HEART Leadership

❤️ I’d love to hear from you! If an episode made you think, helped you through a leadership moment, or you have an idea for a future topic or guest, drop me a Fan Mail message! I read them, and I’d love to know who’s listening. 😊 Lead with HEART, and the rest will follow. ❤️

We're back for Season 2 of the HEART Leadership Podcast! ❤️

Leadership is messy. People are complicated. And let's face it—none of us have all the answers!

I'm Sara Valentine, and after nearly two decades in HR and leadership, one thing I know for sure is that how we respond matters.

This season, we're having real conversations about the challenges leaders are facing today—from navigating workplace conflict and leading Generation Z to mental health, the realities of the HR profession, and the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence.

We'll share honest stories, practical lessons, different perspectives, and probably a few laughs along the way.

Because leadership isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up for people, having the courage to navigate difficult moments, and being willing to learn and grow.

Whether you're a seasoned executive, a new manager, an HR professional, or someone simply trying to lead a little better, there's a place for you here.

And I want YOU to be part of the conversation! Send me Fan Mail with your questions, leadership challenges, and topics you'd love for us to explore.

Subscribe or follow the HEART Leadership Podcast so you don't miss a conversation!

New season. New conversations. Same HEART. ❤️

Lead with HEART, and the rest will follow.

A HEARTfelt thank you for listening!

❤️ I’d love to hear from you! If an episode made you think, helped you through a leadership moment, or you have an idea for a future topic or guest, drop me a Fan Mail message! I read them, and I’d love to know who’s listening. 😊 Lead with HEART, and the rest will follow. ❤️

What does love have to do with leadership?

According to Dr. Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska—quite a lot.

In this episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara Valentine sits down with Navy Bob, retired U.S. Navy Captain, former nuclear submarine commander, leadership expert, and author of Beyond the Sea, for a powerful conversation about what it really means to lead with love.

Drawing from his experiences in the Navy, the White House, healthcare, and beyond, Bob shares why the strongest leaders aren't those who simply command authority—they're the ones who build trust, listen deeply, hold people accountable, and genuinely care about the people they lead.

Sara and Bob explore the natural connection between Leading with Love and the HEART Leadership Framework™—Hear, Empathize, Acknowledge, Respond, and Thank—and why empathy and accountability aren't opposites. In fact, some of the most difficult leadership moments are exactly when people need our HEART the most.

They also talk about faith, service, gratitude, legacy, and the people who shape us along the way.

Whether you lead a submarine, a boardroom, a nonprofit, or a small team, this conversation is a reminder that love isn't weakness in leadership. It's strength.

🎙️ Listen in for an inspiring conversation about courage, trust, service, and leading people well.

Lead with HEART, and the rest will follow.

A HEARTfelt thank you for listening!

❤️ I’d love to hear from you! If an episode made you think, helped you through a leadership moment, or you have an idea for a future topic or guest, drop me a Fan Mail message! I read them, and I’d love to know who’s listening. 😊 Lead with HEART, and the rest will follow. ❤️

What if the secret to great leadership isn't having all the answers—but building meaningful connections?

In this episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara Valentine sits down with marketing leader and relationship advocate Sheryl Brown to discuss leadership, collaboration, influence, and the power of putting people first.

Together, they explore:
💗 Why listening is a leadership superpower
💗 Building trust through authentic relationships
💗 The role of empathy in business success
💗 Navigating change while staying true to your values
💗 Creating a legacy through connection and service

Whether you're leading a team, building a brand, or growing your career, this episode offers practical insights and heartfelt wisdom for leading with purpose.

Because great leadership starts with human connection. 🎙️💗

Lead with HEART, and the rest will follow.

A HEARTfelt thank you for listening!

❤️ I’d love to hear from you! If an episode made you think, helped you through a leadership moment, or you have an idea for a future topic or guest, drop me a Fan Mail message! I read them, and I’d love to know who’s listening. 😊 Lead with HEART, and the rest will follow. ❤️

What does it truly mean to lead with confidence, authenticity, and purpose?

In this empowering episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara Valentine sits down with leadership expert, executive coach, and author Dr. Karen Hills Pruden for a conversation about growth, courage, and stepping fully into your leadership voice.

Together, they explore:
💗 The power of authentic leadership
💗 Why listening and empathy matter more than ever
💗 Building confidence in leadership and life
💗 Helping others grow while continuing to grow yourself
💗 Leading with purpose in today’s world

Dr. Karen shares powerful insights from her leadership journey and reminds us that leadership is not about perfection—it’s about presence, purpose, and having the courage to show up fully as yourself.

This conversation is honest, empowering, and filled with HEART.

🎙️ Listen now on the HEART Leadership Podcast.

A HEARTfelt thank you for listening!

❤️ I’d love to hear from you! If an episode made you think, helped you through a leadership moment, or you have an idea for a future topic or guest, drop me a Fan Mail message! I read them, and I’d love to know who’s listening. 😊 Lead with HEART, and the rest will follow. ❤️

What does leadership look like when the stakes are life and death?

In this powerful episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara Valentine speaks with Dr. Mark Hertling, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General, professor of leadership, and author of If I Don’t Return.

Dr. Hertling shares the deeply personal story behind his book—letters he wrote to his sons while deployed in war. These letters were never intended for publication. They were written in uncertainty, responsibility, and love.

