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Tracy Ann Palmer is joined by Christian F. Johnson, author of the insightful book, "When You're Speaking But Still Silent." This discussion dives into the heart of authentic leadership and the nuances of reclaiming one's true voice amidst a world inclined towards performance. Christian shares his transformative journey and the pivotal moments that led him to question performative leadership, ultimately reclaiming his own voice and purpose.

Christian Johnson speaks about the challenges many high-achieving leaders face today, including imposter syndrome, mimicry, and the distractions that pull them away from their core purpose. He introduces his Rinse Method, a structured approach to rediscovering and aligning with one's authentic self, and elaborates on how this method can alleviate the pressures and distractions that leaders commonly face. Tracy Ann Palmer and Christian engage in a compelling dialogue, underlining the importance of internal alignment, authenticity, and spiritual reflection to craft impactful and sustainable leadership practices.

Key Takeaways:

*   Many leaders suffer from performative leadership, which can lead to burnout and disconnection from their authentic selves.
*   The Rinse Method is a powerful tool designed by Christian to help leaders recognize and neutralize distractions, identify their divine assignment, and execute focused actions.
*   Success should inspire leaders to look within rather than mimic others, fostering an environment where authenticity fuels true leadership success.
*   Trusting oneself and one’s unique gifts helps conquer confidence issues, allowing leaders to remain aligned with their personal truths and inner strengths.
*   True leadership is not about performing but living with presence, courage, and authenticity.

All episodes and guest requests can be found at:
www.leadershipmomentspodcast.com
Follow Stacey Caster on Instagram @staceycaster_
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Welcome to the all new season of Leadership Moments! We're starting off Season 4 about one thing: goal setting and the common misconception that the dawn of January signals an immediate need for clear and actionable plans. This episode aims to reassure leaders that experiencing uncertainty is normal and doesn't signify failure.

We emphasize the psychological weight of January, highlighting its tendency to create undue pressure due to societal expectations of setting new goals and achieving a revitalized sense of self. The hosts argue that the world of leadership often inaccurately aligns personal and professional growth with the calendar year — January through December — which can lead leaders to feel behind if they haven't set clear directions as the new year begins. They advocate for embracing uncertainty as a crucial part of the transition and growth cycle.

Key Takeaways:

• Transition vs. Clarity: It's common for leaders to misconstrue periods of transition as failures when in fact, they signal impending growth and change.
• The Myth of January Resolution: January doesn't mark an automatic reset. True growth and clarity are not constrained to calendar months.
• Direction Over Decisions: Leaders should focus on direction — understanding what they want more or less of — rather than making hasty decisions under pressure.
• Emotional Impact: Suppressing uncertainty can lead to disconnections from oneself and others, while embracing honesty with oneself can foster genuine growth.
• Presence Over Pressure: Encourages leaders to stay present with uncertainty, trusting that clarity will emerge naturally over time.

Notable Quotes:

• "For me, a great leader needs to be able to marry three things. Vision, systems, and people." - Tracy-Ann Palmer
• "If you are a leader listening to this and you're thinking, I don't have it all figured out, this episode is for you." - Tracy-Ann Palmer
• "You're not behind. You're not failing. You're not doing it wrong. You're in the process, which is exactly where you need to be." - Stacy Castor
• "So when you enter the new year still processing, still questioning, or still unsure about what's next, you know, it can feel like you've missed a deadline that actually doesn't exist." - Tracy-Ann Palmer
• "Direction is about knowing what you want more of and what you want less of. It's about orientation rather than precision." - Stacy Castor

Resources:

• Leadership Moments Podcast Website
• Follow Leadership Moments on Instagram and LinkedIn for updates.

All episodes and guest requests can be found at:
www.leadershipmomentspodcast.com
Follow Stacey Caster on Instagram @staceycaster_
Follow Tracy-Ann Palmer on Instagram @tracy_ann_palmer

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What were the major leadership challenges and transformations that defined 2025? In this episode, hosts Stacey Caster & Tracy-Ann Palmer give their year in review.

Organizations increasingly adopted AI (approximately 78% of businesses implemented AI in some capacity), however, only a few restructured workflows to fully leverage this powerful tool. Throughout the conversation, Stacey and Tracy emphasize leadership agility in managing employee and manager engagement, which sank to new lows, and stress the importance of value-driven leadership. They highlight how cybersecurity threats and hybrid work dynamics pose fresh challenges and opportunities for leaders in maintaining productivity and engagement.

