Episode Recap

This week on the podcast, I sat down with Dr. Jaime Goff — executive coach, therapist, and author of The Secure Leader. Our conversation goes deep into something many leaders feel but rarely explore: how our early attachment patterns quietly follow us into the workplace. 

Dr. Jaime breaks attachment theory down into something extremely practical for leaders. At the core are two questions we all carry: 

Our answers tend to show up at work in three ways. One of those ways is that of a “secure leader”: Grounded, steady, and empowering — the hallmark of modern servant leadership. 

Leaders who do the inner work of a Secure Leader create workplaces where people can flourish. 

Guest Bio

Dr. Jaime Goff is the founder of The Empathic Leader, LLC, where she specializes in helping leaders unlock their full potential through executive coaching, insightful workshops, and thought-provoking keynotes. Jaime holds a PhD in Couple and Family Therapy from Michigan State University and a graduate certificate in executive coaching from Southern Methodist University

Quotes: 

Takeaways: 

Timestamps: 

00:02 Intro and podcast milestones 

05:12 Meet Dr. Jaime Goff and her personal story 

07:21 The “latchkey kid” upbringing and over-independence 

10:55 Why she wrote The Secure Leader 

13:26 Attachment theory explained 

15:21 How unworthiness shapes controlling or approval-seeking leadership 

18:50 Jaime’s aha moment as a young leader 

21:34 Gaining awareness and deconstructing your story 

24:07 Avoidant, anxious, and secure leadership styles 

28:44 Trauma, triggers, and past patterns repeating at work 

32:18 The cost of skipping inner work 

37:49 First steps to becoming a secure leader 

40:06 Where to take the Secure Leader style scan 

41:37 Speed round 

45:52 Jaime’s hope for more secure leadership 

48:31 Leading with love and building self-worth 

50:56 Final takeaway on moving slow to move fast 

52:57 How to connect with Dr. Jaime Goff 

Conclusion: 

As we close this inspiring conversation, remember that real leadership begins within. When you commit to self-discovery, you build the foundation to lead others with empathy, purpose, and resilience. Growth is a lifelong journey where each step forward helps you make a positive impact on those around you. Lead with clarity, nurture meaningful connections, and watch your influence create ripples of transformation in your team and beyond. 

Links/Resources: 

Website (take the assessment)- https://drjaimegoff.com/  

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjaimegoff/  

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Secure-Leader-Discover-Leadership-Story/dp/B0FBZ39H8Y/  

Email Dr. Goff: [email protected]   

Episode Recap

This week on the podcast, I sat down with Dr. Jaime Goff — executive coach, therapist, and author of The Secure Leader. Our conversation goes deep into something many leaders feel but rarely explore: how our early attachment patterns quietly follow us into the workplace. 

Jaime breaks attachment theory down into something extremely practical for leaders. At the core are two questions we all carry: 

Our answers tend to show up at work in three ways. One of those ways is that of a “secure leader”: Grounded, steady, and empowering — the hallmark of modern servant leadership. 

Leaders who do the inner work of a Secure Leader create workplaces where people can flourish. 

Guest Bio

Dr. Jaime Goff is the founder of The Empathic Leader, LLC, where she specializes in helping leaders unlock their full potential through executive coaching, insightful workshops, and thought-provoking keynotes. Jaime holds a PhD in Couple and Family Therapy from Michigan State University and a graduate certificate in executive coaching from Southern Methodist University

Quotes: 

Takeaways: 

Timestamps: 

00:02 Intro and podcast milestones 

05:12 Meet Dr. Jaime Goff and her personal story 

07:21 The “latchkey kid” upbringing and over-independence 

10:55 Why she wrote The Secure Leader 

13:26 Attachment theory explained 

15:21 How unworthiness shapes controlling or approval-seeking leadership 

18:50 Jaime’s aha moment as a young leader 

21:34 Gaining awareness and deconstructing your story 

24:07 Avoidant, anxious, and secure leadership styles 

28:44 Trauma, triggers, and past patterns repeating at work 

32:18 The cost of skipping inner work 

37:49 First steps to becoming a secure leader 

40:06 Where to take the Secure Leader style scan 

41:37 Speed round 

45:52 Jaime’s hope for more secure leadership 

48:31 Leading with love and building self-worth 

50:56 Final takeaway on moving slow to move fast 

52:57 How to connect with Dr. Jaime Goff 

Conclusion: 

As we close this inspiring conversation, remember that real leadership begins within. When you commit to self-discovery, you build the foundation to lead others with empathy, purpose, and resilience. Growth is a lifelong journey where each step forward helps you make a positive impact on those around you. Lead with clarity, nurture meaningful connections, and watch your influence create ripples of transformation in your team and beyond. 

