Sign up for the HEARTwire Newsletter here: https://theheartwire.beehiiv.com/ for heartfelt letters of leadership learnings, research, practical tips, and insights from Coach Lisa Virtue straight to your inbox.

Check out all the show notes here: http://heartsetstudio.com/podcast

The Heart of Leadership: Lessons from Season 1 of the Heart Set Leadership Podcast

As we wrap up Season 1 of the Heart Set Leadership Podcast, it's a moment to reflect on the valuable insights shared by our incredible guests and the importance of human connection in leadership. This season has emphasized that in a rapidly changing world, particularly with the rise of AI and organizational restructuring, leaders must prioritize their humanity and the well-being of their teams.

### The Human Edge in Leadership

In a world saturated with technology, the common theme throughout our discussions was the critical need for leaders to harness their human edge. As we dive deeper into the heart set leadership framework, we’ll explore how being human, elevating others, taking action, relating authentically, and maintaining transparency are essential for effective leadership.

Key Takeaways from Season 1 of the HEARTset Leadership Podcast

As we conclude this season, here are the key takeaways:

- H - (be) Human; Prioritize your humanity: Stay connected to your values and authenticity.

- E - Elevate others; Mentor and elevate others: Help your team members thrive.

- A -Act; Find the right pace for action: Balance urgency with thoughtful decision-making.

- R - Relate; Foster authentic relationships: Build trust through open communication.

- T - (be) Transaparent; Practice transparency: Create a culture of safety and trust within your team.

With Season 2 launching in September 2026, we invite you to join us again for more enlightening conversations. Don't forget to sign up for the Heartwire newsletter for updates and additional resources to support your leadership journey.

For more insights on leadership, check out our previous episodes or leave us a review to let us know how we can continue to help you grow as a leader. Thank you for being part of our journey this season, and we look forward to what lies ahead!

Show notes can be found here: http://heartsetstudio.com/podcast 

What if the secret to stronger teams, deeper connection, and unforgettable leadership wasn't just in strategies or spreadsheets—but in a good laugh?

“The closest thing for 

Join Lisa Virtue on the HEARTset Studio Leadership Podcast as she sits down with international keynote speaker, team-building facilitator, and comedic performer Stefano Iaboni, founder of Smile Solution LLC, to uncover the transformative impact of humor and heart in the modern workplace.

In this episode, you’ll find:

• Why levity in leadership matters: Discover how laughter can foster psychological safety, boost morale, and improve team performance—especially in high-pressure, fast-changing environments.
• Real-world stories & actionable tips: Hear how Stefano Iaboni’s global comedy background translates into practical strategies for bonding teams, igniting creativity, and even landing your next job interview.
• How to create psychological safety: Learn simple, effective icebreakers and authentic self-disclosure techniques that make meetings and team-building sessions truly engaging—not awkward or forced.
• Navigating humor’s delicate side: Understand the difference between inclusive, self-aware fun and the pitfalls of sarcasm or inappropriate jokes that erode trust.
• The leader’s challenge: How to show vulnerability, embrace mistakes, and create an environment where everyone feels empowered to share ideas—even the “ridiculous” ones that just might be brilliant.

If you’re a leader struggling to balance results with retention, or an HR professional searching for practical ways to strengthen workplace culture, this episode delivers what you need:

• Expert insights on why modern teams thrive with laughter and how authenticity is your leadership superpower.
• Immediately actionable methods—from icebreakers to gamification—for making meetings and workplace interactions more human, memorable, and effective.
• The neuroscience behind humor: Find out how laughter creates real neurochemical shifts, making work a place people want to be, not just have to be.

Key topics and search intent for today’s leaders:

• How to build team trust with humor
• Creating psychological safety for innovation
• Team icebreakers that actually work
• Inclusive leadership and the power of self-deprecating stories
• Leveraging workplace levity for better engagement and retention
• Overcoming the fear of “not being funny” as a leader

Whether you’re leading a remote team, navigating rapid organizational change, or simply want to bring more joy into your company, this episode will inspire you to infuse your leadership with laughter—and see real results.

Ready to start leading with heart, humor, and humanity? Press play and step into the art (and science) of memorable, meaningful leadership.

