Lead with Levity

Lead with Levity

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Lead with Levity episodes

  • Do you know how to build a high performing team?

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    What makes a high-performance team actually work? In this episode, Dr. Walker sits down with INSEAD professor and leadership expert Henrik Bresman, co-author of X-Teams and co-founder of xLEAD. Henrik shares what elite organizations like Microsoft and the Museum of Modern Art are doing differently—and how you can apply those lessons right now.

    Dr. Walker and Henrik talk about leading through uncertainty, breaking out of rigid team structures, and the uncomfortable truth about why some teams soar while others stall.

    If you've ever felt like you're carrying the weight of your team while secretly wondering if you're doing it right, this episode is for you.

    They cover:

    • What high-performing teams do differently
    • How to lead when you’re the new face in a high-stakes environment
    • Ways to encourage innovation without losing control
    • Why most leadership advice misses the mark—and what to do instead

    If you're ready to lead with clarity and courage—without burning out—tune in now.

    Follow @leadwithlevity on Instagram for tools to level up your leadership game.

    Support the show

    Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com
    30 min
  • Greg survived war zones–but Corporate America broke him

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    Greg did everything right—or so he thought. After serving his country with honor, he returned home, took an entry-level job, and spent five years quietly showing up, working hard, and checking all the boxes. But no one was checking for him.

    If you’ve ever felt invisible at work—like your talent is being overlooked and your potential is stuck in neutral—this episode is for you.


    In this powerful episode, Dr. Heather Walker shares:
     -   A raw, emotional story of her own journey from invisible to influential
     -   The 3 myths that keep smart, capable people stuck in the shadows
     -   Why hard work alone will never get you noticed (and what will)
     -   A 4-part system that helps you get recognized, respected, and rewarded

     -   An inspiring reminder that you don’t have to play politics—you just need a plan

    Remember: You are capable. You are worthy. You deserve to be seen.


    💡 Ready to invest in yourself? Learn more about my course here: https://bit.ly/leadwithlevity

    Support the show

    Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com
    36 min
  • The high achiever’s trap: Why you're pushing harder but feeling worse

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    In the latest episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, Dr. Heather Walker sits down with Dr. Jenny Powers, a chemical engineer turned author, to discuss the pressures of high achievement and how to find true balance in life.

    The Myth of Having It All

    Dr. Powers shares her deeply personal journey of chasing success—first as an athlete, then as a scholar—only to realize that relentless striving often leads to burnout rather than fulfillment. Her story challenges the belief that we must “do it all” to be worthy.

    Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

    • Achievement vs. Well-Being – Society glorifies overachievement, but constant striving can disconnect us from what truly matters.
    • Recognizing the Disconnect – Many struggle because modern life ignores fundamental human needs like rest, social connection, and self-reflection.
    • Small Steps to Change – Transformation isn’t about drastic leaps but making intentional choices that align with personal values.
    • Building a Support System – Community, spirituality, and creative outlets—like writing—help redefine purpose and fulfillment.
    • Redefining Success – True success isn’t about meeting external expectations but about creating a life that feels meaningful and sustainable.

    A New Path Forward

    Dr. Powers’ journey illustrates that stepping away from the traditional definition of success can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life. By weaving in self-care, creativity, and connection, anyone can break free from the high achiever’s trap.

    Want to hear more from Dr. Jenny Powers?

    Follow her work and explore her co-authored book, On the Origin of Being
    Instagram: @ontheoriginofbeing

    Tune into Lead with Levityfor this powerful conversation and start creating a life that truly aligns with you!

    Support the show

    Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com
    39 min
  • Stop Wasting Time: 6 Meeting Mistakes and How to Fix Them

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    Meetings can be a productivity killer when poorly managed. Many professionals, like Jordan, find themselves stuck in unnecessary, unproductive discussions that drain time and energy. Common meeting mistakes include domination by one speaker, lack of real collaboration, going off-topic, constant postponements, micromanagement, and meetings that should’ve been emails.

    To fix this, leaders must run meetings with clear goals, structured agendas, and a focus on efficiency. Simple strategies—like keeping discussions on track, using an agenda as a guide, and capturing off-topic ideas separately—can make meetings more productive and engaging.

    Key Takeaways

    ✔ Keep Meetings Collaborative – Avoid one-person monologues and ensure everyone’s input matters.

    ✔ Stick to the Agenda – Prevent discussions from derailing by consistently referencing meeting goals.

    ✔ Make Decisions, Not Delays – Ensure meetings lead to actionable outcomes rather than endless postponements.

    ✔ Respect People’s Time – If it can be an email, don’t make it a meeting.

    ✔ Encourage Trust & Efficiency – Avoid micromanagement during check-ins to keep morale high.


    Take Action

    Before scheduling your next meeting, ask yourself:

    ✅ Is this necessary?

    ✅ What’s the goal?

    ✅ Could this be an email?

    🔹 Join the conversation! Share your worst meeting experiences in the comments. Let’s fix workplace meetings together!

    🔹 Follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn for more leadership insights and workplace productivity tips!

