In this episode of Leadership & Motivation Unleashed, we’re joined by Olivia Cream - former Coast Guard, corporate HR executive, and now a thriving entrepreneur. Olivia shares hard-earned lessons from her time in uniform, her leadership journey through corporate America, and her bold pivot to coaching and fractional HR consulting.

This episode dives deep into the power of values-driven leadership, the unspoken dynamics of female rivalry in leadership, and what it really means to be an HR co-pilot instead of an order taker. Olivia gets real about ethical dilemmas, calling out wrongdoing, and why leadership is never about you.

If you’re navigating corporate politics, looking to grow your leadership identity, or wondering what good HR support should actually look like, this one’s for you.

▶️ Leading with Integrity: Courage, Culture & the Real Role of HR with Olivia Cream:

• [01:56] Meet Olivia Cream: Engineer, Coast Guard vet, corporate exec turned entrepreneur
• [05:24] Leadership lessons from the Coast Guard
• [08:35] How to respond to ethical challenges as a leader
• [14:11] Good vs. bad leadership - what you can learn from both
• [18:04] The complicated truth about female leaders in power
• [21:39] Healing from toxic leadership & building resilience
• [27:34] Olivia’s career pivot into HR
• [31:56] What real HR partnership looks like: metrics, strategy, and people
• [35:34] Lightning Round: controversial opinions, favorite leaders, must-read books

Resources:

My Sister’s Shoulders

E12: Tips for HR Professionals and Business Leaders to Foster Better Collaboration

Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

Would you like to ask a question, offer feedback, or request a topic for a future episode? Fill out this one-question form.

Notable Quotes from Leading with Integrity: Courage, Culture & the Real Role of HR with Olivia Cream:

“ There are HR leaders that are now becoming CEOs of businesses. That is how deep you have to understand your business to be an effective HR leader.” - Olivia Cream

“ You have to figure out what kind of leader you want to be. And you have to stand by those principles.” - Olivia Cream

Connect with Olivia:

📱 Follow Olivia Cream on LinkedIn.

💻 Check out Olivia Cream’s website.

Connect with Your Hosts:

📱 Follow Patrick Law on LinkedIn.

📱 Follow Rachel Book on LinkedIn.

🎥 Follow Leadership & Motivation Unleashed on YouTube.

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Produced by Ideablossoms

In this episode of Leadership & Motivation Unleashed, we open up about pivotal mistakes that nearly derailed our careers and the transformative lessons we learned in the process. From unchecked ego to over-compartmentalizing your identity at work, we explore how ambition, pride, and even loyalty can sometimes backfire without the right mindset.

If you've ever wondered what blind spots may be holding you back or how to defend your values and still build a successful career, this episode is a must-listen.

▶️ Top Career Mistakes Holding You Back in the Workplace:

• [01:51] Staying open to feedback
• [11:26] The consequences of ignoring workplace relationships
• [14:53] Over-compartmentalizing at work
• [18:41] Pride and ego in the workplace
• [22:45] Owning your (and others') mistakes
• [26:13] Taking a stand to be recognized versus because it means something

Resources:

Would you like to ask a question, offer feedback, or request a topic for a future episode? Fill out this one-question form.

Notable Quotes from Top Career Mistakes Holding You Back in the Workplace:

“Speak up to defend your values and the values of the company when you see decisions being made or people being treated in ways that are in conflict with that. ” - Rachel Book

“Don't allow yourself to be derailed because you think you're smarter than everybody around you. ” - Patrick Law

Connect with Your Hosts:

📱 Follow Patrick Law on LinkedIn.

📱 Follow Rachel Book on LinkedIn.

🎥 Follow Leadership & Motivation Unleashed on YouTube.

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Produced by Ideablossoms

Careers are often shaped by luck, opportunity, and a willingness to say yes, not just upward promotion. In this episode of Leadership & Motivation Unleashed, we’re diving into the concept of the career lattice versus the traditional career ladder. 

We explore the different career paths individuals can take, how to leverage diverse experiences, and the importance of saying yes to new opportunities. You’ll learn how to navigate your career with both strategic planning and openness to unexpected opportunities.

If you're navigating your next career move, this episode is a must-listen.