Links/Resources: 

Website (take the assessment)- https://drjaimegoff.com/  

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjaimegoff/  

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Secure-Leader-Discover-Leadership-Story/dp/B0FBZ39H8Y/  

Email Dr. Goff: [email protected]   

Episode recap  

In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Martin Dubin — a clinical psychologist turned entrepreneur and executive coach — to unpack the blind spots that quietly sabotage leaders. Marty’s journey from therapy rooms to boardrooms shaped his book Blindspotting, where he helps executives see what they can’t see about themselves. We dug into why even the smartest leaders miss their own patterns, how to build self-awareness without beating yourself up, and why humility and small shifts matter more than big transformations. 

Key Insights: 

BIO:

Martin Dubin is a clinical psychologist, serial entrepreneur, business coach, and adviser to C-suite executives and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. He founded several companies, including a multimillion-dollar health care company where he also served as CEO. A former coach at the Center for Creative Leadership and a partner at talent firm RHR International, he worked directly with hundreds of C-suite senior executives from Fortune 500 companies and with Silicon Valley venture capital firms and their portfolio companies. 

Quotes: 

Takeaways: 

Timestamps: 

[00:00] Marcel’s intro: why what used to work in leadership suddenly stops working

[02:40] Marty’s story from clinical psychologist to entrepreneur to executive coach 

[07:20] The spark behind Blind Spotting and why entrepreneurs reveal raw blind spots 

[09:06] Why is it so hard for leaders to see their own blind spots 

[11:31] The six blind spot areas and the “target” model are explained 

[13:15] Identity blind spots and the pain of transitioning into new roles 

[16:12] Traits, emotions, and intellect as hard-to-change parts of our wiring 

[20:37] Emotional blind spots, EQ, and using feelings strategically at work 

[22:41] Different kinds of intellect and how over-reliance on smarts backfires 

[27:49] Motives at the center: power, achievement, affiliation, and values 

[32:30] How stress distorts motives and narrows our leadership choices 

[33:16] A simple exercise to find blind spots by adding “too” to your strengths 

[34:17] Why sustainable growth comes from small behavioral tweaks, not wholesale reinvention 

[35:13] Speed round: what makes Marty smile, big life lessons, and hopes for the future 

[37:45] Leading with love by accepting yourself and using what you have 

[38:16] Final takeaway: start somewhere small and let self-awareness do its work 

Conclusion: 

This conversation reminds us that leadership is fundamentally an inside job. Blind spots are not signs of failure but evidence that we are human, shaped by patterns, histories, and motives we do not always see. By understanding identity shifts, naming our traits and emotional patterns, and getting honest about what truly drives us, we gain more choice in how we show up. Rather than chasing dramatic transformation, Marty urges leaders to embrace small, focused behavioral changes—asking more questions, listening longer, or dialing down an overused strength. Over time, those small tweaks compound into deeper authenticity, healthier relationships, and more effective, human-centered leadership. 

Links/Resources: 

Website: https://www.martindubin.com/   

Blind Spotting assessment and resources: https://www.blindspotting.com/  

Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRZFK8J6?tag=bk00010a-20&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true

Today’s episode is made possible by TerraSlate. TerraSlate Waterproof Paper is waterproof, rip-proof, and recyclable — no more laminating sheets, and no more wasted paper. TerraSlate prints through any standard laser printer and can be written on with a regular ballpoint pen. Powered by 100% renewable energy and recently named a Denver Broncos Small Business Partner, TerraSlate combines durability with sustainability. From ocean dives to mountain summits, it’s trusted by the NFL, the U.S. military, and Michelin-starred restaurants to perform when nothing else does. If your work matters, make it last. 

