As the new year begins, leaders often feel pressure to set goals and move quickly. In this episode, Andy Huckaba and Teresa Schwab invite leaders to slow down and lead with greater intention.

They explore why reflection matters more than resolutions, how leaders drift without noticing, and why values—not just goals—must anchor leadership decisions. This conversation offers practical ways to create space, protect energy, and establish a clear North Star that guides leadership throughout the year.

Referenced Episodes & Resources:

• Episode 23: Finding Your Compass: Values in Leadership and Life

• The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin

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Delegation is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — leadership skills. In this episode, Andy sits down with Phyllis Collins and Teresa Schwab for a lively, honest conversation about why delegation is hard, what keeps leaders holding on too tightly, and how reframing the act of “letting go” can transform both people and organizations.

Together, we explore the internal barriers that make delegation feel risky, the identity shifts that come with moving from “super performer” to leader, and the power of trust, coaching, and influence in helping others grow.

You’ll hear real stories, practical strategies, and a reframing of delegation that moves it from something burdensome to something energizing — for leaders and their teams.

What We Cover in This Episode

What delegation really is — and what it isn’t

Why high performers often struggle the most when moving into leadership

The hidden fears behind holding on to tasks

How identity, trust, and control influence delegation habits

Misconceptions that keep leaders from sharing meaningful work

How delegation increases engagement, motivation, and organizational capacity

Reframing delegation for individual contributors (leading through influence)

Why “dumping” and “abdication” are NOT delegation

Coach-like techniques for supporting others without taking the work back

How teams and organizations change when leaders truly let go

Andy’s Rules of Delegation

These three rules offer a simple and powerful framework for transforming how leaders think about and practice delegation.

Rule #1 — When we don’t delegate, we rob our people of the opportunity for growth.

Holding tightly to work that others could learn prevents your team from building skills, confidence, and engagement. Delegation is development.

Rule #2 — There is no task too big to delegate.

Believing “I’m the only one who can do this” is usually more about identity, control, or habit than reality. Others may perform the work differently — and sometimes even better. Real delegation includes meaningful, high-profile, high-impact work.

Rule #3 — Delegation is not abdication.

Delegation doesn’t mean disappearing. Leaders shift from doing the work to supporting the work — setting clear expectations, checking in without taking over, and creating the conditions for others to succeed.

Key Takeaways

✨ Delegation is a strategic leadership move — not a chore.

✨ Reframing the work through coaching and partnership builds trust and influence.

✨ Letting go helps leaders stop drowning in tasks and start leading people.

✨ Delegation fuels engagement. When people feel trusted and challenged, they lean in.

✨ Doing everything yourself is not sustainable — and not what leadership requires.

Connect With Us

If this conversation sparked something for you, share the episode with a colleague or leader who might appreciate a fresh way of thinking about delegation.

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In this episode, Andy Huckaba, PCC and Teresa Schwab, MCC explore the dynamics of transitions—the often overlooked psychological process that follows change.

• Change vs. Transition: Change is external and situational; transition is the inner reorientation that makes meaning of change.

• Seasons as a Framework: Fall (endings), Winter (uncertainty/reflection), Spring (new beginnings), Summer (integration and flourishing).

• Personal and Organizational Transitions: From empty-nesting to promotions, leaders and individuals face both loss and possibility in transitions.

• Leadership Implications:

  • Recognize people move at different paces.

  • Use authority wisely while leaning into leadership.

  • Pause, celebrate progress, and allow space for reflection.

  • Harness the perspectives of different generations in the workforce.

• The Neutral Zone: Though often uncomfortable, this in-between space is fertile ground for creativity, innovation, and possibility.

These questions can be used by leaders, teams, or individuals to navigate transitions thoughtfully:

1. What is ending for you?

2. What does that ending mean? (practically and emotionally)

3. How will this ending impact you and those around you?

4. What do you need to let go of?

5. What do you need to mourn or acknowledge in order to move forward?

6. What feels uncertain for you right now?

7. Where do you feel vulnerable in this transition?

8. Who are you outpacing? (and what expectations might you need to adjust for them?)

9. What is waiting to emerge?

10. What’s possible here?

11. What opportunities exist in this moment?

💡 Key Quote

“Change happens quickly, but transition is a process. The leader’s job isn’t just to declare change — it’s to walk with people through their transition.” – Teresa Schwab

🔗 Resources & Links

• Growth Beyond Boundaries Podcast Archives

• William Bridges on Managing Transitions

• Heifetz & Linsky, Leadership on the Line

1. #GrowthBeyondBoundaries

2. #LeadershipDevelopment

3. #LeadingThroughChange

4. #AdaptiveLeadership

5. #CoachingConversations

6. #NavigatingTransitions

7. #MindfulLeadership

8. #OrganizationalCulture

9. #ResilientLeadership

10. #ReflectiveQuestions

    
    

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🎧 Episode Description

In this heartfelt and grounded conversation, Andy, Teresa, and Phyllis explore the experience of uncertainty—how it impacts us physically, emotionally, and mentally, and how we can respond with self-awareness, trust, and intention.