Want to level up your own or your organization’s leadership heartset? Visit http://heartsetstudio.com.

For full show notes, visit: http://heartsetstudio.com/podcast
Dive into an eye-opening conversation between Lisa Virtue and global learning leader Jasmine Fitzpatrick on this HEARTset Studio Leadership Podcast episode, where the focus is on actionable heart-centered leadership in a fast-changing world.

Are you a leader seeking to build resilient, inclusive, and high-performing teams, while navigating the complexities of AI, burnout, remote work, and diversity? This episode delivers powerful insights and real-world strategies to help you empower your people and thrive in the face of uncertainty.

Key Topics and Takeaways:

• Leading with Heart Across Borders: Jasmine Fitzpatrick shares her journey from Google Dublin to leading global learning at FIFA—and now as the founder of Impact Mission, supporting nonprofits and individuals through coaching and training. Her unique perspective on scaling diversity and inclusion programs, like Google's Precise Language, underscores the power and challenges of building cultures of belonging in multinational environments.
• Battling Burnout, Boreout & Change Fatigue: Discover why burnout isn’t just about overwork—but also about values misalignment and lack of meaningful impact. Jasmine Fitzpatrick introduces the concept of “boreout” and details how she’s helping organizations address burnout by embedding well-being and work-life balance practices, such as Google’s “One Simple Thing” initiative, into team culture.
• The Leadership Power of Psychological Safety: Drawing on Google’s Project Aristotle and her own experience, Jasmine Fitzpatrick and Lisa Virtue discuss how vulnerability and psychological safety drive true team performance, innovation, and longevity.
• AI, Upskilling, and Women in Tech: Explore the fears and realities facing leaders as AI reshapes the workplace. Hear how Jasmine Fitzpatrick is championing women in AI through grassroots community-building in Switzerland, while combatting “technological burnout” and the increasing need for in-person connection and critical thinking as technological demands accelerate.
• Career and Coaching Wisdom for Modern Leaders: Whether you’re job-seeking or leading, get practical advice on aligning your work with your core values, building resilience, and designing environments where people can truly thrive—inclusive of specific resources like the 80,000 Hours nonprofit career board for purpose-driven opportunities.
• Creating Boundary-Respecting Cultures: The episode tackles the hard realities of “schedule creep,” overwork, and the vital importance of leaders modeling and enabling healthy boundaries. Hear candid stories from Jasmine Fitzpatrick and Lisa Virtue on how powerful permission and clarity from leaders foster not just productivity, but sustainability and loyalty.

Who Should Listen?

• Leaders and people managers at any level navigating remote, hybrid, or global teams
• HR, L&D, and DEI professionals looking for actionable strategies to reduce burnout and foster engagement
• Aspiring and current women in tech and those interested in the human impact of AI
• Coaches, career seekers, and those interested in purpose-driven work

You will walk away with:

• Concrete ideas for building connection and trust across your teams
• Candid frameworks for addressing burnout and technological overwhelm
• New inspiration to lead with heart

Leadership is human. Start building your HEARTset today.

Check out the show notes here: http://heartsetleadership.com/podcast

In this episode of the HEARTset Studio Leadership Podcast, host Lisa Virtue sits down with Dan Rochon, author of Teach to Sell: Why Top Salespeople Never Sell—and What They Do Instead, to crack open the secrets of authentic, ethical influence for today’s leaders. Drawing from his journey from high-end steakhouse waiter coping with addiction to respected real estate entrepreneur and sales mentor, Dan Rochon reveals how leaders can create consistent, predictable success—while staying connected to their hearts.

