While experiencing trauma is often completely out of our control, healing from it is a choice you can make. In the latest episode of Mindful Management, host and Founder & Lead Workforce Transformation Strategist at Chefalo Consulting, Shenandoah Chefalo shares her powerful, personal and inspiring story, highlighting why trauma-informed leadership isn't just a buzzword, but a transformative approach to organizational culture. 
What You'll Learn:

• How unaddressed trauma and grief impact workplace culture, trust, and organizational effectiveness
• Why creating trauma-informed workplaces need to go beyond policies to focus on human connection and safety
• The connection between childhood experiences and adult workplace behaviors
• How to build organizational cultures that promote healing instead of hiding
• Why small, consistent choices in leadership can create transformative change
• How embedding safety, kindness, and accountability creates lasting transformation
• The critical role of authenticity and vulnerability in effective leadership
• How to move beyond survival to create meaningful systemic change
  
  

Shenandoah Chefalo is the founder of Chefalo Consulting and host of the Mindful Management podcast, specializing in trauma-informed organizational change and leadership development. As an expert in creating wellness-centered workplace cultures, she helps organizations implement sustainable practices that prevent burnout and foster resilience. Drawing from her extensive experience in human services and organizational transformation, Shenandoah provides practical strategies for leaders to build psychologically safe environments that prioritize both productivity and employee wellbeing. Through her work, she has developed innovative approaches to workplace wellness that bridge the gap between organizational performance and individual health, making her insights particularly valuable for leaders seeking to create lasting positive change in their organizations.

Resources:

• Get in touch with Shen: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/contact 
• Shen’s New Book, ‘The Best Bunny’: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/best-bunny
• Have us talk at your event: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/speaking-events 
• Burnout Prevention Plan Kit: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/product-page/self-care-planning-kit  

Podcast Show Resources:

Garbage Bag Suitcase by Shenandoah Chefalo
Mindful Management: Creating a Trauma-Informed Work Environment is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Every authentic and effective leader knows the importance of understanding their team and creating a safe space for them to thrive.

In this profound episode of Mindful Management, host Shenandoah Chefalo joins leadership expert Steven Gaffney to explore the core of effective and strategic communication in the workplace.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to resolve conflicts and address unspoken issues
• Why it is essential to challenge workplace assumptions and work with the curiosity mindset
• How to keep the remote work environment effective
• The power of “Daily Huddle” in driving team success.
• The six essential types of meetings that guarantee results
•  Why emotional safety is important in building a high-performing team

Steven Gaffney is a renowned expert in leadership excellence and building high-achieving teams, serving as the founder of the Steven Gaffney Company. With over thirty years of experience, he has worked with prestigious organizations including Amazon, Marriott, and NASA, helping them develop effective leadership and communication strategies. Gaffney is the author of several books on leadership and team success, including his latest work "Unconditional Power: Thriving in Any Situation No Matter How Frustrating, Complex, or Unpredictable." As a thought leader in organizational communication and team dynamics, he brings valuable insights from his extensive research on remote work and team effectiveness, particularly focusing on creating emotional safety and fostering honest communication in the workplace. His practical approach to resolving workplace challenges and building thriving teams has made him a trusted advisor to organizations ranging from corporate giants to military institutions.

Resources:

• Steven Gaffney’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevengaffneycompany
• Steven Gaffney’s website: https://stevengaffney.com/
• ‘Unconditional Power’ by Steven Gaffney: http://unconditionalpowerbook.com/
• ‘Just Be Honest: Authentic Communication Strategies That Gets Results and Last A Lifetime’ by Steven Gaffney: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Honest-Authentic-Communication-Strategies/dp/0971537712
• Get in touch with Shen: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/contact 
• Shen’s New Book: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/best-bunny
• Have us talk at your event: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/speaking-events 

Podcast Show Resources:

Garbage Bag Suitcase by Shenandoah Chefalo
Mindful Management: Creating a Trauma-Informed Work Environment is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

A silent epidemic is slowly (but surely) infecting the world: Burnout. So identifying, acknowledging and healing it is going to take some focused and disruptive thinking. Tune into the latest episode of Mindful Management, as host, Shenandoah Chefalo flies solo to unpack the key strategies, for leaders and professionals alike, to navigate burnout and enable healing at the systemic level. 
What You'll Learn:

