imperfect: The Heart-Centered Leadership Podcast

Want to become more heart-centered? There’s a new playbook in town! Deb has released her first book The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership. Available in ebook 📱 , paperback📚, and audiobook🎧.

Get now your official copy at www.amazon.com and www.audible.com💜

In this special Flashback Friday episode, we’re revisiting a great conversation with Dr. Paul Woods, the President and CEO of London Health Sciences Centre. With a background in both medicine and leadership, Dr. Woods has navigated the often turbulent waters of healthcare with a blend of empathy and resilience. He opens up about his transition from being a doctor to leading one of Canada’s largest hospitals, sharing the lessons he’s learned about connecting with people, making tough decisions, and maintaining heart-centered leadership in high-pressure environments.

But this episode isn’t just about leadership—it’s about embracing imperfections! Join us as we hear Dr. Woods reflect on his own impatience and the personal growth that comes with understanding diverse perspectives. He reminds us that great leadership in healthcare isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present, listening deeply, and caring genuinely. Whether you’re in healthcare or simply looking to lead with more compassion, this episode can offer a reflective and engaging look at the real-life challenges of leading with heart.

Connect with Paul at:

* https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-woods-md-ms-150b6413/

* https://southlake.ca/news/introducing-southlakes-next-president-and-ceo/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

Want to become more heart-centered? There’s a new playbook in town! Deb has released her first book The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership. Available in ebook 📱 , paperback📚, and audiobook🎧.

Get now your official copy at www.amazon.com and www.audible.com💜

Welcome to this Flashback Friday episode, today we dive into a fascinating conversation with Michael Netzley, founder of Extend My Runway. Michael blends his deep passion for neuroscience with cutting-edge artificial intelligence to address a critical issue: how do we redefine aging and extend the cognitive runway for workers over 50? Michael shares how his journey led him to create a platform that commercializes groundbreaking neuroscience to help individuals thrive beyond midlife, proving that our best years are often ahead of us.

As Michael explains, the idea that cognitive decline is inevitable after a certain age is a myth. In fact, research shows that skills like strategic focus, emotional intelligence, and innovative thinking often peak well into our 50s and 60s. But don’t take our word for it, join us and enjoy an episode made for leaders and professionals interested in the future of work, aging, and how to leverage the untapped potential of an experienced workforce.

Connect with Michael at:

* https://www.extendmyrunway.com/

* https://twitter.com/communicateasia

* https://www.instagram.com/profnetzley/

* https://www.facebook.com/DrMichaelNetzley/

* https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelnetzley/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

Want to become more heart-centered? There’s a new playbook in town! Deb has released her first book The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership. Available in ebook 📱 , paperback📚, and audiobook🎧.

Get now your official copy at www.amazon.com and www.audible.com💜

In this special Flashback Fridays episode, we bring you back to an energetic and inspiring conversation with Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares. From the start, Jake and his partners set out to create more than just a functional chocolate bar—they wanted to build a community. Jake shares how "Crew Love" became the core of their brand, bringing transparency, authenticity, and a human touch to everything they do. From their raw and real social media presence to their unique customer experience, Mid-Day Squares is a testament to what happens when you lead with love.

Jake also opens up about his personal imperfections and how embracing them has made him a better leader. He says that true leadership means playing to your strengths and allowing your vulnerabilities to shine, so if you're interested in building a business that prioritizes relationships, authenticity, and heart-centered leadership, this episode is a must-listen!

Connect with Jake at:

* https://www.middaysquares.com

* https://www.facebook.com/MidDaySquares/

* https://www.instagram.com/middaysquares/

* https://www.instagram.com/jakekarls

* https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-karls-653106ba/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

Want to become more heart-centered? There’s a new playbook in town! Deb has released her first book The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership. Available in ebook 📱 , paperback📚, and audiobook🎧.