In this conversation, Sara and Dr. Hertling explore:

• Leadership under extreme uncertainty

• The power of vulnerability in leadership

• Faith, character, and responsibility in leadership

• The values leaders must pass to the next generation

Dr. Hertling’s reflections remind us that leadership is not about rank or title—it’s about character, service, and the people we influence along the way.

This episode is a powerful reminder that the greatest leaders don’t just lead organizations—they shape lives.

You can reach out to Dr. Hertling on his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hertling-dba-57987066/

A HEARTfelt thank you for listening!

❤️ I’d love to hear from you! If an episode made you think, helped you through a leadership moment, or you have an idea for a future topic or guest, drop me a Fan Mail message! I read them, and I’d love to know who’s listening. 😊 Lead with HEART, and the rest will follow. ❤️

What does it really mean to lead people well?

In this episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara Valentine sits down with Katie Pfingsten, Vice President of People & Culture and Executive Director of the IAAPA Foundation, to talk about the kind of leadership that truly builds strong teams and cultures.

As two HR leaders, Sara and Katie explore the human side of leadership—what it looks like to lead with authenticity, humility, and appreciation for the people around you.

In this conversation, they discuss:

• Why listening is one of the most powerful leadership skills
• How authenticity builds trust within teams
• The importance of acknowledging contributions and saying thank you
• What it means to lead in the people profession
• How HR leaders can shape culture in meaningful ways

Katie shares thoughtful insights from her leadership journey and reminds us that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about creating space for others to be heard and valued.

For anyone leading a team—or aspiring to lead one—this episode is a reminder that great leadership often begins with something simple: listening first.

Reach out to Katie via her LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-pfingsten-60448111a/

A HEARTfelt thank you for listening!

❤️ I’d love to hear from you! If an episode made you think, helped you through a leadership moment, or you have an idea for a future topic or guest, drop me a Fan Mail message! I read them, and I’d love to know who’s listening. 😊 Lead with HEART, and the rest will follow. ❤️

In this episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara explores the final letter in the HEART framework — “T” for Thank — and why gratitude is the thread that holds leadership, culture, and connection together.

Gratitude isn’t a feeling; it’s a leadership practice. In this episode, Sara reflects on the people who helped shape her journey — mentors, colleagues, HR professionals, leaders, and the people she has had the honor of leading. She also shares what happens when gratitude is missing in leadership and how the absence of appreciation quietly erodes trust, engagement, and performance.

This episode is both a thank-you and a reminder: leadership is never a solo act. Gratitude keeps our hearts open, our egos in check, and our purpose clear — and it’s essential for any leader who wants to build lasting impact.

A HEARTfelt thank you for listening!

❤️ I’d love to hear from you! If an episode made you think, helped you through a leadership moment, or you have an idea for a future topic or guest, drop me a Fan Mail message! I read them, and I’d love to know who’s listening. 😊 Lead with HEART, and the rest will follow. ❤️

In this episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara unpacks the “R” in HEART — Respond — and why action is the true test of leadership.

When someone comes forward with a concern, request, or disclosure, silence is still a response — and often the most damaging one. Sara explores why timely, sincere responses build trust, while inaction erodes credibility, engagement, and culture.

Drawing from real-world HR experience, this episode addresses the reality that while HR can recommend and facilitate, it is ultimately leaders who must act — and when they don’t, trust is lost. Sara shares practical guidance on how leaders can respond with care, clarity, and accountability, even when answers aren’t immediate.

This episode is a powerful reminder that without response, HEART becomes an empty word — and leadership loses its impact.

A HEARTfelt thank you for listening!

❤️ I’d love to hear from you! If an episode made you think, helped you through a leadership moment, or you have an idea for a future topic or guest, drop me a Fan Mail message! I read them, and I’d love to know who’s listening. 😊 Lead with HEART, and the rest will follow. ❤️

In this episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara unpacks the “A” in HEART — Appreciate, Acknowledge, and Apologize — and why these three leadership behaviors are essential to building trust, credibility, and healthy workplace cultures.

Sara explores why great leaders never take credit for their team’s work, why appreciation and recognition must be personal (not one-size-fits-all), and why the most powerful words a leader can say are, “I screwed that up.” Drawing from real leadership experiences, she also addresses how lack of accountability and fear-based cultures erode trust, silence feedback, and ultimately weaken performance.

This episode challenges leaders to balance appreciation with accountability, humility with high standards, and recognition with action — because accountability isn’t punishment, it’s an act of caring.

A HEARTfelt thank you for listening!

❤️ I’d love to hear from you! If an episode made you think, helped you through a leadership moment, or you have an idea for a future topic or guest, drop me a Fan Mail message! I read them, and I’d love to know who’s listening. 😊 Lead with HEART, and the rest will follow. ❤️

Empathy is the leadership trait that separates managers from true leaders. In this episode, Sara explores why empathy matters, how it strengthens accountability, and why it is essential for giving feedback, navigating conflict, and building trust.

She also honors the memory of Chris Andrews — a former leader who mentored her during one of the most defining seasons of her career. His empathy, courage, and faith shaped the way she leads today.

This episode is a heartfelt invitation to embrace empathy as a powerful force for transformation — in your team, your relationships, and your leadership journey.

A HEARTfelt thank you for listening!