Visit TerraSlate.com and make your ideas indestructible. 

Episode Recap: 

In this Love in Action episode, Marcel sits down with neuroscientist and author Dr. Paul Zak to unpack what truly makes us happy—and how love, connection, and neuroscience intersect to create thriving workplaces and healthier lives. Drawing on research from The Little Book of Happiness and his company, Immersion Neuroscience, Zak reveals how happiness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a measurable state shaped by our relationships, daily choices, and leadership behaviors.

Bio:

Paul Zak is a distinguished university professor at Claremont Graduate University. His research has taken him from the Pentagon to Fortune 50 boardrooms to the rainforest of Papua New Guinea. He is ranked among the top 0.3 percent of most cited scientists, with over 200 published research articles. His lab and company, Immersion Neuroscience, help people live longer, happier, and healthier lives. 

Quotes:

Takeaways:

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction & Why Happiness Matters

[04:00] The Science Behind Social Connection

[08:00] Redefining Happiness for Introverts

[10:00] The 45 Cardinal Virtues Explained

[12:00] The Six App and Measuring Key Moments

[17:00] How the Brain Creates Happiness

[19:00] Longevity and Social Bonds

[20:00] Love vs. Fear in Leadership

[24:00] Oxytocin, Trust, and Connection

[30:00] Healing Division Through Empathy

[33:00] Emotional Fitness and Therapy

[36:00] Building Happy, Sustainable Organizations

[38:00] Personal Lessons & Reflections

[44:00] Leading with Love and Practical Kindness

[45:00] Final Takeaways & Resources

Conclusion:

To thrive in today’s demanding world, leaders must embrace human-centric leadership. Great leadership starts with self-awareness and a commitment to personal growth. By fostering empathy, encouraging open feedback, and seeing vulnerability as a strength, leaders create environments where teams feel valued and empowered. Practicing fearless learning—letting go of rigid assumptions—enables leaders to adapt and guide their organizations through uncertainty. Ultimately, the most effective leaders prioritize authentic relationships, inclusion, and continuous growth, ensuring their teams can innovate, collaborate, and succeed while building cultures that endure beyond immediate challenges.

Links/Resources:

Website: https://www.getimmersion.com/ 

Download the SIX app here: https://your6.com/ 

Book: https://a.co/d/9IIYijt 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-j-zak-91123510/

Today’s episode is made possible by TerraSlate. TerraSlate Waterproof Paper is waterproof, rip-proof, and recyclable — no more laminating sheets, and no more wasted paper. TerraSlate prints through any standard laser printer and can be written on with a regular ballpoint pen. From ocean dives to mountain summits, it’s trusted by the NFL, the U.S. military, and Michelin-starred restaurants to perform when nothing else does. If your work matters, make it last.

Visit TerraSlate.com and make your ideas indestructible.

In this powerful conversation with Mark C. Crowley, author of Lead from the Heart and The Power of Employee Wellbeing, we discussed the growing realization that employee engagement without well-being is hollow—and how genuine human connection, frequent feedback, and emotional awareness drive real performance.

Other highlights from the episode:

Mark’s message is simple but radical: when people feel cared for, they thrive—and so do organizations.

Tune in to explore how leading with heart isn’t soft—it’s smart, strategic, and deeply human.

With twenty-five years in the competitive financial services industry, Mark C. Crowley rose to national roles, earning Leader of the Year for his emotionally connected, heart-centered approach that drove exceptional performance and employee growth. His book Lead from the Heart (2011, second edition 2023) disrupted conventional management with research proving that traditional methods undermine employee achievement. Now taught in eleven universities, it ignited a global movement for humane leadership. In his new book, The Power of Employee Well-Being, he advances this vision, demonstrating that thriving teams fuel organizational success. Mark’s Lead from the Heart podcast, ranked in the top 1.5 percent globally, reaches 175+ countries.