Key Takeaways:

Vision and Systems Integration: Effective leaders must seamlessly integrate vision, systems, and people to navigate economic and technological shifts.
AI Implementation: While 78% of organizations are using AI, only 15% have made comprehensive workflow changes to fully utilize its potential.
Manager Engagement Crisis: With manager engagement dropping below 30%, sustaining high productivity requires regular check-ins and recognition.
Cybersecurity as ESG: As ransomware incidents double, cyber resilience becomes just as essential as sustainability metrics.
Future Predictions: 2026 may herald a focus on empathetic leadership, AI as a team player, and the realignment of financial accountability and productivity metrics.

Notable Quotes:

*   "Real leaders who created value didn't ask, 'Where can we use AI?' What they asked was, 'Where are we wasting human capacity?'"
*   "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."
*   "Engagement recovery depends on equipping leaders to lead with empathy and edge."
*   "Leadership isn't glamorous. It's truly gritty… Leaders had to grind through it, and they are better for it."
*   "Clarity is a form of kindness... Clear intent changes everything."

http://leadershipmomentspodcast.com

All episodes and guest requests can be found at:
www.leadershipmomentspodcast.com
Follow Stacey Caster on Instagram @staceycaster_
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Chance McClain is the CEO of Heritage Films and an acclaimed documentary filmmaker committed to capturing individual legacies through film. His career has been inspired by a passion for storytelling and the impact of personal legacy, profoundly influencing his leadership style and philosophy on life and business.

Chance McClain emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership, stressing that a great leader effectively blends vision, systems, and people. This episode highlights how Chance's work at Heritage Films has not only provided him with a unique vantage point into people's lives but also transformed his understanding of success and influence. 

Further into the discussion, Chance shares how personal stories, marked by challenges and triumphs, have influenced his leadership philosophy. Grit and discipline, according to Chance, are critical for mastery and success, overshadowing mere talent. He draws lessons from various accounts, urging leaders to embrace their blind spots, welcome constructive criticism, and simplify problems—teaching that personal growth stems from hardship and mistakes. 

Key Takeaways:

*   The role of authenticity in leadership involves maintaining a delicate balance between vision, systems, and people.
*   Personal stories hold immense power in shaping leadership philosophies and fostering personal growth.
*   Mastery and success are achieved more through grit and discipline rather than mere talent.
*   Failure is a crucial stepping stone for learning and development, providing essential life lessons.
*   Storytelling can serve as a profound tool for leadership, capable of reframing individual and collective struggles.

Notable Quotes:

"Failure is the greatest thing in the world. They're lessons. They're stepping stones."
"Simplify and solve problems—that is the distillation of what a leader should ask of his or her people."
 "Effort matters more than talent. The discipline of doing things over and over leads to mastery."
"The best stories come from the worst times—they're filled with profound lessons."
 "Live a life that your kids would want to make a movie about, so they know where they came from."

Resources:

heritagefilmsgroup.com
Book: Rocket Fuel
Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People

All episodes and guest requests can be found at:
www.leadershipmomentspodcast.com
Follow Stacey Caster on Instagram @staceycaster_
Follow Tracy-Ann Palmer on Instagram @tracy_ann_palmer

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Kendra McDonald serves as the CEO of Canada's Ocean Supercluster (OSC), where she spearheads a national effort to accelerate ocean innovation and cement Canada's position as a leader in the sustainable blue economy. Her leadership at the OSC has been instrumental in generating thousands of jobs and launching nearly 200 ocean companies. Notably, Kendra has been recognized as one of Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs and as one of Canada's leading sustainability figures. Her previous role as a partner at Deloitte and the first Chief Audit Executive for Deloitte Global brings over 30 years of expertise in innovation and strategic growth to her current initiatives.

Episode Summary:

This insightful episode of Leadership Moments, hosted by Stacey Caster and Tracy Ann Palmer, features an engaging discussion with Kendra McDonald, CEO of Canada's Ocean Supercluster. The conversation centers around Kendra's transformative work in the sustainable blue economy and her personal journey of leadership and innovation. Kendra shares her wisdom on the importance of authenticity in leadership, deriving energy from problem-solving, and the necessity for continuous learning across a professional lifetime.

In this episode, Kendra delves into the critical components that make a great leader—combining vision, systems, and people. Kendra's narrative provides listeners with an understanding of what an ocean supercluster entails and how Canada's OSC is building economic growth through sustainability initiatives. Her perspectives on collaboration, particularly involving women and minorities in STEM, highlight her commitment to diversity and inclusion. Her openness about transitioning careers and embracing innovation serves as an inspiring blueprint for professionals at any stage in their careers.

