Once again, we had a great time, interviewing Melissa Castro, Millennial Leadership Coach and Author of the newly launched book, Intrinsic Leadership – A Coaching Guide for Millennials Who Want To Lead in All Aspects of Life. Melissa gifted us so many gems related to her book, that it was difficult to settle on just one…but we did! If you listened to the previous episode, you heard Melissa talk about how, many Millennial leaders walk around with a “backpack of crap” – all the stuff that becomes a heavy weight, like doubts, fears, world events, everything…those very things that can stall or prevent leaders from moving forward, doing their best work and that are, most often, the sources of anxiety and fear.  Listen in, as we unpack a related article, and lend our own thoughts and ideas to the twelve things you might consider doing, to unload your own backpack of unneeded/unwanted “stuff.”  We think you’ll find most steps are pretty foundational, some might even be simple to navigate…all are positive steps toward discovering your own intrinsic leadership self. Check it out! 

Attention, Millennial Leaders and Everyone Else! It was so fun welcoming Melissa Castro, Millennial Coach and all-around amazingly creative leader, back to our podcast to celebrate and talk about her newly published book, Intrinsic Leadership – A Coaching Guide for Millennials Who Want To Lead in All Aspects of Life. While Melissa wrote this book, with a specific audience in mind, it is clear that everyone who leads (and everyone leads) will find value within the pages of this book.  Listen in and learn what compelled Melissa to write this book, at this time, in the world.  Hear her share a bit of her philosophy on leadership and, from that, the questions that help her navigate though greater, intentional living. If you’ve been working within long-subscribed business success formulas that do not offer what you need, to lead in your most comfortable and authentic way, then spend this time with us. We hope you’ll listen in AND we believe you will feel inspired and ready for action.

As we recorded this episode, on the front end of Mother’s Day weekend, we started simmering on the topic of caregiving…something moms know all too well about.  So, with a world of respect, to all the moms out there, we are taking a look at caregiving, from a few different angles. The first angle is, of course, all about people who provide care for others.  This includes all women AND men, who may be providing ongoing care for one or more parent or other family member(s).  It includes the “Sandwich Generation,” who may have kids at home and, just maybe, have older family members living in their homes.  Being a primary caregiver is a truly challenging job, and it can be difficult to realize the rewards, while you’re entrenched in the role. Listen in, as we share a few of our personal journeys, as caregivers and what we gained from our experiences. If you’ve ever needed care from others, but found it difficult to ask or accept, you’ll learn more about why it’s okay and courageous to be vulnerable and accept care.  Finally, we approach caregiving from the angle of caring for ourselves. This may be the most challenging aspect of caregiving and it’s critically important.  So, join us as we hold caregiving “Story Time,” with you.  We hope it inspires you to explore your own environment and feelings.

In this Encore Edition, Dr. Pam McLean, Co-Founder of The Hudson Institute of Coaching, talks with us about why this is “a golden moment for us as human beings” and what she has learned, through decades of working with leaders around the globe, about the critical capabilities leaders need to develop to solve the complex issues in the world today. This episode is even more relevant today than when we initially recorded it, prior to the podcast's launch more than three years ago! We hope you enjoy the revisit to this amazing, inspiring episode.

We’ve been in Santa Barbara, California, THRIVING at the Hudson Learning Conference.  This is just an introduction to the experiences we’ve had this past week.  We made great connections, both new and old and have learned so much about Possibilities, ahead!  We are so honored that Lifting Leaders Podcast was spotlighted during the conference and we look forward to welcoming new listeners and followers, as a result!  Many thanks to Hudson Institute’s amazing staff, for a world of support they gave us, to make this happen.  Listen in as we talk to a fellow Seattle coach, at the conference, and learn how she is Thriving in 25!  Also, we are giving a shout out to Corey, our favorite garden center representative, for his expertise and support in teaching us about native plants that attract and nurture birds, bees, and butterflies! Check out the episode…we recorded in the lobby!

This week’s episode seems so timely, as we are digging into the beauty and importance of creating spaces that attract and nurture birds, butterflies and bees.  These vital creatures are not only a joy to watch but they play a critical role in our ecosystems – and their populations are declining! Listen in as we share a bit of information and statistics on this topic.  Learn how incorporating native plants in your garden space provides the food and shelter these pollinators need to thrive. Whether you garden in a yard or containers, you can create an enticing space for these beautiful and important critters.  We would love to hear from you – what are you doing in your garden or outdoor space to support birds, butterflies, and bees? 

As we continue on our theme of “Leaders THRIVE in 25,” we look to ChatGPT, to help us show different ways, in which we can all THRIVE, this year.  Listen in and learn how we decided to use this AI tool, without bailing on the commitment we have to our own values, knowledge and experience.  Learn more about the courage and bold steps it takes to thrive and how reflection helps us grow into an intentional state of thriving. Hear how imagination ignites a contagious energy that can inspire others to dream and thrive as well.  Finally, BONUS…we have an AI-inspired poem that wraps all of this up with a bow.  We hope you enjoy this episode and that you feel inspired to reach back and share your thoughts about it.  We would love to learn what you’re doing to THRIVE in 25.  Enjoy!

There were so many gems to be found, during our interview with Carole McCluskey (Episode 132).  We decided to focus on Finding Courage as an appropriate gem for this week’s episode. During our interview with Carole, we noticed that she has essentially lived in courage, throughout her amazing career, from being one of the first women leaders in the tech industry, to trekking by bike over long stretches of our country, and so much more!  In today’s world, we are experiencing unprecedented change and upheaval and many of these changes are testing our courage in new ways.  Speaking up, when it matters, can be seen as truly courageous.  Is it courageous to speak up about work matters, on the job?  For those who may work in environments that don’t seem psychologically safe, practicing courage may be a bold move.  Listen in as we share some essential steps to finding your courage.  Learn why we say that courage is a skill. 

With our theme of “Leaders Thrive in 25,” we are introducing more practicing formal leaders on our show, to hear their journeys, their ups and their downs and what it took for them to “thrive” in leadership.  We are excited to introduce you to Carole McCluskey, tech industry leader/executive with over 35 years in various roles, including board and advisory roles in companies like Redbox/Coinstar, MOD Pizza, TrueBlue, Tealium and TIBCO Software.  Spend this time with us as Carole shares why she is an “accidental success story.”  You may be able to identify with some of her lessons learned, along her career journey.  Learn about what she claims is the best advice she ever received.  The story that led to that advice is a real eye-opener.  So, if you’re at home, get comfortable.  If you listen while commuting…you know what to do!  In any event, we think you will be glad you spent time listening to this episode.  Enjoy!

What are values and what purpose do they serve?  If you have ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to make a very difficult and important decision, you have most likely had to do a bit of soul searching.  What you were seeking was the answer that you could believe in or that you felt was the right decision.  How did you do that? Well, this episode is about the importance of knowing your values. Listen in, and learn about where they come from, how they serve a purpose in your life and what to do when they aren’t working anymore. Spend this short time with us, as we discuss the foundation that guides our decisions and our behaviors. Looking for ways to determine what your true core values are?  Listen in for a simple way to do that.