Shelby and Belinda discuss the idea of selecting three words to guide our intentions for 2025. We share our chosen words and discuss strategies for embodying and implementing them throughout the year.

In this episode:

• Our three words for 2025
• Using visual reminders to keep our words top of mind 
• Dynamic planning and adjusting goals 
• Accountability tips to stay on track 

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Join us on February 28th, 2026 at the DC Wharf for the Recommit: Winter Retreat. Get your tickets here: https://www.stirringsuccess.com/recommit-a-halfday-retreat

We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

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Navigating uncertainty requires strong team communication and personal well-being. Today, Belinda and Shelby explore strategies for leading through turbulent times, focusing on acceptance and radical honesty. 

We discuss how overcommunication within your teams helps maintain trust and clarity during turbulent times. We can only effectively lead our teams when we are grounded, so emotional regulation is essential at this time. 

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Join us on February 28th, 2026 at the DC Wharf for the Recommit: Winter Retreat. Get your tickets here: https://www.stirringsuccess.com/recommit-a-halfday-retreat

We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with entrepreneur and coach Heather A. Kollar as we unlock the secrets to building strong and meaningful business relationships. Heather shares her incredible journey, highlighting the crucial roles of integrity, character, and skill in successful partnerships. We explore her strategies for over-delivering to clients and maintaining a quality-driven mindset while also stepping out of her comfort zone to become a center of influence. Discover how Heather’s startup mindset and strategic leadership emphasize understanding client needs and the transformative power of clear communication.

Together, we dive into the entrepreneurial mindset, where salesmanship is not just an essential skill but a pivotal component of leadership. Personal experiences and anecdotes shed light on the significance of human relationships and servant leadership in achieving business success. We reflect on the resilience required in entrepreneurship, drawing from life lessons learned in small business and marketing. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping our career paths, demonstrating the importance of visibility and networking, which often lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth.

In this episode, we also celebrate voices like Daron K. Roberts and Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche, whose insights on character, integrity, and financial wisdom are nothing short of inspiring. The freedom of extended travel and the aspiration to visit dream destinations like Dubai and South Africa are also on the table as we discuss leadership as a lifestyle. Heather leaves us with valuable lessons on creating value in business, emphasizing the importance of leaving every interaction enriching and satisfying for others. Don't miss this episode packed with wisdom and motivation, and connect with us for more enlightening discussions.

For more information on Heather, check out her sites:
www.heatherakollar.com
www.h2ocleanse.com
http://linkedin.com/in/heatherakollar

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Join us on February 28th, 2026 at the DC Wharf for the Recommit: Winter Retreat. Get your tickets here: https://www.stirringsuccess.com/recommit-a-halfday-retreat

We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

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Imagine facing an unexpected shift in your career trajectory just as you reached the peak of your success. Our conversation aims to equip you with strategies to embrace resilience and clarity, even amid uncertainty. We discuss the non-linear path of grief and the critical need for community and therapeutic support during such times. 

We encourage you to reimagine your future beyond the confines of previous roles and to let go of any hubris that might hold you back. Hiring the right coach can be pivotal, whether you're refining your resume, adjusting to new realities, or scaling your business. It's crucial to learn from failures and keep your future goals at the forefront, even when faced with setbacks. 

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Join us on February 28th, 2026 at the DC Wharf for the Recommit: Winter Retreat. Get your tickets here: https://www.stirringsuccess.com/recommit-a-halfday-retreat

We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

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Ambassador Aurelia Brazeal joins us for an inspiring conversation on leadership, resilience, and navigating life's adversities. Her story offers a window into her resilient mindset and risk-taking approach, illustrating how history and upbringing can shape one's leadership style.

Ambassador Brazeal shares best practices from her adventures in the diplomatic arena. Her stories illustrate the power of proactive listening, cultural adaptability, and building alliances in addressing global challenges. By exploring the fine line between leadership and management, she highlights the profound impact of guiding people rather than merely managing tasks. 

Send us a comment!