Key Takeaways:

• Authentic Leadership: Kendra emphasizes the significance of being an authentic leader who actively marries vision with practical systems and people management.
• Continuous Learning: Understanding the importance of constant education and evolving one's career to stay relevant and invigorated.
• Collaboration Across Boundaries: Insights into effective collaboration despite hierarchical limitations and the value of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
• Introvert Leadership: Dispels the myth that introverts cannot succeed as leaders, stressing the power of being a thoughtful listener.
• Career Expansion and Change: Kendra’s career journey demonstrates the courage to pivot professionally after decades of success and finding purpose in new challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• "You have to walk the talk. You have to be authentic as a leader if you're not doing it."
• "For me, a great leader needs to be able to marry three things: vision, systems, and people."
• "Fall in love with the problem, not the solution."
• "You can't go to school for this stuff; sometimes you have to watch others and learn by doing."
• "It's not about the loudest voice in the room. It's about the best listener.

All episodes and guest requests can be found at:
www.leadershipmomentspodcast.com
Follow Stacey Caster on Instagram @staceycaster_
Follow Tracy-Ann Palmer on Instagram @tracy_ann_palmer

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Dr. Camille Preston is a pioneering force in leadership psychology and neuroscience, focusing on high performance and human potential. She is the founder of Aim Leadership and a globally respected speaker and advisor to top executives. As a renowned author, her works, including "Rewired," "Create More Flow," and her latest book, "Living Real," serve as transformative guides for understanding the complexities of modern leadership and personal development.

The conversation begins with the exploration of Dr. Preston's latest book, "Living Real," delving into the necessity of authenticity in leadership and the adverse effects of projecting an idealized image. Dr. Preston shares insights on how to navigate the complexities of modern leadership, emphasizing the power of vulnerability and real connections in countering isolation and superficiality. Dr. Preston offers strategies for leaders to adapt to technological changes and harness the state of flow, an essential condition for maximizing leadership potential. The episode concludes with practical advice on building genuine connections and maintaining a balanced life rooted in authentic engagement and real-world experiences.

Key Takeaways:

Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and strong connections, crucial for addressing modern challenges like burnout and loneliness.

The prevalence of curated perfection on social media contributes to shallow relationships and psychological stress.

Dr. Preston emphasizes vulnerability as a strength, encouraging leaders to engage in genuine, real conversations for personal and organizational growth.

"Rewired" highlights the impact of technology on our lives and suggests strategies for reclaiming control over digital distractions.

Achieving flow is not just for creators or athletes but a crucial element of effective leadership, aiding in productivity and innovation.

Notable Quotes:

1.  "When we put out this polished version, it actually shallows our relationships, the richness that makes our lives messy, beautiful, full of learning." - Dr. Camille Preston
2.  "Vulnerability is power. If you can be deeply open and vulnerable and honest, not only do people lean in, it's a critical piece in your own development." - Dr. Camille Preston
3.  "Hard work delivers hard opportunity. But that comes with being deeply honest and seeing yourself and seeing all that is." - Dr. Camille Preston
4.  "The volume, variety, velocity, and veracity of information that's coming at us, it's changing our wiring." - Dr. Camille Preston
5.  "I think we need to listen inward to our own truth. Start to build these connections and forge these bridges." - Dr. Camille Preston

Resources:

Camille Preston Website: https://www.camillepreston.com
Living Real: Redefining Success, Presence, and Happiness
Rewired: A Book on Technology and Leadership

All episodes and guest requests can be found at:
www.leadershipmomentspodcast.com
Follow Stacey Caster on Instagram @staceycaster_
Follow Tracy-Ann Palmer on Instagram @tracy_ann_palmer

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James Chicano is a nationally recognized conflict resolution expert, facilitator, and leadership coach with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in helping leaders navigate high-stress and high-stakes challenges with clarity and composure. James has worked on hundreds of complex cases across both the public and private sectors, focusing on workplace conflict, organizational change, team dysfunction, and multi-stakeholder tension. 

He emphasizes the importance of being "conflict competent" as a leader and discusses the need to hone skills that many leaders often overlook, including negotiation, mediation, and coaching. Throughout the conversation, James imparts valuable insights into the nature of conflict and how it can be transformed into a constructive force for organizational improvement.

James underscores the critical competencies required for effective conflict management, such as emotional intelligence, assertiveness, and deep listening. Attuned to the dynamics of modern workplaces, he also shares unconventional methodologies like breathwork to manage tension, encouraging leaders to explore new ways of fostering healthy communication and understanding.

Key Takeaways:

• Conflict Competency: Leaders need to develop conflict management skills, including negotiation and facilitation, which are often underemphasized in traditional leadership training.
• Attitude, Process, and Skills: These three dimensions—attitude towards conflict, processes for resolution, and specific skills like deep listening and empathy—are crucial in managing disagreements effectively.
• Emotional Regulation: Techniques like breathwork can help leaders and employees alike manage emotions and maintain focus during challenging conversations.
• Curiosity and Listening: Staying open and curious, coupled with deep listening, can open pathways to understanding and resolving conflicts constructively.
• Owning the Approach: Leaders must decide and own their role in a conflict, choosing between engagement, coaching, or facilitation strategies to manage tensions effectively.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Conflict is a phenomenon of difference, and it occurs all over. The question is, what strategies are available to deal with it?"
2. "In my mind, we have to be very deliberate about how we engage in conflict."
3. "Leaders are expected to have a multitude of different capacities when addressing conflict."
4. "Effective communication is the creation of shared meaning—it doesn't mean we agree, but we have a sense of where we're each coming from."

