You thought you explained it clearly. You handed off the project. But what came back wasn’t at all what you envisioned. Sound familiar? Whether you’re leading a team, onboarding new employees, or collaborating with clients, one truth remains: people can’t meet expectations that were never clearly set. And clarity isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

In this conversation, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, explore the leadership blind spot that hinders productivity, fuels frustration, and undermines success: unclear expectations. What emerges is a practical, and energizing conversation about bridging the gap between what leaders expect and what teams deliver.

Through stories from the horse arena, the workplace, and their own coaching and leadership experiences, Ginny and Katie unpack how assumption bias, generational shifts, time pressure, and poor communication keep leaders from setting their people up for success. They also offer real tools for change. You’ll find simple, effective ways to align your vision with your team’s actions and outcomes.

This is a reminder that no one performs well in the dark. Clear expectations fuel confident action. When leaders lead with clarity, context, and curiosity, everyone moves forward.

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.

Takeaways

-Assumption bias often causes leaders to overestimate what others understand or know.

-Today’s workforce, especially Gen Z, craves clarity and context, not micromanagement.

-Without clearly defined success, frustration and rework are inevitable for both leaders and team members.

-Leaders often unintentionally skip the clarity step due to time pressure or lack of leadership training.

-Psychological safety is key: create a culture where asking for clarification is welcomed, not judged.

-Regular check-ins help reinforce expectations and prevent disconnects.

-Tools like kickoff meetings, shared language, and aligning daily tasks with big-picture goals foster ownership and engagement.

-Preparing people well is foundational, not optional, for strong performance and culture

Chapters

00:46 Preparing Expectations

04:35The Expectation Gap

12:46 Taking Time for Efficiency

15:04 Leadership Training for Leaders

19:44 Solutions to Clarify Expectations

22:38 Defining Success

32:44 Why Does This Matter?

35:44 Actionable Steps to Improve Clarity of Expectations

Helpful Links:  

Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/

Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

There was a time when everyone wanted to be the boss. It was part of the career trajectory from the moment someone entered the workforce. That is changing. The next generation has seen what being “the boss” has meant to others, and seen the impact leadership has had, both in good and bad ways, on those around them. More and more, aspiring to leadership may not be the goal.  

In this conversation, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, talk about the new phenomenon of 'conscious unbossing' and its implications for leadership in a cross-generational workforce.

They discuss why millennials and Gen Z are hesitant to take on leadership roles, the importance of mentorship, and how organizations can create engaging opportunities for emerging leaders. They correlate this behavior and the way business leaders may be responding to behavior that they see in their horses and in their equine-assisted workshops.  

Katie and Ginny highlight the need for a paradigm shift in how leadership is perceived and developed, drawing parallels between human leadership dynamics and horse herd behavior.

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.

Takeaways

-Conscious unbossing reflects a shift in how younger generations view leadership.

-72% of millennials prefer individual contributor roles over management.

-Leadership roles are often perceived as thankless and burdensome.-

-Mentorship plays a crucial role in preparing future leaders.

-Organizations need to create supportive cultures for leadership development.

-Engaging learning experiences can enhance leadership skills.

-Shared leadership models can alleviate the pressure on individual leaders.

-Confidence is key for younger generations to step into leadership roles.

-Work should be enjoyable and fulfilling for all employees.

-Understanding generational perspectives is essential for effective leadership. 

Episode Resources:

“Why Gen Z is Saying No to Management”

https://www.kornferry.com/insights/this-week-in-leadership/why-gen-z-is-saying-no-to-management

“Conscious Unbossing: Rebuilding the Leadership Pipeline for a New Generation”

https://www.ddiworld.com/blog/conscious-unbossing

“No One Wants to Be a Leader”

https://www.fastcompany.com/91357457/why-its-still-great-to-be-a-leader

Chapters

00:38 Understanding Conscious Unbossing

08:36 The Impact of Generational Perspectives on Leadership

09:38 The Role of Mentorship in Leadership Development

11:58 Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders

14:35 Creating Engaging Leadership Opportunities

21:58 Examples through Equine Experiences

28:27 Action Steps for Emerging Leaders

36:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

Helpful Links:  

Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/

Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

It’s all too common to size people up based on their generation before we ever give them a chance. We assume intentions, habits, and beliefs based on age, and in doing so, we miss out on real connection and real collaboration. What if we set aside those assumptions? What if we focused less on when someone was born and more on what they bring to the table?

