we see the world: projection. When the facts are few, our minds rush in to fill the gaps—sometimes with empathy, other times with fear, fantasy, or fragments of our own past.

Whether it’s assuming someone’s coldness means they dislike us, or interpreting silence as rejection, or projecting heroism or villainy onto a person based on a sliver of their behavior—this episode reminds us that humility and curiosity are better guides than "certainty."

#DecodingTheUnicorn #DagHammarskjöld #ProjectionPsychology #MindfulLiving #EmotionalIntelligence #SeeClearly #InnerWork #HumanNarrative #SpiritualGrowth #SelfAwareness #MythVsReality #UnpackingProjection #StorytellingWisely #CompassionateCuriosity #LeadershipWithHeart

📚 Grab your copy of Decoding the Unicorn – the award-winning biography of Dag Hammarskjöld: https://a.co/d/2PlTHHL

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is back off. Allow a situation to breathe. Let people show you who they are and what they are willing and able to give.

In this episode, I explore the quiet strength of restraint. What happens when you stop micromanaging the moment? What shifts when you choose to observe instead of intervene? Drawing inspiration from Dag Hammarskjöld’s own ability to lead without dominating, I reflect on the art of holding space—of letting people show you who they are, without scripting the outcome.

This one’s for the overthinkers, the fixers, the perfectionists, the (recovering) Type As (like me), the ones who feel the weight of always having to manage the room. You don’t.

Tune in and exhale.

#DecodingTheUnicorn #DagHammarskjöld #IntrovertWisdom #QuietLeadership #ObserveDon’tControl #LetPeopleBe #EmotionalIntelligence #HoldSpace #PodcastLife #WriterLife #INFJThoughts #ModernMystic #HistoryWithHeart #MicromanagersAnonymous  

📚 Grab your copy of Decoding the Unicorn – the award-winning biography of Dag Hammarskjöld: https://a.co/d/2PlTHHL

✨ Subscribe for more insights into diplomacy, leadership, and the art of inner strength.

In this episode of Decoding the Unicorn: The Podcast, let's turn down the noise and tune into something far more radical: rest. 💤

Downtime isn’t laziness—it’s medicine. Whether you're a sensitive soul, a creative powerhouse, or just someone trying to keep up with the chaos of modern life, rest is not optional. It heals. It replenishes. It’s necessary.

If you've ever felt guilty for slowing down or unsure how to give yourself permission to be still, this one’s for you. Let’s normalize rest, celebrate quiet, and remember that even unicorns need a nap sometimes. 🦄💙

#DTUPodcast #RestIsProductive #CreativeRecovery #SlowLiving #MentalHealthMatters #BurnoutRecovery #UnicornWisdom #PermissionToRest #HealingThroughRest #SelfCareIsSacred #StillnessIsPower #IntrovertLife

The bane of any introvert's work existence: groupthink.

Managers may imagine it’s cozy and convenient . . . but it can be catastrophic.

Key thoughts:
✔️ Dag pushed against groupthink and cult-like tactics.
✔️ There has to be a "solution" better than "everyone takes the talking stick during the meeting." 😖
✔️ We can learn things even when we disagree with each other.

Tune in, breathe deep, and join the quiet resistance.

📚 Grab your copy of Decoding the Unicorn – the award-winning biography of Dag Hammarskjöld: https://a.co/d/2PlTHHL

✨ Subscribe for more insights into diplomacy, leadership, and the art of inner strength.

#Introverts #Groupthink #DagHammarskjöld #DTUPodcast #QuietLeadership #HSP #UNHistory #DecodingTheUnicorn 

What does it really mean to be an introvert in the modern workplace?

In this episode of Decoding the Unicorn, we explore how introversion shows up at work—with Communication & Career Coach / fellow introvert, Madeline Schwarz. From "you're too quiet" to "lead this presentation for me," introverts and HSPs have to navigate a veritable minefield in Corporate America.

Topics:

✔️ How introversion is misunderstood in the workplace.
✔️ When introverts feel pressured to "perform extroversion" just to get by.
✔️ Navigating high pressure / high stress environments, public speaking opportunities, etc., while introverted.
✔️ What can be done other than the old "just put yourself out there" advice that's not helpful.

Links:

https://www.madelineschwarzcoaching.com/get-clear

https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-schwarz-coach/

https://www.instagram.com/madeline.schwarz/

https://www.facebook.com/madelineschwarzcoaching

Sara's book Decoding the Unicorn: A New Look at Dag Hammarskjöld is available now! Click here to buy it on Amazon. 

Today’s episode is short and sweet—because life threw a few curveballs, and I chose to roll with it. I'm talking about the difference between what actually happens and the story we create around it. Inspired by Dag Hammarskjöld’s own self-awareness and relentless inner work, this episode explores how he used personal triggers not as excuses, but as invitations to grow.

• How can we separate the raw facts from the narrative?
• How do we stop ourselves from spinning into old patterns (like Chicken Little)?
• And how did Dag approach personal development not as punishment, but as purpose?