Join us on February 28th, 2026 at the DC Wharf for the Recommit: Winter Retreat. Get your tickets here: https://www.stirringsuccess.com/recommit-a-halfday-retreat

We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

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Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

How can you keep team morale high when the people above you can't see eye to eye? Managing from the middle can feel like walking a tightrope when you're caught in the crossfire of clashing bosses. Drawing from our personal experiences, Belinda and Shelby reveal the art of leading small teams while gracefully managing upwards. 

We explore the power of emotional intelligence in turning a challenging dynamic into an opportunity for growth. Discover how we approached bosses who didn’t get along, and the proactive steps we took to safeguard our teams. Whether you're a middle manager seeking advice or simply curious about the nuances of corporate life, this episode will help you thrive in the middle. 

Send us a comment!

Join us on February 28th, 2026 at the DC Wharf for the Recommit: Winter Retreat. Get your tickets here: https://www.stirringsuccess.com/recommit-a-halfday-retreat

We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

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Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

What if the key to successful leadership is knowing when to say no? Join us as we uncover strategic problem-solving and leadership secrets with Kendra Gaither. This episode promises to equip you with strategies for balancing team success with well-being, focusing on essential tasks, and staying aligned with your team's North Star, even when unexpected opportunities knock on your door.

Kendra shares her experiences rallying teams towards shared objectives, fostering a culture of respect, and striving for excellence. Learn how the collective efforts and trust-building within a team can culminate in achieving ambitious outcomes, making each attempt a learning milestone rather than a failure.

We delve into the pitfalls of perfectionism, the joy of embracing one's unique qualities at work, and the power of expecting to win. As we prepare for the upcoming transition from 2024 to 2025, we tackle the challenges of mission creep and the importance of gratitude and friendship in leadership. 

Kendra's Recommended Resources:

• "Expect to Win" by Carla Harris 
• "Atomic Habits" by James Clear 
• "Born in Blackness: Africans, and the Making of the Modern World, 1471 to the Second World War" by Howard French 
• Dare to Lead podcast by Brene Brown
• WorkLife podcast by Adam Grant

Send us a comment!

Join us on February 28th, 2026 at the DC Wharf for the Recommit: Winter Retreat. Get your tickets here: https://www.stirringsuccess.com/recommit-a-halfday-retreat

We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

• Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast
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Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Being a leader means managing the emotional stress that comes with striving for excellence amidst external criticism. Belinda and Shelby discuss real-world challenges that leaders face, from microaggressions to the relentless pressures to lead new initiatives. Through personal stories and practical advice, we share how to preserve your mental energy, pick your battles wisely, and ensure your responses are both considered and impactful. 

Developing strong habits and building a supportive community early in your career can help you maintain a high level of performance. It's all about safeguarding your internal strength and staying steadfast on your path to success.

Send us a comment!

Join us on February 28th, 2026 at the DC Wharf for the Recommit: Winter Retreat. Get your tickets here: https://www.stirringsuccess.com/recommit-a-halfday-retreat

We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

• Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast
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Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Leadership is not just about strategy and performance; it's about people. What if self-awareness could be your secret weapon in effective leadership? Accomplished leader Nichole Gladden McCall shares her insights on leading with authenticity and empathy. 

Nichole opens up about the importance of self-awareness, detailing her daily practice of self-check-ins. She shares actionable strategies for navigating tough conversations with team members, as well as for creating an environment where every voice is valued. 

The conversation wraps up with a fun lightning round, reflecting on personal preferences and the central role of love in leadership. 

About Nichole Gladden McCall

Send us a comment!

Join us on February 28th, 2026 at the DC Wharf for the Recommit: Winter Retreat. Get your tickets here: https://www.stirringsuccess.com/recommit-a-halfday-retreat

We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

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Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Curious about how to lead with a startup mindset in any sector, including government or private industry? In this episode, Belinda and Shelby break down how agility and creativity can help you when embarking on new projects or building teams. 

If you're struggling with mission creep or feeling overwhelmed by tasks, we’ve got you covered. We discuss how to set goals for the year ahead and maintain clear objectives. And we talk about a crisis communication project where calm leadership was essential.

Send us a comment!

Join us on February 28th, 2026 at the DC Wharf for the Recommit: Winter Retreat. Get your tickets here: https://www.stirringsuccess.com/recommit-a-halfday-retreat

We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

• Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast
• Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!

Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.