Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 139

Leadership Evolution & Strategy with Nicole Van Valen

In this inspiring and energizing conversation, Chris Yonker sits down with resilience strategist, author, and former NFL and NBA dancer Nicole Van Valen to explore the real ingredients behind sustainable leadership. From burnout recovery to joyful performance, Nicole shares how leaders can build emotional and strategic resilience in today's fast-paced business world.

They also dive into generational shifts in the workplace, the role of joy in high-performance leadership, and how managers can meet employees with empathy while maintaining accountability. Nicole's therapeutic background and executive coaching experience combine to deliver a masterclass on modern leadership for anyone navigating stress, change, or challenge.

Timestamps

• 02:10 – Introducing Nicole Van Valen: therapist, resilience strategist, former pro dancer
• 05:45 – From corporate burnout to joyful leadership
• 07:00 – Joy as a resilience resource: how dance kept Nicole grounded
• 10:45 – Should we do what we're good at or what we love?
• 13:10 – Defining resilience: the basketball metaphor for bouncing forward
• 16:05 – The razor's edge: individual pathways through adversity
• 19:45 – Resilience lessons from COVID and beyond
• 22:15 – Empathy vs. accountability: navigating messy leadership moments
• 28:30 – Cross-generational workplace friction and expectations
• 30:55 – Sick pets, hot days, and what's really going on with your team
• 33:45 – Coaching your team without becoming their therapist
• 36:45 – A surprising example of values-based leadership in action
• 39:00 – Nicole's top tip: put joy on your calendar
• 41:00 – Dessert first: the value of doing what lights you up
• 42:45 – Nicole's book, assessment tool, and free resources

Quotes

· "If you tap into the joys of your life, you're more energized to go into your organization and deliver." - Nicole Van Valen [06:50]

· "Resilience is about bouncing forward. It's having a goal in mind—and a plan for when the stressors come." - Nicole Van Valen [13:15]

· "Empathy doesn't mean we stop holding people accountable. It means we understand where they're coming from." - Nicole Van Valen [24:45]

Websites:

· fambizforum.com.

· www.chrisyonker.com

· KeenInsights.com

· KeenInsights.com/book – The Joyful Leader

· Free Sphere of Resilience Assessment – Take Nicole's 8-domain self-assessment for leaders

Nicole Van Valen, M.S., L.M.F.T., SHRM-SCP is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and published author of The Joyful Leader. With more than 25 years of experience across healthcare, behavioral health, and entertainment, she helps executives and organizations navigate stress, build resilient cultures, and lead with greater empathy and impact. Nicole is the Founder and CEO of Keane Insights, where she merges neuroscience, mental health, and leadership strategy to create high-performing, inclusive workplaces. A former Miami Dolphins Cheerleader and Miami HEAT Dancer, she brings unmatched energy and authenticity to her work—championing transformation through joy.