Resources:

• James Chicano on LinkedIn
• University of Victoria: Website (implicit reference)
• For more episodes like this and to remain updated, connect through the "Leadership Moments" podcast on Instagram and LinkedIn.

All episodes and guest requests can be found at:
www.leadershipmomentspodcast.com
Follow Stacey Caster on Instagram @staceycaster_
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Ever feel like you’re doing all the “right things” and still falling short of the life you imagined? We sit down with John Mitchell—author of The Living Secret and creator of the Think It Be It methodology—to unpack a bold idea with deep scientific roots: if 95% of your daily actions are unconscious, the fastest path to better results is reprogramming your autopilot. John shares how a painful season and a relentless study of Think and Grow Rich led him to a simple, repeatable routine that takes just 12 minutes a day and turns intention into reliable action.

We trace John’s journey from solid-but-stuck to a 25x income breakthrough, and we dig into what actually changed: radical clarity about who he wanted to be, what he aimed to achieve, and the exact steps that would get him there. He explains why the subconscious responds to repetition and emotion, how to write a concise daily script that touches career, health, and relationships, and why small wording shifts—like moving from “aware” to “evaluate”—instantly alter behavior. Leaders, founders, and athletes will appreciate the framework that links vision, systems, and people so the “right actions” start happening automatically by week three.

Expect practical examples, from health choices to attracting the right partner, and a clear breakdown of conscious versus subconscious roles. You’ll hear why this method lowers stress, boosts confidence, and creates a genuine sense of control as your brain gets the order it craves. If you’re ready to stop winging it and design the next five years with intention, this conversation gives you the tools to start today—no hacks, just mechanics that compound.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with someone who’s ready for a leap, and leave a quick review telling us which habit you’ll automate first. Your next chapter can start in 12 minutes a day.

All episodes and guest requests can be found at:
www.leadershipmomentspodcast.com
Follow Stacey Caster on Instagram @staceycaster_
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What if resilience isn’t about bouncing back, but about learning forward? We sit down with Russell Harvey, The Resilience Coach, to unpack a practical, human approach to leading in a full-on, always-changing world. Russell shares how his sixth redundancy became the catalyst to claim a clear identity and purpose, and why that moment of alignment shifted fear into energy.

We explore the Resilience Wheel—a seven-part framework built on research and field-tested across industries. Russell walks through attitude, purpose, confidence, adaptability versus agility, support networks, meaning, and energy, explaining how each element strengthens a leader’s ability to make good choices under pressure. You’ll hear how to use strengths daily to boost natural energy, why curiosity should come before action, and how to turn success into something you can sustain. Expect tangible steps, not theory: a three-question reflection ritual, self-assessments that reveal blind spots, and strategies to prepare for turbulence before it hits.

We also dig into optimism without the fluff. This is optimism grounded in reality—naming the size and shape of the challenge while elevating what’s good and workable about your people and your capabilities. Leaders who hold these conversations well see teams become more open, adaptable, and creative. Whether you’re navigating change, rebuilding confidence after tough feedback, or protecting momentum when things are going well, this conversation offers a map you can use right away.

Subscribe for more leadership conversations, share this episode with someone who needs a boost, and leave a review telling us which tool you’ll try this week. Your feedback helps us bring more practical resilience to more leaders.

All episodes and guest requests can be found at:
www.leadershipmomentspodcast.com
Follow Stacey Caster on Instagram @staceycaster_
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What if the biggest blocker in your leadership isn’t skill or strategy, but an invisible loop running under the surface? We pull back the curtain on two tools we’ve added to our coaching practice to help leaders ease stress, rewrite limiting beliefs, and move with less friction toward the outcomes they actually want.

If you’ve felt the same wall in different rooms—presentations, tough feedback, money stories, or team conflict—this conversation offers a practical, hopeful way forward. You’ll leave with questions to spot your own loops, a better sense of how biofeedback and belief change can work together, and permission to choose the approach that fits your season. Enjoy the episode, share it with a leader who needs it, and if it resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us which insight you’ll act on first.

All episodes and guest requests can be found at:
www.leadershipmomentspodcast.com
Follow Stacey Caster on Instagram @staceycaster_
Follow Tracy-Ann Palmer on Instagram @tracy_ann_palmer