• How to identify true burnout through its three core components: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished sense of accomplishment
• Why rest must be normalized without guilt and how leaders can model healthy boundary-setting
• The power of micro-moments for building workplace connection and trust
• How to recenter organizational purpose to shift focus from endless productivity to values-aligned actions
• Why trauma-informed supervision matters and how to replace deficit-based thinking with asset-based approaches
• The practical steps to interrupt your own burnout cycle through energy auditing and intentional meeting practices
• How to pair your "to-do" list with a "to-be" list for more meaningful work engagement

Shenandoah Chefalo is the founder of Chefalo Consulting and host of the Mindful Management podcast, specializing in trauma-informed organizational change and leadership development. As an expert in creating wellness-centered workplace cultures, she helps organizations implement sustainable practices that prevent burnout and foster resilience. Drawing from her extensive experience in human services and organizational transformation, Shenandoah provides practical strategies for leaders to build psychologically safe environments that prioritize both productivity and employee wellbeing. Through her work, she has developed innovative approaches to workplace wellness that bridge the gap between organizational performance and individual health, making her insights particularly valuable for leaders seeking to create lasting positive change in their organizations.
Resources:

• Get in touch with Shen: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/contact 
• Shen’s New Book: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/best-bunny
• Have us talk at your event: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/speaking-events 
• Burnout Prevention Plan Kit: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/product-page/self-care-planning-kit  

Podcast Show Resources:

Garbage Bag Suitcase by Shenandoah Chefalo
Mindful Management: Creating a Trauma-Informed Work Environment is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In today’s day and age, auto-pilot like communication styles have taken over every inch of the office floor, leading to a massive disconnect, hindering employee well being in the long run. The solution? This episode of Mindful Management explores just that, as host Shenandoah Chefalo welcomes Chuck Wisner, a seasoned advisor and author of ‘The Art of Conscious Conversations,’ for a thought-provoking deep dive into the power of conscious conversations in organizational leadership. 

What You'll Learn:

• How to create psychological safety for authentic dialogue in professional settings
• Why storytelling shapes our communication patterns and how to become aware of unconscious biases
• How to recognize and process the gap between private thoughts and public conversations
• The framework for breaking out of autopilot communication responses in high-pressure situations
• How to navigate the disconnect between what we say and what others actually hear
• The "Four Archetypal Questions" method for opening up more vulnerable and authentic dialogue
• Why conscious communication requires balancing our need for answers with a love for questions
• How to transform negative internal dialogue into constructive external communication
• How to create psychological safety for authentic dialogue in professional settings

Chuck Wisner is a seasoned advisor, coach, and author with over thirty years of experience in communication, human dynamics, and leadership excellence, having worked extensively with Fortune 200 leaders and their teams, helping them to unlock better ways of interacting and communicating in high-pressure environments. As a senior mediator affiliated with the Harvard Mediation Program and contributor to the MIT Center for Organizational Learning, Wisner brings a unique perspective to organizational communication and conscious conversation. His book, "The Art of Transforming How We Talk, Listen, and Interact," explores the tools and practices needed to enhance professional and personal communications. Drawing from his extensive experience in mediation and leadership development, Wisner helps organizations and leaders understand the hidden dialogue that shapes communication patterns and provides practical strategies for fostering more mindful, conscious conversations in the workplace.
Resources:

• Chuck Wisner’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chuckwisner 
• Chuck Wisner’s Website: https://www.chuckwisner.com/  
• ‘The Art of Conscious Conversations’ by Chuck Wisner: https://www.chuckwisner.com/book 
• Book he recommended:
  • “A Brief History of Everything” by Ken Wilber: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40363634-a-brief-history-of-everything 
  • "Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari: https://www.ynharari.com/book/sapiens-2/ 
  • "Nexus" by Yuval Noah Harari: https://www.ynharari.com/book/nexus/ 
  • "On Writing" by Stephen King: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10569.On_Writing 
• Shen’s New Book: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/best-bunny
• Get in touch with Shen: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/contact 
• Have us talk at your event: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/speaking-events 

Podcast Show Resources:

Garbage Bag Suitcase by Shenandoah Chefalo
Mindful Management: Creating a Trauma-Informed Work Environment is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