Quotes:

Key Takeaways

Timestamps

[00:02] The failure of the engagement industry

[02:29] Mark's return to the show and his new book, The Power of Employee Well-Being

[02:52] A childhood without love shaped a new kind of leadership philosophy

[07:13] The evolution of "heart-based" leadership and why it's now mainstream

[10:59] Why engagement hasn't improved in 12 years—and how companies got it wrong

[16:51] Moving from engagement to well-being as a leadership priority

[17:23] The first key drivers of well-being: Know thyself and know thy values

[24:03] Why values matter more than performance—and the courage to protect culture

[27:15] The most significant driver of well-being: Belonging and emotional safety

[30:41] How to lead through uncertainty with confidence and hope

[37:04] The link between childhood wounds and leadership behavior

[41:52] Why workplace change is inevitable—and how well-being is the future

[48:56] How to lead with actionable love every day

[51:17] Why work should never be something people dread

[53:13] Where to connect with Mark and explore his work

Conclusion:

Mark C. Crowley's message is clear: the future of leadership depends on humanity. Employee engagement may have stalled, but well-being is the key to unlocking performance, retention, and innovation. When leaders know themselves, honor their values, and build genuine belonging, they create workplaces where people thrive. Leading with love isn't soft—it's strategic.

Links/Resources: 

Thank You!

Today’s episode is made possible by TerraSlate. TerraSlate Waterproof Paper is waterproof, rip-proof, and recyclable — no more laminating sheets, and no more wasted paper. TerraSlate prints through any standard laser printer and can be written on with a regular ballpoint pen. Powered by 100% renewable energy and recently named a Denver Broncos Small Business Partner, TerraSlate combines durability with sustainability. From ocean dives to mountain summits, it’s trusted by the NFL, the U.S. military, and Michelin-starred restaurants to perform when nothing else does. If your work matters, make it last. 

Visit TerraSlate.com and make your ideas indestructible. 

Episode recap: 

In this Love in Action podcast episode, guest Ed Frauenheim discusses the concept of "confined masculinity"—the traditional view that men must be stoic, dominant, and self-reliant—which often leads to emotional suppression, poor relationships, and health issues. Ed shares his personal experiences, including a mild heart attack and a cancer diagnosis, as moments that forced him to reevaluate his own masculinity. He and co-author Ed Adams propose "liberating masculinity" as an alternative—one that embraces compassion, emotional expression, connection, and vulnerability. Their book, Reinventing Masculinity, outlines how this new model can lead to better well-being, stronger relationships, and more effective leadership. The conversation emphasizes that healthy masculinity is about balance—integrating both traditionally “masculine” and “feminine” traits. It’s not about rejecting strength, but expanding what strength means. 

Guest Bio:

Ed Frauenheim is a soulful storyteller, a writer, speaker, and consultant who has focused on workplace, technology, and culture matters for more than 25 years. His stories have been featured in USA Today, Harvard Business Review, and Fortune. Ed spent six years as director of content at Great Place to Work, the global consultancy that produces the annual Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list. His co-written book, Reinventing Masculinity, outlines the way to better well-being, stronger relationships, and more effective leadership.

Quotes 

“Winning isn’t everything.” 

“We’re told to be tough all the time. The truth is, we need to be tough and tender.” 

“Clear courage today is emotional: naming pain, asking for help, and saying ‘I love you, man.’” 

“Curiosity turns know-it-alls into learn-it-alls.” 

“Liberating masculinity lets a man truly love—in every sense of the word.” 

Takeaways 

Timestamps 

[00:00] Marcel’s intro + why masculinity matters now 

[04:00] Ed’s story: success on paper, struggle inside 

[07:00] Health wake-ups: heart attack, cancer—and choosing help 

[09:30] Defining confined masculinity (stoic, self-made, self-sacrificing) 

[13:30] How we got here: history, culture, and alternatives 

[18:00] The antidote: liberating masculinity & the Five C’s 

[22:00] Self-compassion vs. self-pity; Kristen Neff’s insights 

[27:00] Connection without shame: men’s groups that work 

[31:00] “Tough & tender” leadership in action (ski industry example) 

