Grow Further

Melissa and Chris continue their series on tough conversations by exploring a critical truth: people often respond less to what you say and more to how you say it. From tone, pace, volume and warmth to body language and facial expressions, non-verbal communication can build trust and psychological safety or quickly derail a conversation. Using their "Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself" approach, they share practical tips to help you recognize the signals you're sending, align your message with your intent and increase the likelihood of productive, authentic conversations.

Ever hesitate before giving tough feedback, or feel your stomach drop when someone says, “I have some feedback for you”? In this episode, Chris and Mel explore why psychological safety is the foundation for productive feedback conversations and how the right approach can help people lean into feedback instead of pulling away from it.

• Discover how psychological safety helps people receive feedback without feeling threatened and creates the conditions for growth.
• Learn three practical techniques for delivering feedback more effectively: start with heart, exercise humility, and model curiosity. 
• Explore how simple shifts in language, like using “what” questions instead of “why” questions, can reduce defensiveness and encourage more productive conversations. 

What do Apple, Disney, CVS and you have in common? Branding! In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, Chris and Mel discuss personal brand, anchored by Maya Angelou’s idea that people remember how you made them feel. They emphasize that everyone has a brand at work, in families and in communities, and the key is intentionally shaping it authentically rather than creating a persona. 

Also in this episode:

• Defining what is a personal brand
• A guided reflection on current versus desired brands
• Challenges to strengthen your personal brand.

Feeling stuck in the grind or reacting on autopilot? In this episode of Grow Further, Chris and Mel explore awe, an often overlooked emotional state that can widen perspective, calm stress and help us respond more thoughtfully when life feels overwhelming. Blending research, personal stories and simple practices, they show how moments of wonder, big or small, can support resilience, connection and meaningful change.

Also in this episode:

• Learn what the science says about how awe boosts wellbeing, generosity, and emotional regulation
• Hear real life moments, from the Grand Canyon to everyday kindness, where awe shifted perspective
• Try practical ways to cultivate awe on purpose, including reflection prompts and mindset resets for hard days

Chris and Mel discuss why achieving a long-chased goal, like a promotion or dream job, can feel surprisingly empty, and how this “that’s it?” moment is common even among elite athletes. They explain that dopamine surges more in anticipation and pursuit than in the reward itself, so it often drops after accomplishment. 

Also in this episode:

• What Simone Biles, Abby Wambach and Michael Phelps say about success falling flat
• Five Practices to navigate the post-achievement lull

In this episode, Mel turns the spotlight on Grow Further host Chris Munoz, exploring her journey from her North Carolina roots to a purpose-driven career in healthcare leadership and resilience training. Chris shares how relationships shaped each major career move, the setback that transformed her leadership approach, and the origins of the Grow Further podcast. She also dives into the importance of authenticity, trust, and developing others while staying grounded through family, movement, and joy.

Also, in this episode:

• How her upbringing, athletic background, and teaching legacy shaped her purpose and leadership philosophy.
• Three relationship-driven career pivots—from military resilience work to CVS Health and eventually chief of staff.
• Her defining setback, lessons in resilience, and advice for leaders on growth, development, and using AI without losing their voice.

In this episode of Grow Further, Chris and Mel sit down with Lucille Accetta, Chief Pharmacy Officer and Senior Vice President at CVS Health, to discuss her inspiring career journey and the future of pharmacy. Lucille shares valuable insights into leadership, professional growth and the importance of trust and flexibility in the workplace. 

Also in this episode: 

• Discover the pivotal moves in Lucille's career that led her to a top executive role 
• Learn how technology is reshaping the pharmacy landscape 

In this episode of the 'Grow Further' podcast, hosts Chris and Mel discuss the common pitfalls of New Year's resolutions and how to make them more effective in 2026. They emphasize shifting from outcome-based goals to identity-based goals, which connect accomplishments to who you are rather than just what you do. 

Also in this episode:

• The importance of process goals and habits 
• Why the only one you need to focus on is you
• Proving your identity to yourself through small, consistent wins.

Where does confidence really come from? In this end-of-year episode of Grow Further, Chris and Mel unpack this question while exploring the “December Paradox”- that tension between looking back at what you’ve achieved and planning for what’s next. 

They explore the critical role confidence plays in achieving these goals, sharing personal experiences and practical tips for building and sustaining confidence. 

Also in this episode:

• Dr. Albert Bandura’s four dimensions of confidence that shape success.
• The importance of self-awareness, positive self-talk, and learning from setbacks as key strategies for boosting confidence.

Feeling grateful today? Join Chris and Mel as they dive into the power of gratitude. This episode is packed with insights on how an attitude of gratitude can strengthen your relationships, boost your well-being, and even enhance your performance.

Also in this episode:

• Practical tips for making gratitude a daily habit
• What is negativity bias and how to counteract it
• Why you don’t just have to be thankful for the big things.