• Heartset vs. Mindset for Leaders: Understand why “all-in” leaders often risk burnout, and how to tap into both empathy and action for sustainable impact.
• The True Meaning of Ethical Influence: Distinguish between genuine persuasion and manipulation. Discover why putting others first creates results—and lasting trust..
• Self-Influence and Awareness Practices: Learn Dan Rochon’s practical framework rooted in neuroscience, psychology, and NLP—plus a powerful daily hack to reset your mindset for peak performance.
• The 3-Step CPI Communication Model: Unlock the step-by-step process to master rapport, ask adept questions, and actively listen—transforming your team dynamics and sales interactions..
• Coaching Your Team to Influence: Why the best leaders train their teams to be listeners, not talkers, and how that translates to real-world sales and internal growth.
• Practical Approaches for Marketplace Influence: Gain actionable advice for founders, solopreneurs, and business owners to pinpoint their “first domino,” achieve product-market fit, and scale authentically.
• The Six Core Priorities for Leadership: Discover the essential activities every leader must master—recruiting, selecting, training, leading, motivating, and managing the money—to create high-performance, purpose-driven organizations.
• Leveraging AI for Human-First Leadership: Explore how delegating routine tasks to AI frees up space for leaders and teams to focus on relationship-building and human connection in the workplace.

Whether you’re a founder searching for ethical sales frameworks, a corporate leader looking to inspire your team, or an organizational coach wanting practical, neuroscience-backed leadership tools, this episode is packed with hands-on strategies and mindset shifts. Explore how to move from inconsistency to confidence, and from self-doubt to being a heart-centered leader who motivates results.

Perfect for searches like:

• how to lead with heart and logic
• ethical leadership vs. manipulation
• consistent sales frameworks for founders
• how to influence teams authentically
• communication skills for leaders
• actionable leadership podcast
• best leader podcasts 2026

Unlock new confidence and create meaningful, sustainable impact—starting from the inside out. Listen now and discover your blueprint for HEARTset leadership.

What does it really take to thrive as a leader through every chapter of your career? In this episode of the HEARTset Studio Leadership Podcast, executive coach and organizational strategist Stevie Rabinowitz of Lotus Leadership reveals the essential inner work that sets effective leaders apart—at every stage, from emerging talent to seasoned executives.

Stevie Rabinowitz, with over 20 years leading learning and organizational development for top companies in the Bay Area, shares how self-reflection, curiosity, and intentional feedback transform not just individual performance, but team culture and engagement. Whether you're navigating your first leadership role or facing new challenges as a veteran leader, this insightful conversation breaks down the skills and mindset required to lead with heart and resilience.

• Authentic Leadership: Discover why self-awareness and embracing your full self—strengths, vulnerabilities, and evolving priorities—are non-negotiable for modern leaders.
• The Power of Openness: Learn why both emerging and transitioning leaders must remain open to growth, feedback, and even discomfort, and how that openness leads to breakthroughs across your leadership journey 05:50.
• Feedback vs. Data: Unpack why “feedback” can be the most intimidating F-word in leadership and how reframing it as actionable data ensures conversations become growth opportunities rather than threats 09:10.
• Transparency and Trust: Gain practical tips on navigating confidential information, deciding what (and when) to share, and understanding the critical relationship between leader transparency and team trust 19:04.
• Curiosity in Coaching: Hear how asking the right questions and creating space for “stay interviews” can unlock hidden potential on your teams, foster retention, and reveal what drives your people to excel 28:01.
• Navigating Life’s Inflection Points: Insights into how personal milestones—like becoming a parent or facing career transitions—reshape your leadership style and call for new self-examination and clarity.

Stevie offers actionable frameworks like the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) model for feedback and emphasizes the game-changing value of regular engagement conversations, slowing down to speed up team cohesion and performance 31:21.

• Develop greater presence and influence, whatever their current career stage
• Transform difficult feedback into empowering growth conversations
• Foster deeper engagement and retention on their teams
• Refine their leadership style as they navigate personal and professional transitions
• Build lasting trust and transparency in fast-changing organizations

If you’re a leader, manager, or HR professional seeking real strategies to grow yourself and your teams—not just for today’s challenges, but for whatever’s next—this episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration you can implement immediately.

Listen now to recharge your leadership with heart, skill, and authenticity!

Are You Leading with HEART — Or Just Hustling to Keep Up?

In a world where time is everyone's biggest adversary and leadership demands are rocketing, how do you actually inspire, empower, and transform your team without burning out or losing your own sense of fulfillment?