In this episode, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, explore the complexities and opportunities of leading multi-generational teams. They discuss the unique challenges posed by differing values, communication styles, and historical contexts that shape each generation's approach to work. 

The conversation emphasizes the importance of curiosity, empathy, and understanding in fostering collaboration and innovation within diverse teams. Drawing parallels with horse herd dynamics, they highlight the need for leaders to recognize and leverage the strengths of each generation to create inclusive and effective work environments.

This podcast might just change the way you see your team and the stories you’ve been telling yourself about who they are.

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.

Takeaways

-74% of the global workforce will be millennials and Gen Z by 2030.

-Five generations are currently working together in the workforce.

-Generational bias can undermine collaboration and trust.

-Understanding historical context is crucial for appreciating generational values.

-Curiosity and empathy are key to effective leadership.

-Stereotypes can negatively impact team dynamics and performance.

-Horses can teach us valuable lessons about leadership and teamwork.

-Knowledge transfer is essential as older generations retire.

-Creating inclusive environments enhances employee engagement.

-We often have more in common across generations than we realize.

Episode Resources:

• https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/genz-millennial-survey.html

Chapters

00:47 Introduction to Multi-Generational Leadership

01:59 Understanding Generational Dynamics in the Workplace

06:19 Challenges of Communication Across Generations

13:23 Curiosity and Empathy in Leadership

15:07 Stereotypes and Their Effects on Team Dynamics

18:22 Learning from Horses: A Metaphor for Leadership

21:54 The Importance of Knowledge Transfer

31:47 Understanding Another’s Perspective

37:30 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Helpful Links:  

Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/

Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

We’ve all had those moments where we “just knew”. We had a feeling, perhaps a “gut feeling” that one direction was right and another was not. There’s no proof or evidence that can help you know for sure. But there is a a tug toward action that gets acted upon, or ignored. Looking back on these moments leads us to understand that is often true that those instincts were valid.

In this conversation, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, talk about the intersection of mental health awareness and the healing power of horses. 

In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month in May of 2025, they share personal stories of how horses have provided emotional support during challenging times, discuss the stigma surrounding mental health, and emphasize the importance of mindfulness and emotional regulation in both personal and professional settings. 

The conversation highlights practical strategies for improving mental well-being and encourages listeners to seek support and foster connections in their communities.

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.

Takeaways

-Horses can provide emotional support and healing.

-Personal experiences with grief can shape our relationship with horses.

-Organizations can benefit from removing stigma around mental health.

-Horses help regulate emotional states and promote connection.

-Mindfulness practices can enhance productivity and well-being.

-Grief can stem from various life experiences, not just loss of loved ones.

-Setting boundaries is crucial for mental health.

-Community support is vital for navigating mental health challenges.

-Engaging with nature can significantly improve mental well-being.

Episode Resources:

• Horses Helping Seniors: https://horseandrider.com/horse-health-care/horses-helping-seniors/
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a 24/7 treatment referral and information service.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7, confidential support for people in distress.
• FindTreatment.gov helps people seek treatment for mental and substance use disorders.
• National Institute of Mental Health outlines additional mental health services.
• Get trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). You can be the difference through MHFA, a course that teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use challenges. 
• APA Article: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/06/coping-chaotic-workplace 
• https://www.heartmath.org/resources/downloads/heart-heart-communication-horses/ 
• https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/s0749-3797(98)00017-8/pdf

Chapters

01:03 Introduction

02:32 Personal Stories of Healing Through Horses

05:40 The Role of Horses in Emotional Regulation

12:45 Understanding Mental Health and Stigma

18:20 Navigating Grief and Emotional Support

26:38 The Healing Power of Nature and Horses

35:06 Practical Strategies for Mental Health Support

39:10 Conclusion and Call to Action

Helpful Links:  

Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/

Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

We’ve all had those moments where we “just knew”. We had a feeling, perhaps a “gut feeling” that one direction was right and another was not. There’s no proof or evidence that can help you know for sure. But there is a a tug toward action that gets acted upon, or ignored. Looking back on these moments leads us to understand that is often true that those instincts were valid.

In this conversation, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners,  explore the concept of intuitive intelligence and its significance in leadership and decision-making. 