[36:00] Curiosity: from know-it-all to learn-it-all 

[38:30] Role models at the top: soulful leadership that performs 

[41:00] Homework: journal, join a men’s group, contemplation 

[44:00] Women & promotion: why the wrong traits get rewarded—and how to fix it 

[48:00] Faith in men: most guys are more supportive than we think 

[50:30] Leading with love: start by listening 

[51:30] Final takeaway: fuller lives are possible—for all of us 

Ed Frauenheim’s story reminds us that true strength isn’t found in silence or self-reliance but in the courage to connect, feel, and grow. By embracing “liberating masculinity,” men can lead with both toughness and tenderness—creating healthier families, stronger teams, and more compassionate workplaces. Leadership rooted in love and curiosity fosters trust, innovation, and long-term success. As Ed’s journey shows, self-compassion and connection are not signs of weakness but pathways to wholeness. The future belongs to men who have the courage to lead with heart.

Links / Resources 

Today’s episode is made possible by TerraSlate. TerraSlate Waterproof Paper is waterproof, rip-proof, and recyclable — no more laminating sheets, and no more wasted paper. TerraSlate prints through any standard laser printer and can be written on with a regular ballpoint pen. Powered by 100% renewable energy and recently named a Denver Broncos Small Business Partner, TerraSlate combines durability with sustainability. From ocean dives to mountain summits, it’s trusted by the NFL, the U.S. military, and Michelin-starred restaurants to perform when nothing else does. If your work matters, make it last. 

Visit TerraSlate.com and make your ideas indestructible. 

Marcel sits down with Kyle Ewing, CEO and founder of TerraSlate, a two-time Inc. 5000 honoree known for creating waterproof paper used by top restaurants and NFL teams. Kyle shares his journey from Olympic-level skiing to entrepreneurship and building multiple companies. He shares how his Inverted Pyramid Leadership model—where leaders serve their teams—drives TerraSlate’s success. He breaks down core values of grit, growth, focus, and candor, his “buy back your time” principle for scaling, and his Business Navigator Operating System for helping founders start and scale their businesses. Kyle also explores using AI as a “co-CEO”, documenting systems, and leading with clarity, kindness, and accountability. 

Kyle Ewing is the CEO and Founder of TerraSlate. Under his leadership, TerraSlate has been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Denver Post, and NPR, and twice named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies. Beyond TerraSlate, Kyle also founded Big Island Honey, Windward Equity, and Cube Dynamics, and invests in Sustainability Partners to advance eco-conscious innovation. He blends business acumen with heart-centered leadership, reminding us that leading with love unlocks true potential. Kyle has been recognized with Business Elite’s “40 Under 40” and as a two-time Titan 100 award winner in Colorado. 

Quotes 

“Leading with love is doing the hard thing, not the easy thing.” 

Takeaways 

Timestamps: 

[00:00] Welcome and intro to Kyle Ewing 

Links/Resources: 

Episode recap: 

In this episode, Marcel sits down with Wes Adams and Tamara Myles, co-authors of A Meaningful Work, to explore what truly makes work meaningful in the age of AI. Drawing from positive psychology and organizational research, they unpack how leaders can move beyond removing obstacles and instead foster environments of high well-being, challenge, contribution, and connection. They highlight the role of positive, timely feedback in reinforcing meaningful contributions and show how challenge, paired with strong support, creates a “zone of possibility” where people thrive. Together, they make the case that meaningful work is a business imperative. Listeners will walk away with actionable ways to spark purpose and connection in their own workplaces. 

Guest Bio:

Wes Adams, CEO of SV Consulting Group, partners with Fortune 500s and growing companies to develop leaders and create effective structures for high-performing teams. He researches positive psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on leadership practices that help employees thrive. 

Tamara Myles is a speaker, author, professor, and entrepreneur focused on human flourishing at work. She helps leaders and organizations like Microsoft, KPMG, and MassMutual unlock meaningful work to boost performance, innovation, and resilience. As faculty at Boston College and at the University of Pennsylvania, her work shows that meaningful work leads to thriving teams and lasting impact.

Quotes 

• “Leaders are responsible for almost half of each individual’s experience of meaning at work.”   

Takeaways 

• Leaders must intentionally foster community, contribution, and challenge to create meaningful work.  