They share vivid personal metaphors (from mountain trails to deserted islands), break down the neuroscience of uncertainty, and offer actionable coaching strategies to navigate it with courage and clarity.

🧠 Topics Covered

• The emotional and physical effects of uncertainty: fear, disorientation, isolation

• The neuroscience of uncertainty: amygdala activation, loss of dopamine rewards, cognitive overload

• Strategies to regulate the nervous system and recover executive function

• The power of intentional interruption—pause, breathe, reflect, reframe

• Building trust in process, self, and coaching containers

• Coaching through uncertainty using perspective-shifting questions

• Creating psychological safety in organizations through process, not just outcomes

💡 Key Insights

• Uncertainty often makes us feel alone or off balance—but it’s also a portal to growth.

• Our brains are wired to seek certainty, but we can train ourselves to tolerate and thrive in the unknown.

• Self-awareness is step one. Knowing your physical, emotional, or behavioral cues helps interrupt fear.

• Intentional actions—walking, breathing, asking better questions—reengage your thinking brain.

• Coaching isn't about solving uncertainty—it’s about creating space for possibilities to emerge.

• Organizations can prepare people for uncertainty by designing trustworthy processes and containers.

🔍 Reflective Coaching Questions

• What does uncertainty feel like in your body and mind?

• What signals tell you your brain has been hijacked by fear?

• What can you control right now?

• What decision today will still make sense a year from now?

• What if this isn’t the storm—it’s the climate?

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• “Just Keep Breathing” – Adapted from Finding Nemo's 'Just Keep Swimming'

• HBR article: In Uncertain Times, Ask These Questions Before You Make a Decision

• Techniques like box breathing, movement, stepping back, and 'on the balcony' perspectives

• Kansas Leadership Center principles (e.g., act experimentally)

📢 Call to Action

Feeling unsteady in uncertain times? You’re not alone—and you’re more resourceful than you think. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and reflect on the questions that move you from fear to forward momentum.

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Guests: Teresa Schwab & Phyllis Collins (Ad Astra Coach Alliance)
Host: Andy Huckaba

In this episode, we explore the hidden dynamics of trust in the workplace—how to define it, assess it, build it, and repair it. Teresa Schwab and Phyllis Collins join Andy Huckaba for a deep and thoughtful discussion that blends personal insight, leadership experience, and practical advice. Together, they examine how trust and psychological safety relate, how power and past experiences shape trust, and what leaders can do to create environments where trust can thrive.

• Defining Trust and Psychological Safety

  • Trust = Expectations of others

  • Psychological Safety = Feeling safe to take interpersonal risks

  • They are distinct but interconnected

• How Trust is Built

  • Through consistent, congruent, and authentic behavior

  • Small “marble jar” transactions over time (inspired by Brené Brown)

  • Reliability, presence, and alignment with stated values

• The Role of Power and Experience

  • People carry stories about authority into workspaces

  • Trust in a role can be eroded by past negative experiences—even before personal interactions occur

  • Leaders must separate themselves from the role and model trustworthy behavior

• Practical Tips for Leaders to Build Trust

  • Communicate clearly and consistently

  • Invite genuine feedback and respond constructively

  • Show vulnerability and take ownership when mistakes happen

  • Live out values and model integrity in decision-making

“Trust is invisible when it’s working—and painfully obvious when it’s not.”
“If you spend more marbles than you have, you damage the relationship.”
“Power doesn’t automatically get you trust—it might get you obedience.”
“People don’t distrust the person—they distrust the role based on past experience.”

• Edmondson, A. C. (1999). Psychological Safety and Learning Behavior in Work Teams.

• Edmondson, A. C. (2018). The Fearless Organization.

• Covey, S. M. R. (2006). The Speed of Trust.

• Mayer, R. C., Davis, J. H., & Schoorman, F. D. (1995). An Integrative Model of Organizational Trust.

• Brené Brown – Dare to Lead and Daring Greatly

• Amy Cuddy – Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges

  “Trust is the conduit of influence, and the only way to establish real trust is by being present.”

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We welcome your feedback and topic suggestions!

Explore more content and join the conversation online using these hashtags:

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#LeadershipDevelopment
#AuthenticLeadership
#ExecutiveCoaching
#BuildingTrust
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Guests: Phyllis Collins (ACC Coach, Founding Partner at Ad Astra Coach Alliance)Host: Andy Huckaba, PCC

In this enlightening conversation, Phyllis Collins joins Andy Huckaba to unpack the true meaning of coaching, clarify common misconceptions, and explore why organizations should integrate coaching into their developmental strategies.

Key Themes:

• Misunderstandings of coaching as corrective rather than developmental.

• Clear distinctions between coaching, training, mentoring, consulting, and therapy.

• The critical role of partnership and relationship in effective coaching.

• The limitations of standalone training and the necessity of follow-on coaching.

• Creating safe, confidential spaces for authentic growth.

Notable Quotes:

• "Just having this time to think through some things and having a sounding board...that's the best part of the coaching." – Phyllis Collins

• "Coaching is relational, not transactional." – Andy Huckaba

Recommended Action for Organizations: Consider coaching not just as an occasional resource, but as a fundamental tool for individual and organizational development. Experience firsthand how coaching can lead to sustained growth and deeper engagement across your organization.