    Support the show

    Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com
    25 min
  • Leadership lessons from scaling the Art of Shaving

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    In the latest episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, Dr. Heather Walker sits down with Eric Malka, the visionary co-founder of The Art of Shaving, to explore his remarkable path from humble beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar brand.

    The Art of Starting Small

    Eric’s journey began in a small kitchen, where he and his wife crafted high-quality shaving products with a simple yet powerful mission—elevate the shaving experience. What started as a passion project quickly grew into a thriving business, eventually catching the attention of Procter & Gamble, which later acquired the brand.

    Lessons from the Trenches

    Throughout the conversation, Eric shares invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the power of starting small and learning through experience. Some of his key takeaways include:

    • Build a passionate team – Surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference.
    • Embrace the process – Success isn’t just about the destination; it’s about enjoying the journey.
    • Know when to let go – Understanding when to step away or pivot is crucial for long-term success.

    Redefining Success & Paying It Forward

    While financial success is often the focus of entrepreneurship, Eric highlights the importance of redefining success beyond money. Today, through Strategic Brand Investments, he dedicates his time to mentoring and investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs, helping them turn their big dreams into reality.

    Want to hear more from Eric Malka? 

    Tune in to the full episode of Lead with Levity for a deep dive into his inspiring journey and expert insights!

    Connect with Eric at https://ericmalka.com

    Support the show

    Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com
    39 min
  • How do I show up for my team when I’m struggling too?

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    Let’s be real—the world feels like a lot right now. Between global crises, political tension, and personal stress, it’s hard enough to stay focused, let alone lead a team. If you’re feeling the weight of it all, you’re not alone.


    In this episode, we’re tackling one of the toughest questions leaders are facing: How do you show up for your team when you barely feel grounded yourself? 


    I’ll break down:


    ✅ Your Role as a Leader – What it really means to create belonging in times of uncertainty


    ✅ Guiding Principles for Tough Moments – How to keep your team on track without overstepping


    ✅ The Right Way to Check In – Simple, powerful ways to support your people without forcing uncomfortable conversations


    Support the show

    Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com
    30 min
  • I didn’t get the promotion. What gives?

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     "I didn't get the promotion. What gives?”

    Amanda did everything right—at least, that’s what she thought.

    She worked hard, followed the advice she was given, and waited for her moment… but when promotion time came around, she was passed over. Again.

    Sound familiar?

    If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or frustrated because your hard work isn’t translating into career growth, this episode is for you.

    We’re breaking down:
    ✅ A silent trap that keeps high performers stuck
    ✅ Why waiting to be noticed is a losing game
    ✅ One simple habit that makes your achievements undeniable

    Most people assume that if they work hard, their work will speak for itself. But work doesn’t speak—people do. And if you’re not tracking your wins, your manager probably isn’t either.

    🎧🔥 Listen now and to grab your free ‘Wins Log’ poster and documentation e-guide.

    Because never again should your hard work go unnoticed. 

    Support the show

    Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com
    26 min
  • Do you feel safe enough to play at work?

    Send us a text

    Do you feel safe enough to play at work?

    What if the secret to better leadership, breakthrough ideas, and stress-free decision-making was as simple as playing?

    In this episode of Lead with Levity, Dr. Heather Walker sits down with high-performance coach Tracy Clark to explore how intense curiosity, radical open-mindedness, and proactive experimentation can shift leaders out of stress mode and into their most creative, strategic thinking.

    Tracy shares how two simple words—"Let's play"—can break through tension, unlock fresh solutions, and create a culture where teams thrive. We also dig into the Multiplier Mindset, why so many leaders unknowingly stifle innovation, and how small shifts in the way you ask questions can lead to massive breakthroughs.

    If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to unlock the full potential of your team (or yourself), this episode is for you.

    🎧 Tune in now to discover:

    ✅ How to turn stress into possibility

    ✅ Why play isn’t just for kids—it’s a leadership superpower

    ✅ The mistake leaders make when trying to encourage creativity

    ✅ How to gamify your team meetings (without it feeling forced)

    Support the show

    Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com
    32 min
  • Who’s Really to Blame?

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    In this episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, we dive into the tricky dynamic between Scott, a hands-off manager, and Nora, a high-performing but overzealous team member.  When ambition meets unclear direction, things can get messy!

    Who’s Really to Blame?

    Whether you're a manager like Scott or a driven performer like Nora, learn how to align your goals, manage your energy, and celebrate your successes. 

    Tune in for practical insights to boost both your leadership and performance!

    Support the show

    Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com
    30 min
  • You landed the promotion or dream job—now what?

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    In this episode, we get into what can happen when you step into a high-stakes leadership role that you’re qualified for but aren’t given the right support to succeed in. 

    I’ll show you a simple strategy to map your boundaries so you can build the right connections and set yourself up for success. 

    Whether you’re feeling like a fraud or just looking for ways to thrive in your new role, this episode has practical advice and encouragement you can put into action today.

    Support the show

    Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!



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

About Lead with Levity

From the publisher's feed

I can help you create spaces where people laugh together, grow together, and win together. Tune in for a variety of career, culture, and leadership guidance from an award-winning I/O Psychologist +…

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