▶️ Career Ladder vs. Career Lattice: The Value of Experiential Learning:

• [01:51] Career lattice vs. a career ladder
• [02:37] The role of luck and opportunity in career development
• [05:25] What you gain from “lateral” experience
• [08:59] Embracing projects even if they feel risky or outside your lane
• [15:01] Three types of career planning personalities
• [18:04] The “stacked career” and hybrid experience roles
• [23:46] The future of work: Why AI makes cross-functional insight more valuable
• [25:16] Owning your risks, failures, and your story

Resources:

Would you like to ask a question, offer feedback, or request a topic for a future episode? Fill out this one-question form.

Notable Quotes from Career Ladder vs. Career Lattice: The Value of Experiential Learning:

“ If you don't take advantage of some of these opportunities, you may not unlock those relationships, those opportunities to be visible, or those experiences to acquire new skills. ” - Rachel Book

“  The more things you have to draw from to help you be successful from an experience perspective, the better off you'll be.” - Patrick Law

Connect with Your Hosts:

📱 Follow Patrick Law on LinkedIn.

📱 Follow Rachel Book on LinkedIn.

🎥 Follow Leadership & Motivation Unleashed on YouTube.

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Produced by Ideablossoms

Do you really need a college degree to succeed? Is that piece of paper the ultimate key to leadership roles, corporate credibility, and career advancement? 

Not necessarily.

In this episode of Leadership & Motivation Unleashed, we discuss the value of a college education versus real-world experience. We share personal stories and actionable insights for individuals charting their own career paths and for hiring managers looking to broaden their talent pool.

▶️ College Degree Optional – Rethinking Success and Hiring in Modern Workplaces:

• [02:46] Patrick’s non-traditional education journey as someone who “didn’t care” about education initially 
• [08:32] Why traditional degrees aren't the only path to professional success
• [15:12] Rachel’s non-traditional bachelor's degree
• [17:39] The rise of skills-based hiring and what it means for job seekers and employers
• [21:32] The dangers of credential bias in hiring
• [29:19] The lack of apprenticeship opportunities in the United States
• [32:54] Practical advice for both employers and candidates on widening talent pipelines and finding purpose

Resources:

Take a look at the unique ways to get a degree mentioned in this episode:

• Purdue Global
• Newlane University
• CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) exams

Would you like to ask a question, offer feedback, or request a topic for a future episode? Fill out this one-question form.

Notable Quotes from College Degree Optional – Rethinking Success and Hiring in Modern Workplaces:

“People accumulate experiences and skills and talents throughout so many different ways. ” - Rachel Book

“ Don't think that degree is going to get you anything. Your heart gets you everything. ” - Patrick Law

Connect with Your Hosts:

📱 Follow Patrick Law on LinkedIn.

📱 Follow Rachel Book on LinkedIn.

🎥 Follow Leadership & Motivation Unleashed on YouTube.

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Produced by Ideablossoms

Today’s episode of Leadership & Motivation Unleashed is a conversation on the impact of mergers and acquisitions on workplace culture. There has been a lot of research on this topic over many years, and one Harvard Business Review article even said that most mergers and acquisitions fail because the people aspect is simply not considered enough.

We’re discussing the significance of the people aspect in mergers and acquisitions, and providing actionable advice for leaders navigating these challenging transitions.

▶️ The Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions on Workplace Culture:

• [02:13] The people aspect of mergers and acquisitions
• [07:50] Understanding the value of your employees
• [10:42] Integrating cultures and the impact on clients
• [15:05] Leadership through mergers and acquisitions
• [19:58] Creating calm during unsteady times
• [24:41] Preparing a people plan
• [25:55] Informing employees why an acquisition is taking place
• [27:33] Creating cohesion and collaboration among new teams

Resources:

Create cohesion and collaboration among teams with Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/

Would you like to ask a question, offer feedback, or request a topic for a future episode? Fill out this one-question form.

Notable Quotes from The Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions on Workplace Culture:

“ If you're putting together project teams, purposely put a mix of people from the different companies so that they all learn from each other and appreciate each other's value.” - Rachel Book

“ It's up to the individual leader to add human value into the equation.” - Patrick Law

Connect with Your Hosts:

📱 Follow Patrick Law on LinkedIn.