Listen and explore how coaching can redefine the potential of your team and leadership.

Connect with Us:

💬 Have questions or thoughts? Reach out to us—we’d love to hear from you! ([email protected])

#CoachingPodcast #BusinessPodcast #Leadership #CoachingCulture #ManagerAsCoach #ExecutiveCoaching #WorkplaceGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #EmployeeEngagement #ListeningSkills #ThinkingPartner #CoachingMindset

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Andy Huckaba, PCC and Teresa Schwab, MCC dive into the power of coaching in organizations. They debunk common misconceptions—like the idea that coaches are supposed to provide answers—and explore how coaching can build capacity, resilience, and engagement. From leadership transitions to team dynamics, they discuss when and how coaching can be most effective. They also share practical strategies for leaders to implement coaching skills and shift workplace culture from dependency to empowerment.

Key Takeaways:

✔️ Coaching is not about giving advice—it’s about being a thinking partner.

✔️ Deep listening and presence are essential coaching skills that build trust and engagement.

✔️ Managers who use coaching skills empower their teams to take ownership and grow.

✔️ A coaching culture leads to higher motivation, accountability, and long-term success.

✔️ Coaching should be integrated into leadership transitions, conflict resolution, and professional development.

Memorable Quotes:

🗣️ “You're the expert in your life, not me. I'm an expert in the process of coaching and being a thinking partner with you.”

🗣️ “We so rarely get the gift of someone’s full attention.”

🗣️ “Coaching is really just giving the work back to the person who has the challenge and letting them do it themselves.”

🗣️ “The job of a manager is to help their people perform at the highest level they possibly can.”

🗣️ “Coaching isn’t just a strategy—it has ripple effects that transform engagement, motivation, and outcomes across an entire organization.”

Resources & References:

• Ad Astra Coach Alliance - https://adastracoachalliance.com

• Michael Bungay Stanier – The Advice Trap & The Coaching Habit

• Doug Silsbee – Presence-Based Coaching

• Lyssa deHart – Coaching Misconceptions on LinkedIn (https://lyssadehart.com/)

Connect with Us:

💬 Have questions or thoughts? Reach out to us—we’d love to hear from you! ([email protected])

#Leadership #CoachingCulture #ManagerAsCoach #ExecutiveCoaching #WorkplaceGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #EmployeeEngagement #ListeningSkills #ThinkingPartner #CoachingMindset

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Podcast Summary and Show Notes

Podcast Title: Growth Beyond Boundaries
Episode Title: Episode 23: Finding Your Compass: Values in Leadership and Life
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Hosts: Andy Huckaba with Phyllis Collins and Teresa Schwab

Summary

In this episode of the Growth Beyond Boundaries podcast, Andy, Phyllis, and Teresa delve into the pivotal role values play in personal and organizational growth. The conversation begins by contrasting resolutions, which focus on goals, with values, which define who we aspire to be. They explore the complexities of identifying, understanding, and living by core values, emphasizing their importance in decision-making and leadership.

The discussion highlights the tension between personal values and organizational standards, the challenges of competing values, and the significance of stated versus unstated values in workplace culture. Using metaphors like the compass, the hosts explain how values serve as a guide, particularly in challenging situations, and offer strategies for listeners to identify and align with their values.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own values, consider how these impact their decisions, and embrace values as a continuous journey of self-discovery.

Key Takeaways

Practical Exercises

Recommended Resources

Quotes to Remember

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In this inspiring episode of Growth Beyond Boundaries, we sit down with Teresa Schwab, a Master Certified Coach (MCC), to explore her remarkable journey in the coaching profession. From her initial career aspirations in therapy to discovering her passion for coaching, Teresa shares how transformative moments, rigorous training, and deep self-reflection shaped her path to achieving the highest credential in coaching.

Teresa offers insights into the challenges of transitioning from consulting to coaching, the discipline required to earn the MCC, and the unlearning process necessary to fully embrace the art of partnership with clients. She reflects on pivotal experiences, including mentorships and advanced training, and how they pushed her toward mastery.

Listeners will gain valuable lessons about the power of coaching, the importance of vulnerability, and the role of community in achieving big goals. Whether you're an aspiring coach, a seasoned professional, or someone interested in personal growth, Teresa’s story will leave you inspired to challenge your own boundaries and strive for excellence.

Key Topics Discussed:

Join the Conversation:
Ready to explore what’s possible when you embrace growth and challenge boundaries? Tune in to this powerful episode, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!

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Episode 21 - a discussion about Courage, hosted by Andy Huckaba, PCC and featuring Dr. Joyce McEwen Crane, PhD., PCC and Teresa Schwab, LMSW, PCC. We are Partners with the Ad Astra Coach Alliance.

In this episode we explore the meaning of Courage. What it is, why it is important, what it looks like, and the association of courageous actions with fear, risk, safety and bravery.

#adastracoachalliance #AndyHuckaba #JoyceMcEwenCrane #TeresaSchwab #leadership #coaching