Get now your official copy at www.amazon.com and www.audible.com💜

In this Flashback Fridays episode, we revisit an inspiring conversation with Becky Haas, a dynamic leader known for her work in trauma-informed care. Becky’s journey took an unexpected turn when she joined a police department in Northeast Tennessee with no criminal justice background, only to discover the transformative power of trauma-informed leadership. Through her passionate advocacy and pioneering efforts, Becky has helped train law enforcement, educators, and community leaders to recognize the deep impact of trauma and implement practices that foster healing and resilience.

Becky's reflection on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study is one of the most compelling moments in this conversation. She shares how it hit her "like a punch in the gut" and reshaped her approach to leadership and community development. Becky’s message is clear: trauma doesn’t have to define someone’s future, and with the right support, anyone can rise above their past. This episode offers profound insights into how empathy, understanding, and trauma-informed practices can transform not just individuals, but entire communities.

Connect with Becky at:

* https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyhaas/

* https://beckyhaas.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

Want to become more heart-centered? There’s a new playbook in town! Deb has released her first book The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership. Available in ebook 📱 , paperback📚, and audiobook🎧.

Get now your official copy at www.amazon.com and www.audible.com💜

In this special episode of Flashback Fridays, we revisit an insightful conversation with Helen Hirsch Spence, founder of the social enterprise Top 60 Over 60. Helen shares her journey of combating ageism and promoting the immense value that older generations bring to the workforce. Through her work and her inspiring TED Talk, Helen shines a spotlight on how our youth-centric society often undervalues the skills, knowledge, and expertise of those over 60, and how businesses can benefit from embracing an aging workforce.

Helen also discusses her passion for creating multi-generational workplaces where older adults are seen as vital contributors to innovation, productivity, and organizational growth. She reflects on the challenges she has faced in her mission to raise awareness around ageism and the powerful impact of her work on individuals and organizations. If you want to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce, this episode is a must-listen!

Connect with Hirsch at:

* https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-hirsh-spence-a029a010/

* https://www.topsixtyoversixty.com/

* https://www.linkedin.com/company/top-sixty-over-sixty/

* Embrace Age with a Longevity Mindset | Helen Hirsh Spence | TEDxKanata

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

Want to become more heart-centered? There’s a new playbook in town! Deb has released her first book The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership. Available in ebook 📱 , paperback📚, and audiobook🎧.

Get now your official copy at www.amazon.com and www.audible.com💜

In this episode, we welcome the dynamic and inspiring Amarachi Kejeh, a young entrepreneur who has navigated leadership across multiple continents. From her roots in Nigeria to her current journey in Canada, Amarachi shares the invaluable lessons she’s learned along the way. She discusses the challenges of leading teams in different cultural contexts, the importance of self-care in sustaining leadership, and the need to embrace imperfections in the pursuit of growth. Her experiences highlight the power of adaptability, self-awareness, and heart-centered leadership in today’s globalized world.

Amarachi also offers practical advice for young leaders and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of viewing leadership as a marathon rather than a sprint. She candidly reflects on the need for self-compassion and the wisdom that comes from learning through experience. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how to lead with empathy, resilience, and authenticity in a multicultural environment.

Connect with Amarachi at:

* https://www.amarachikejeh.com/

* https://www.instagram.com/a.s.k.amarachikejeh/

* https://www.facebook.com/askamarachi

* https://www.linkedin.com/in/amarachikejeh/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

Want to become more heart-centered? There’s a new playbook in town! Deb has released her first book The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership. Available in ebook 📱 , paperback📚, and audiobook🎧.

Get now your official copy at www.amazon.com and www.audible.com💜

We are thrilled to have Michael O’Brien, a leader who exemplifies resilience and mindfulness in the face of adversity. Michael shares his inspiring journey from a life-altering accident to becoming a voice for heart-centered leadership. He opens up about how he turned his "last bad day" into a philosophy that guides his life and leadership style. Through the lens of mindfulness, Michael explains how we can all prevent bad moments from defining our days and, in turn, lead with greater empathy and purpose.

Michael also discusses the importance of building authentic connections in leadership, not just through like-mindedness, but through like-heartedness. His approach to leadership is rooted in emotional regulation, mindfulness, and a deep commitment to living intentionally. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to bring more heart and humanity into their leadership journey.