This one’s a quick listen—but it might shift the lens through which you see your day.

You can find Dag's journal, Markings, here: https://a.co/d/7qrCM3Q

📘 Want to learn more about Dag Hammarskjöld?
Check out my award-winning book Decoding the Unicorn: A New Look at Dag Hammarskjöld
👉 https://a.co/d/gp5fvrk

🔔 Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell icon to follow this series.

💌 Join the Unicorn Dispatch for updates and reflections: https://sara-causey.kit.com/2d8b7742dd 

#DagHammarskjöld #SelfAwareness #InnerWork #MindsetShift #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #DecodingTheUnicorn #SpiritualGrowth #StoryVsEvent #TriggeredButWise #PodcastWisdom #ConsciousLiving #ModernMystic #LegacyAndLeadership #ShortAndPowerful 

In this episode of Decoding the Unicorn: The Podcast, I'll dive into the classic novel The Ugly American and its portrayal of American "diplomacy" abroad during the Cold War. The book may have been published in 1958, but its message about cultural insensitivity and the failure to understand local customs still resonates today.

I’ll also explore how this contrasts sharply with Dag Hammarskjöld’s approach to diplomacy during the same era. While others bulldozed their way through international relations, Dag exemplified cultural sensitivity, respect, and curiosity—traits that helped him connect with leaders around the world.

Join me as we unpack the Ugly American stereotype, what Dag can teach us about quiet strength and diplomacy, and how cultural sensitivity remains a crucial skill in our interconnected world.

Links: 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289560/episodes/14539216

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ugly_American

#DagHammarskjöld #CulturalSensitivity #TheUglyAmerican #DiplomacyMatters #LeadershipLessons #DecodingTheUnicorn #QuietStrength #GlobalAwareness #HistoricalInsights

Decoding the Unicorn: The Podcast - Episode 8 - Recognition, Appreciation, & Gratitude in the Workplace with Special Guest Erika Migliaccio

In this episode, I sat down with the Founder & Principal Consultant at Upstream HR Strategies  Erika Migliaccio to explore the powerful trio of recognition, appreciation, and gratitude in the workplace. Why do so many formal recognition programs fall flat? The corporate world must do better!

Key Topics:

✅ What's the difference between recognition and appreciation? Why does this matter?

✅ A lot of companies have formal recognition programs yet most employees don't feel satisfied. There's clearly a disconnect. Why do so many leaders miss the mark?

✅ After assuming the job of Secretary-General, Dag Hammarskjöld took the time to meet every UN employee personally. That amounted to about 4,000 people! Nowadays, we so often hear managers say, “Nope, I don’t have time.” What are some practical ways that leaders can create a real connection with their teams whether they are remote, hybrid, or fully in the office?

✅ How can leaders become more intentional about creating meaningful moments of appreciation?

✅ Appreciation, recognition, and psychological safety are intertwined. Dag was practicing concepts like workplace gratitude and psychological safety back in the 1950s! How does genuine recognition contribute to a culture where employees feel safe to speak up, take risks, and innovate?

✅ How can managers balance all of their competing components, e.g., strict deadlines, solid performance goals, great customer service, etc., and still ensure that recognition and gratitude don’t fall to the wayside?

✅ Many managers still assume that a paycheck is “enough” appreciation. How do you help leaders shift their mindset to see appreciation as a core part of effective leadership?

Links:

https://getgreetingsofgratitude.com/

https://upstreamhr.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eamigliaccio/

***

📖 Pick up a copy of Sara's award-winning biography Decoding the Unicorn today on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0D9xM3b.

💌 Join the Unicorn Dispatch newsletter: https://sara-causey.kit.com/2d8b7742dd

#WorkplaceGratitude #EmployeeRecognition #DagHammarskjöld   #AppreciationMatters #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanCenteredLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #TeamCulture #ModernLeadership  #DecodingTheUnicorn #IntrovertLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #LeadershipPodcast #QuietLeadership #GratefulWorkplaces #RecognitionVsAppreciation 

In this episode of Decoding the Unicorn: The Podcast, I'll explore the quiet strength of Dag Hammarskjöld in the face of mass opinion—especially from the media. How do you stay true to your inner compass when the world is loud with critique? Dag’s life offers a masterclass.

We can take inspiration from how Dag handled being both revered and reviled, often in the same breath. He knew how to discern which opinions mattered—and which didn’t. This episode isn’t just about Dag, though. It’s about you.

How do you deal with other people’s judgments, unsolicited advice, or internet chatter? What does it mean to live with integrity when everyone feels entitled to weigh in?


🦄 As always, we'll seek to decode the unicorn—not to place him on a pedestal, but to learn how he walked the path with grace under pressure.

#DagHammarskjöld #Leadership #IntrovertLeadership #Opinions #MediaCriticism #QuietStrength #DecodingTheUnicorn #INFJLeaders #DecodingTheUnicornPodcast #EthicalLeadership #UNHistory #LiveWithIntegrity