Timestamps

[00:00] Marcel’s introduction: why meaningful work matters in today’s world   

[04:19] Tamara’s personal story: what makes work meaningful (or not)   

[06:26] Wes’s journey: purpose-driven work isn’t always meaningful   

[09:33] Defining meaningful work and debunking misconceptions   

[12:41] Has the meaning of work changed post-pandemic?   

[23:43] Research on social connection and productivity   

[28:22] The “friendship effect” and overcoming challenges together   

[28:31] Contribution—understanding impact and purpose at work   

[52:21] The power of saying “thank you” and recognizing others 

Conclusion 

Wes Adams and Tamara Myles make it clear: meaningful work is not about what you do, but how you experience it—and leaders play a pivotal role in shaping that experience. By focusing on community, contribution, and challenge, and by practicing care, feedback, and support, leaders can ignite passion and performance in every employee. The call to action is simple: start today, with small steps, to make work more meaningful for your team and yourself. The ripple effects can transform not just organizations, but lives. 

Links Mentioned 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Meaningful-Work-Passion-Performance-Employee/dp/1541704533 

Website: https://www.makeworkmeaningful.com/  

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Episode recap: 

Marcel sits down with Kimberly Davis, actor-turned-leadership coach and author of Brave Leadership. They explore her journey from the stage to coaching leaders worldwide, redefining what bravery means at work, and why authenticity and vulnerability matter more than ever. Kimberly shares strategies for courageous conversations, lessons from her TED talk, and her vision of helping 1 million people uncover their “super objective.” Along the way, you’ll learn how to focus on impact and bring more courage into your leadership. 

Guest Bio:

Kimberly Davis is the founder and author of Brave Leadership, where she champions emerging leaders and senior managers navigating today’s workplace. She shares her inspirational message of personal power, responsibility, and impact with organizations across the country and teaches leadership programs worldwide. Kimberly is Adjunct Faculty for Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business’ Executive Education Program. She’s also a TEDx speaker, and her book, Brave Leadership, named among Inc. Magazine's most impactful books, became an Amazon bestseller in Business Leadership and Motivation, and received the Benjamin Franklin Silver Award for Business and Career. 

Quotes: 

• "Bravery is not the absence of fear—it’s the choice to move forward in spite of it." 

Takeaways: 

• Stop trying to be the “perfect” leader—focus instead on being present and authentic. 

Timestamps: 

[00:00] Welcome and introduction

Conclusion: 

Leadership today isn’t about following old scripts—it’s about writing a new one rooted in bravery and authenticity. Kimberly Davis reminds us that the leaders who will thrive in uncertain times are those who show up with courage, presence, and connection. By practicing bravery in small, intentional ways, we not only inspire others but also unlock our own potential to lead with impact. 

Links:

Now Be Brave - https://nowbebrave.com/

Website - https://brave-leadership.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Brave-Leadership-Confident-Powerful-Authentic-ebook/dp/B077ZH91TG?ref_=ast_author_dp 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlydavisonst

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Episode recap: 

Quotes: 

• "Leadership is the highest expression of human endeavor. It’s a calling, a legacy." 

Takeaways: 

• Reflect on your leadership: Are you developing capacities at the self, relational, and systemic levels? 

Timestamps: 

[00:00] Introduction and the cost of poor leadership   

[00:04] The science behind effective leadership   

[03:43] Margaret Moore’s background and approach to translating research   

[10:00] The nine leadership capacities and their organization   

[12:41] Self, other, and systems-oriented leadership   

[13:21] Conscious leadership and the quiet ego   

[18:07] Example of conscious leadership: Astronaut Sunita Williams   

[20:23] Relational leadership and the importance of trust   

[34:21] The rise of AI and the need for responsible leadership   

[40:07] Leading with love and values   

[43:07] The power of pausing and choosing the right leadership approach   

[44:48] Closing thoughts and resources 

Conclusion: 

Strong leadership today requires a blend of self-awareness, relational intelligence, and systemic thinking. Moving beyond rigid, top-down models allows leaders to create cultures of trust, meaning, and adaptability. The most effective leaders are those who continually grow, model their values, and choose the right approach for each moment. Real change starts with those who lead by example, shaping not just organizations, but the future of leadership itself. 

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