📱 Follow Rachel Book on LinkedIn.

🎥 Follow Leadership & Motivation Unleashed on YouTube.

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Produced by Ideablossoms

 It takes every type of person to make a team, department, or company successful. So, in this episode of the Leadership & Motivation Unleashed Podcast, we’re tackling the intricate dynamics of managing different types of employees within the workplace - from top performers to average workers.

We discuss the value of different types of performers, the impact of favoritism and recognition in the workplace, and strategies for motivating average performers to enhance overall team productivity. We also address the importance of understanding individual motivations and creating an inclusive environment where everyone knows where they stand.

▶️ Understanding Workplace Dynamics: Top Performers Vs. Average Workers:

• [01:57] The role of different types of employees
• [05:45] Not everyone aims to be a top performer
• [06:49] Assessing employee value
• [08:02] Different standards and treatment for top employees
• [11:57] Pushing people to be a top performer when they’re not ready
• [17:50] Performance-based recognition strategies 
• [24:20] Work is a privilege and a responsibility

Resources:

Would you like to ask a question, offer feedback, or request a topic for a future episode? Fill out this one-question form.

Notable Quotes from Understanding Workforce Dynamics: Star Performers Versus Average Workers:

“Not every job needs a star player, and for sure not every team needs a cast of all star performers. ” - Rachel Book

“Leadership is putting teams of people together that balance each other out, no matter what the noise is from the outside.” - Patrick Law

Connect with Your Hosts:

📱 Follow Patrick Law on LinkedIn.

📱 Follow Rachel Book on LinkedIn.

🎥 Follow Leadership & Motivation Unleashed on YouTube.

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Produced by Ideablossoms

This episode’s topic is a tough one. We're talking about how we, as leaders, can support our teams when the going gets tough. 

It could be when somebody is going through a hard time personally, or when things are really tough at the company. Perhaps somebody made a big mistake, or it could be that your company is having financial challenges. 

What is our role as leaders? How do we be there for our teams on a personal and professional level? How do we serve as a stabilizing force, maintaining focus on what matters most, while still being human and caring for people as they go through a hard time? Join us as we explore these questions in this episode.

▶️ Confidential Conversations: How Leaders Can Support Their Teams Through Tough Times:

• [01:54] Modeling the honest and open behavior you want to see on your team
• [06:40] Creating a safe environment for employees to share with you
• [10:26] Listening versus hearing
• [12:03] Setting clear expectations while caring for your team
• [13:04] Sometimes, listening can be the best support
• [15:47] Encouraging open dialogue while honoring trust

Resources:

Would you like to ask a question, offer feedback, or request a topic for a future episode? Fill out this one-question form.

Notable Quotes from Confidential Conversations: How Leaders Can Support Their Teams Through Tough Times:

“ As leaders, we get into fix it mode right away, and that's sometimes when we might jump the gun and have all kinds of solutions when sometimes there is no solution, especially if it’s a personal issue.” - Rachel Book

“ If someone's going to have the confidence in you to share something they're struggling with, then keep their confidence. It isn't helpful for you to go somewhere else with that confidence and share it, even if you think you're doing right by the person. ” - Patrick Law

Connect with Your Hosts:

📱 Follow Patrick Law on LinkedIn.

📱 Follow Rachel Book on LinkedIn.

🎥 Follow Leadership & Motivation Unleashed on YouTube.

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Produced by Ideablossoms

In this episode of Leadership & Motivation Unleashed, we’re looking at the differences between working at a big company versus a small company. We’re discussing the impact you can have, how empowered you are to act, and the difference each can have for your career advancement.

There’s no right answer to which is better, and we’ve both had experience in each. Whether you're deciding where to start your career or considering a change, this episode offers valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.

▶️ Big Company Versus Small Company: Impact, Empowerment & Career Advancement:

• [02:22] Feeling the impact of your work at a small company versus a big company
• [07:56] The difference in structure and hierarchy between big and small companies
• [17:04] Ingenuity, intuition, and courageousness in the decisions you make
• [23:09] Don’t be scared to make mistakes
• [29:38] Starting your career at a small company versus a big company

Resources:

Admiral McRaven’s commencement speech at the University of Texas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70 

Would you like to ask a question, offer feedback, or request a topic for a future episode? Fill out this one-question form.