They discuss how intuition can complement rational and emotional intelligence, the challenges leaders face in decision-making, and share personal experiences that highlight the importance of listening to one's gut feelings. 

The conversation also delves into the lessons learned from horses about intuition and instinct and offers practical strategies for leaders to enhance their intuitive intelligence.

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.

Takeaways

-Intuitive intelligence can be developed and sharpened.

-Decision-making is a significant challenge for many leaders.

-Intuition is a skill that complements analytical thinking.

-Horses can teach us valuable lessons about intuition.

-Our brains are wired for survival, not success.

-Listening to our gut feelings can lead to better outcomes.

-Intuition is based on experience and pattern recognition.

-Data overload can hinder effective decision-making.

-Self-awareness is key to recognizing intuitive signals.

-Engaging with trusted advisors can validate gut feelings.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:52 The Role of Intuition in Decision-Making

08:06 Understanding Intuitive Intelligence

10:18 The Intersection of Logic and Emotion

15:42 Lessons from Horses on Intuition

25:47 Trusting your Gut Feeling

31:02 Action Steps: Striking the Balance Between Intuition and Data 

33:44 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Helpful Links:  

Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/

Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

Change can be good. It can stretch us, it can push us out of our comfort zones, pull us into new opportunities. Never ending change, however, can be crippling. Especially change that leaves us feeling out of control, out of touch and in fear for what's next. In 2025, now more than ever, change is changing our lives.

In this conversation, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, host an authentic conversation about the challenges leaders face in navigating rapid and complex changes in their organizations. They explore how horses can teach us about resilience and adaptability in the face of change, while sharing personal experiences related to change.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of acknowledging fear and anxiety associated with change, and offers strategies for managing these feelings while leading teams effectively.

Takeaways

-Success isn't just about what you know, it's about adaptability to change.

-Change can create anxiety and confusion.

-Staying ahead of change can seem impossible.

-Fear is a real feeling that needs to be addressed.

-Change affects everyone differently, and it's important to acknowledge that.

-Horses demonstrate incredible resilience to change.

-Relaxed readiness helps in navigating uncertainty.

-Adaptability Quotient (AQ) is essential for leaders.

-Acknowledging the reality of change is the first step in managing it.

Chapters

00:38 Introduction to Leading with Instinct

01:54: Current State of Change

05:12 Navigating Change in Leadership

11:47 Lessons from Horses on Change Resilience

18:42 Understanding Adaptability and Change

27:45 Discussion about AQ (Adaptability Quotient)

30:30 Strategies for Managing Change Effectively

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners, and KatieTheCoach.com.

Helpful Links:

Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/

Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

Sometimes, the hardest step to take in business is the first step. The fear that leaders face in starting something new can keep great ideas at bay. But when you dedicate yourself to a mission or a cause, you surround yourself with the right team, and you set up deadlines and expectations to take that first step, then the second step has a chance to follow.

It is with this idea of launching something new that we welcome you to the first episode of the Leading With Instinct Podcast. In this pilot episode, hosts Ginny Telego of Collaboration Partners and Katie Navarra-Bradley of KatietheCoach.com introduce themselves to you and to the spirit behind equine experiential leadership development.

This episode focuses on the purpose of the Leading With Instinct podcast. The show promises to teach the importance of collaboration in leadership and how experiences with horses can provide valuable insights into instinctual leadership. Katie and Ginny discuss the challenges leaders face today and emphasize the need for adaptability and self-care, two things that can be learned through equine experiential development and training.

Takeaways

-Collaboration is key to achieving potential.

-Success involves adaptability and understanding communication styles.

-Horses serve as role models for instinctual leadership.

-Rest is essential for productivity and well-being.

-Many workers do not utilize their PTO effectively.

-Adaptability is crucial in today's fast-paced environment.

-Leaders often feel isolated and need support.

-Experiential learning can lead to personal growth.

-Creating a supportive culture enhances team dynamics.

-Listeners are encouraged to share topics for future episodes.

Chapters

00:33 Introduction to Leading with Instinct

03:11 Launching the Podcast

07:40 The Importance of Collaboration in Leadership

11:15 Learning from Horses: Instincts and Leadership

16:20 What to Expect with Leading with Instinct

--------

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners, and KatieTheCoach.com.

Helpful Links:

Katie Navarra : https://katiethecoach.com/

Ginny Telego: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/