Connect with Michael at:

* https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/

* https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect

* https://www.youtube.com/@pausebreathereflect

* https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/

* https://www.pausebreathereflect.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

Want to become more heart-centered? There’s a new playbook in town! Deb has released her first book The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership. Available in ebook 📱 , paperback📚, and audiobook🎧.

Get now your official copy at www.amazon.com and www.audible.com💜

💡In our latest episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Joe Henry, the Dean of Students at King's College University. Joe's journey in leadership has been anything but linear, and he brings a wealth of experience and insight into his current role. Starting his career as an advisor for students with disabilities, Joe has always been driven by a desire to create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and supported. This commitment to inclusion and equity continues to guide his leadership philosophy today.💬

Joe shares with us the importance of servant leadership and the role of trust in fostering a positive organizational culture. In an age where technology often takes center stage, Joe emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human connection and genuine interaction. He believes that the organizations that excel are those that prioritize relationships and create spaces where people feel heard and appreciated. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of heart-centered leadership and how we can all strive to make a difference in our communities.

Connect with Joey at:

* https://www.linkedin.com/in/joehenrydeanofstudents/

* https://www.instagram.com/askdeanjoe

* https://twitter.com/askdeanjoe

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

Want to become more heart-centered? There’s a new playbook in town! Deb has released her first book The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership. Available in ebook 📱 , paperback📚, and audiobook🎧.

Get now your official copy at www.amazon.com and www.audible.com💜

In this episode, we sit down with Kat Newport, who shares her unique perspective on how conflict and creativity are deeply intertwined. Kat explores her journey from a corporate environment, where conflict was often avoided, to embracing it as a powerful tool for innovation. She discusses how differences of opinion, when handled with empathy and open-mindedness, can lead to breakthroughs that would otherwise remain out of reach. Kat's insights remind us that conflict, rather than being a barrier, can be a bridge to creative solutions and stronger leadership.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of leadership in today's world, Kat's approach to conflict offers some helpful lessons. Whether you're dealing with team dynamics or personal challenges, reframing how we view and engage with conflict can unlock new levels of growth and creativity.

This conversation is timely as we prepare for the upcoming Heart-Centered Leadership Conference. Join us as we explore strategies for integrating these principles into your leadership approach, creating environments where conflict and creativity can thrive. For more information and to register, visit www.leadingwithtrust.ca

Connect with Kat at:

* https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-newport/

* https://www.instagram.com/kat_newport/

* https://www.youtube.com/@KatNewport

* https://ab-bcc.ca/kat-newport

Thanks for reading How to Master The Art of Heart 💜 ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

Want to become more heart-centered? There’s a new playbook in town! Deb has released her first book The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership. Available in ebook 📱 , paperback📚, and audiobook🎧.

Get now your official copy at www.amazon.com and www.audible.com💜

Welcome to the first edition of Flashback Fridays, where we revisit some of the most impactful episodes of our show. Today, we're diving back into a powerful conversation from season two with Claude Silver, the first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia. Claude's approach to leadership is a masterclass in empathy, emotional intelligence, and human connection. She shares her journey of embracing imperfections and transforming them into strengths, showcasing the profound impact of leading with heart and vulnerability in the workplace.

Additionally, an exciting event on the horizon heightens this episode's relevance. Claude Silver will be moderating an upcoming conference I am hosting, focused on fostering heart-centered leadership and rebuilding trust within organizations. Designed for leaders navigating the challenges of the post-pandemic era, the heart-centered leadership symposium will provide valuable strategies for integrating heart-centered principles into your leadership approach. This event is perfect for you if you're committed to leading with empathy and building a more trusting, connected team!

Join us and be part of a transformative experience. For more information and to register, visit www.leadingwithtrust.ca

Connect with Claude at:

* https://www.claudesilver.com

* https://www.linkedin.com/in/casilver/

* https://www.instagram.com/claudesilver

* https://twitter.com/claudesilver

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com