Notable Quotes from Big Company Versus Small Company: Impact, Empowerment & Career Advancement:

“ Being part of such a large machine can sometimes make your own individual accomplishments feel a little bit diminished. When you work at a smaller company, you feel your impact every single day. ” - Rachel Book

“ Take the chance. Don't be the guy or girl standing on the sidelines watching. Get in the game. Big company or small company, put yourself out there. ” - Patrick Law

Connect with Your Hosts:

📱 Follow Patrick Law on LinkedIn.

📱 Follow Rachel Book on LinkedIn.

🎥 Follow Leadership & Motivation Unleashed on YouTube.

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Produced by Ideablossoms

Today’s episode of Leadership & Motivation Unleashed is all about having difficult workplace conversations. 

This is a tough topic. Some people can very easily turn off their emotions and have open and honest dialogue about difficult topics and situations, and some people really struggle with it. And that’s understandable, having those difficult conversations may be one of the hardest parts of leadership.

Whether it’s delivering bad news, providing constructive criticism, or managing performance reviews, we’re offering practical advice to help leaders and employees navigate these challenging interactions with empathy and directness.

▶️ How to Have Difficult Conversations at Work (As a Leader and an Employee):

• [02:40] Getting better at hard conversations through experience
• [03:30] Strategies for leaders navigating difficult conversations
• [07:55] Being on the receiving end of a hard conversation
• [09:31] Giving open and honest feedback throughout the year
• [15:23] Navigating hard conversations with authenticity
• [18:08] Balancing negative feedback with positive feedback
• [20:33] Building rapport with your employees

Resources:

Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan & Al Switzler 

Trombone Player Wanted, Marcus Buckingham

Would you like to ask a question, offer feedback, or request a topic for a future episode? Fill out this one-question form.

Notable Quotes from How to Have Difficult Conversations at Work (As a Leader and an Employee):

“ The more difficult conversations you have, the better you get at them. ” - Rachel Book

“ People who are authentic, even in really difficult discussions, are appreciated. ” - Patrick Law

Connect with Your Hosts:

📱 Follow Patrick Law on LinkedIn.

📱 Follow Rachel Book on LinkedIn.

🎥 Follow Leadership & Motivation Unleashed on YouTube.

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Produced by Ideablossoms

Our topic on today’s episode of Leadership & Motivation Unleashed is the evolving landscape of leadership - leadership erosion, leadership modifications, and how leadership has changed over time.

We’re discussing the nature versus nurture debate in leadership. Are people born leaders or can they learn to become great leaders? We’re also exploring how we perceive our leaders. Leaders can’t be perfect, they’re only human after all. Finally, we’re looking at how to craft an authentic leadership style. Tune in to learn more.

▶️ The Evolving Landscape of Leadership: Nature vs Nurture, Empathy & Authenticity:

• [01:43] Gaining leadership insight through real-world observation
• [06:12] The impact of personal struggles on leadership
• [08:17] Understanding our expectations of leaders
• [10:50] The difference between high performance and leadership potential
• [16:45] Assembling a personal board of directors
• [23:18] Crafting an authentic leadership style

Resources:

The New Gold Standard by Joseph Michelli

E15: Navigating Toxic Work Environments (as a Leader or Team Member)

Trombone Player Wanted, Marcus Buckingham

Would you like to ask a question, offer feedback, or request a topic for a future episode? Fill out this one-question form.

Notable Quotes from The Evolving Landscape of Leadership: Nature vs Nurture, Empathy & Authenticity:

“ The leadership styles that have worked in the past may not continue to work currently and in the future. ” - Rachel Book

“  What should people expect from leadership? I don't think you should expect much. They are people too.” - Patrick Law

Connect with Your Hosts:

📱 Follow Patrick Law on LinkedIn.

📱 Follow Rachel Book on LinkedIn.

🎥 Follow Leadership & Motivation Unleashed on YouTube.

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Produced by Ideablossoms