On this episode of the HEARTset Studio Leadership Podcast, Lisa Virtue sits down with Brandon Smith—better known as “The Workplace Therapist,” best-selling author, executive coach, and renowned advocate for eliminating workplace dysfunction. With a unique blend of clinical therapy and MBA insights, Brandon Smith has dedicated his career to making work healthier and more human, helping leaders balance growth, accountability, and compassion in an era where old approaches just aren’t enough.

• The Real Productivity Hack: Why time is every leader’s main obstacle—and how intention + clarity = high-performing, energized teams.
• Compassion vs. Accountability: How to hold high standards while also championing psychological safety and real connection at work.
• Author vs. Editor Leadership: Are you empowering your people to solve problems, or stuck doing the work for them? Learn when to author and when to edit, and why letting go is the real secret to scaling teams.
• Actionable Feedback Loops: Why one-on-one meetings and clear feedback aren’t “nice-to-haves,” but mission-critical for morale, alignment, and results.
• Building Trust as a Skill: The mathematical “trust equation” leaders need—authenticity, vulnerability, and credibility—and how balancing them drives performance and loyalty.
• Creating Psychological Safety: Real-world stories and frameworks for leaders to become more transparent, set boundaries, and bring just enough personal touch to humanize themselves and nurture their teams.

Brandon Smith shares memorable stories from the front lines of executive coaching—including helping a CFO stuck on positive feedback, transforming a team’s engagement by simply honoring meetings, and revealing how even the highest paid leaders sabotage themselves by refusing to delegate or trust.

This episode isn’t just theory: it’s packed with practical frameworks every people manager needs now, from running better one-on-ones to self-assessing your own leadership authenticity and setting boundaries in a world without them. Discover why balancing authority with empathy isn’t just possible, but absolutely necessary for thriving in today’s organizations.

• How to eliminate workplace dysfunction as a leader
• The best techniques to build trust and psychological safety in teams
• Coaching vs. therapy in leadership development
• Tools for holding people accountable with compassion
• Best questions for 1:1 meetings and actionable feedback
• Author vs. editor model of leadership explained
• How to assess and develop vulnerability and authenticity as a leader
• Why your calendar reveals your leadership priorities (and how to fix it)
• Effective use of 360 reviews and feedback in leadership

Whether you’re a seasoned executive, emerging manager, or passionate team lead, this episode delivers immediate, actionable insights from one of today’s top leadership experts. Don’t just manage the whirlwind — learn how to lead from the heart and create the thriving, productive, and human-centered workplace you and your team deserve.

Subscribe now and transform the way you lead, one episode at a time.

Are you struggling to truly love leadership, or wondering why so many talented people hesitate to take on management roles?

In this insightful episode of the HEARTset Studio Leadership Podcast, Lisa Virtue sits down with renowned leadership expert Helen Honisett, CEO and Founder of Defy Expectations, to unravel what it really takes to learn to love leadership in today’s fast-changing workplace. Whether you’re a new manager, a burned-out leader, or an ambitious individual contributor questioning the next step, you’ll find research-backed wisdom, real-world examples, and practical strategies to reignite your passion for leading others.

Ready to rediscover what leadership could feel like? Hit play and start learning to love leadership today!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The Real Reasons Leaders Fall Out of Love With Leadership: Helen Honisett explains how structural problems—not just people—can derail leaders and why even the best can struggle if the system is broken (00:31).
• Listening to Understand vs. Listening to Respond: Discover why most leaders miss the mark on true listening and how making this shift can unlock team performance and belonging (05:36).
• Why Leadership is a Distinct Skill (Not Just a Promotion): Learn why organizations must treat leadership as a unique role, with its own rewards, training, and expectations—separate from technical expertise (09:14).
• Addressing Burnout and Building Resilience: Hear Helen Honisett’s personal burnout stories and the “red flags” leaders and organizations often miss, plus actionable advice to prevent and recover from leadership fatigue (19:04).
• Future-Proofing Your Leadership in the Age of AI: Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping management, why human leaders remain irreplaceable, and what skills will set successful leaders apart going forward (32:57).
• Should You Take That Promotion?: Get clear, honest criteria for deciding if leadership is right for you—or if you’ll thrive as an expert contributor (30:27).

Key Takeaways:

• Loving leadership is about genuine human connection, self-awareness, and embracing the “coach” mindset—not just achieving goals or climbing ladders
• The best leaders know when to listen, when to step back, and how to balance results with well-being—for both their teams and themselves
• Great organizations create parallel career paths for leaders and expert contributors, so everyone can thrive without sacrificing passion or purpose
• AI can—and will—handle much of the management grunt work, but only real leaders can unlock human potential, offer empathy, and navigate ambiguity

Perfect For:
New managers, experienced leaders, HR professionals, executive coaches, and anyone considering a leap into leadership or feeling disengaged at work.

Search terms:

• How to love leadership
• Overcoming leadership burnout
• Why great leaders quit
• Coaching mindset for managers
• Leadership vs. management difference
• AI and the future of leadership
• Building resilient teams
• Corporate leadership challenges
• Defy Expectations Helen Honisett
• Becoming a better leader podcast

Are you struggling to balance technology, talent, and true human connection as a leader in today's workplace? In this episode of the HEARTset Studio Leadership Podcast, host Lisa Virtue sits down with HR strategist and author Angela Tait, CEO and founder of Tait Consulting, to unpack what it really takes to lead humans—at work and at home—amidst the rapid rise of AI and digital tools.

Show notes can be found at: https://heartsetstudio.com/podcast

Discover practical, actionable insights on:

• Harnessing AI in Human Resources: Where can artificial intelligence enhance recruitment and workflow, and where does it threaten authentic employee engagement? Angela Tait shares firsthand stories about the pitfalls of AI-driven interviews and why face-to-face connections still win when it comes to talent retention and genuine company culture.
• Building High-Trust, High-Performance Teams: Angela Tait reveals why regular check-ins, safe spaces for feedback, and attention to onboarding make the biggest impact on employee loyalty, morale, and growth—even beyond attractive benefits or paychecks.
• Retaining Top Performers in a Competitive Market: Learn why high-potential employees often leave when ignored and how proactive leadership can unlock their next level of contribution—and your organization’s bottom line.
• Personalized Leadership & Self-Awareness Tools: From Myers-Briggs to the Enneagram, discover how self-assessment and blind spot analysis can make you a more empathetic, adaptive, and inspiring leader. Angela Tait explains how personality insights drive communication, resolve conflict, and foster diversity of thought on your team.
• Leading Through Change and Uncertainty: Hear stories from the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis, rapid team scaling, and navigating layoffs—showcasing why “people-first” leadership is not just a buzzword but a proven strategy for resilience and growth.

With decades of experience in HR, team building, and executive coaching, Tait breaks down the essential practices for any founder, executive, or manager aiming to future-proof their leadership in the age of automation.

Whether you’re launching your HR function for the first time, trying to unlock greater employee engagement, or searching for authentic ways to thrive during workplace transformation, this episode serves up SEO-optimized leadership strategies that answer questions like:

• How should leaders use AI in hiring without losing the “human” in human resources?
• What are the best employee retention strategies for 2024 and beyond?
• How can leaders use personality assessments to build trust and high-performing teams?
• What are key signs your top performers are at risk—and how should you retain them?
• How can you foster a culture of growth, inclusion, and safety at work?

Keywords: Leadership podcast, AI in HR, employee retention, HR best practices, talent management, authentic leadership, team engagement, personality assessments, Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, people-first culture, future of work, employee onboarding, high-potential employees, leadership development, self-awareness for leaders

Don’t miss this essential listen for leaders who want to blend technology with heart and create workplaces where people and performance thrive.

Find show notes at: https://heartsetstudio.com/podcast

Are you struggling to move your organization from transactional management to genuine, heartfelt connection? Searching for actionable ways to elevate team morale, boost retention, and create real meaning at work? This episode delivers answers leaders are searching for in today’s rapidly changing world.

Matt Perry, founder of The Other Consulting, draws from decades of experience in journalism, healthcare, and organizational coaching to reveal why the new rules of leadership are rooted in human-centered relationships, not just strategy and tactics. Discover the difference between transactional and relational leadership in this episode—and why making this shift can transform everything from healthcare organizations to tech startups.

Episode highlights include:

• The Shift to Heart-Centered Leadership: Learn how moving conversations “from the head to the heart” 05:32 instantly changes team dynamics, trust, and engagement.
• The Power of Everyday Gratitude: Unlock the secret to improving organizational culture and personal resilience—by intentionally naming and appreciating what’s going well 02:29.
• Systems Thinking for Human Systems: Drawing parallels to the human body, Matt Perry shares a revolutionary approach for organizations to work together in harmony, emphasizing that every team member is a vital “cell” in your organizational “organism” 24:18.
• Invisible Forces That Shape Work: Discover why leaders should manage energy—not just strategy—including tapping into invisible dynamics like group morale, meeting energy, and the often-unnoticed moments of human connection 30:12.
• Actionable Tips for Meaningful Change: Hear practical, research-backed rituals and challenges to foster awe, creativity, and deep connection in your team—plus a one-week challenge to boost relational leadership and even the unexpected power of partner dancing 42:12.

Are you facing leadership overwhelm, constant pressure to adapt to new technologies, or the feeling that your MBA toolkit isn’t enough anymore? Matt Perry explains why “psychology degrees trump MBAs” in today’s complex workplace 15:36, and reveals how conscious leadership, authentic appreciation, and managing the “invisible” are the key differentiators between thriving and struggling organizations.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a healthcare professional, or a start-up founder, this episode will help you reimagine what’s possible for your own HEARTset—and for your organization.

Keywords:
heart-centered leadership, leadership podcast, Matt Perry, relational vs transactional leadership, systems thinking in organizations, somatic coaching, healthcare leadership, employee engagement, organizational culture, invisible forces in business, conscious leadership, tips for overwhelmed leaders, how to build team trust, Zappos company culture, awe and leadership, daily leadership rituals

Tune in to unlock a new era of leadership—one anchored in connection, kindness, and meaning.

In this episode of the HEARTset Studio Leadership Podcast, discover the game-changing impact of creating your own “board of directors”—a purposeful network of mentors—to drive your career and leadership growth. Host Lisa Virtue welcomes Haley Ferraiolo, Founder and Lead Coach of Anchor & Crest Coaching and Consulting, a seasoned leadership expert with a background at companies like Amazon, Unilever, and PepsiCo.

Full show notes can be found at: http://heartsetstudio.com/podcast

Join us for a deep dive into:

• Why mentorship is essential for leaders: Haley shares how the right support doesn’t just elevate your career—it can create long-term opportunities for your family and entire ecosystem.
• Building your career “board of directors”: Learn Haley’s proven framework for cultivating three crucial types of mentorship relationships: your Guide, Sponsor, and Outside Challenger. Discover how being intentional about who you seek—and how you show up—can change your trajectory.
• Practical mentorship strategies for leaders: From finding and approaching the right mentors to maintaining genuine, two-way relationships, this episode offers actionable advice for advancing your goals, advocating for yourself, and helping others rise with you.
• How to be an effective mentor: Explore how leaders can set expectations, foster growth in others, and recognize when it’s time to evolve or end a mentoring relationship gracefully.
• Real stories of mentorship in action: Haley reveals how a sponsor helped her on a pivotal day that shaped her career’s direction—and how maintaining those connections can be the key to survival and advancement during corporate shakeups.
• Navigating challenges in mentorship: Learn tips for mentees to communicate effectively, avoid the “complaining trap,” and articulate their value to mentors and sponsors, ensuring they’re top of mind for opportunities.

Whether you’re seeking to climb the corporate ladder, pivot industries, or elevate your leadership influence, this episode is packed with insights for leaders and high-performers ready to unlock their full potential through mentorship.

Keywords for search & discoverability:
Mentorship for leaders, Career board of directors, Leadership coaching, How to find a mentor, Building professional network, Sponsorship in career growth, Professional development podcast, Navigating corporate layoffs, Career advancement, How to be a mentor, Executive networking strategies, Anchor & Crest Coaching, Haley Ferraiolo, Executive Coach Lisa Virtue.

Ready to transform your leadership journey? Listen now and take the first step toward building your own board of directors!