When you think of the workplace, what emotions come to mind? It’s probably a vast spectrum of everything from joy to frustration, but the word “love” hardly ever makes it to the list. This enlightening episode of Mindful Management is here to change our minds. In the latest conversation, host Shenandoah Chefalo sits down with Kelly Hall, Founder of Live L.A.R.G.E LLC and author of "Love Works", to explore how love can be a powerful disruptor in workplace culture.
What You'll Learn:

• The enrollment-based leadership approach to empowering employees
• The Three Pillars Framework for building trust: trading places, emotions as information, and trust restoration
• Why implementing love-driven leadership requires moving from hierarchical to flat organizational structures
• How to create psychological safety by allowing authentic emotional expression in the workplace
• The Empowerment Dynamic method for transforming a workplace from toxic to collaborative
• How to balance love-centered leadership with performance expectations and business outcomes
• The importance of slowing down to build genuine connections while maintaining prodcutivity

With over thirty years of experience leading diverse teams across the globe, Kelly Hall is the visionary founder of Live L.A.R.G.E LLC and author of "Love Works: Transforming the Workplace with Purpose and Authenticity." Her specialty lies in transforming corporate climates into flourishing, innovative environments through love-driven leadership practices. Through her career, Hall has pioneered approaches to building award-winning company cultures, particularly focusing on creating self-directed work environments and fostering authentic leadership styles. 
Resources:

• Kelly Hall’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-hall-0a23a11/ 
• Kelly Hall’s Website: https://kellywinegardenhall.com/ 
• "Love Works: Transforming the Workplace with Purpose and Authenticity" by Kelly Hall: https://kellywinegardenhall.com/books/love-works/ 
• Book she recommended:
  • "The Empowerment Dynamic" by David Emerald: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8418931-the-power-of-ted 
• Shen’s New Book: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/best-bunny
• Get in touch with Shen: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/contact 
• Have us talk at your event: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/speaking-events

Podcast Show Resources:

Garbage Bag Suitcase by Shenandoah Chefalo
Mindful Management: Creating a Trauma-Informed Work Environment is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In the AI-driven, economically volatile world of today, one thing is clear - we are all, mostly, in a permanent fight-or-flight mode. And, a workplace cannot thrive in this state. It takes radical empathy, unending patience, and key strategies to reset organizational culture and, as a result,  its people. In this thought-provoking episode of Mindful Management, host Shenandoah Chefalo welcomes Rachael Kelly, visionary HR leader and Founder & CEO, Lead Consultant at HiveSmart Consulting, to explore how leaders can build psychologically safe workplaces while driving results.
What You'll Learn:

• How to lead by prioritizing human connection over task completion
• Why investing time in emotional safety produces better business outcomes
• The "Brain Capital" framework to enhance team innovation and performance
• How to establish and maintain healthy boundaries while fostering psychological safety in politically charged environments
• Why addressing toxic behavior quickly is crucial for maintaining cultural health and team performance
• How to embed wellness practices into daily operations without sacrificing efficiency
• The critical importance of authenticity in leadership, while growing
• How to create structured repair processes that build trust and psychological safety after conflict

Rachel Kelly is a visionary HR leader and the Founder, CEO of HiveSmart Consulting and HiveStrong, bringing over two decades of experience in scaling organizations for both financial and social impact. With expertise in strategic planning, team development, and organizational culture enhancement, she has emerged as a transformative force in creating healthy workplace environments. Her entrepreneurial approach combines practical HR solutions with a deep understanding of trauma-informed leadership, helping organizations build resilient teams and nurture award-winning workplace cultures. 

Resources:

• Rachael Kelly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-kelly-7452194?trk=public_post_feed-actor-image 
• HiveSmart Consulting Website: https://www.hivesmartllc.com/about 
• Shows she recommended:
  • The Pitt on HBO: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31938062/ 
• Shen’s New Book: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/best-bunny
• Get in touch with Shen: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/contact 
• Have us talk at your event: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/speaking-events 

Podcast Show Resources:

Garbage Bag Suitcase by Shenandoah Chefalo
Mindful Management: Creating a Trauma-Informed Work Environment is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

What’s the secret sauce to a happy workplace that stays happy? In this enlightening episode of Mindful Management, host Shenandoah Chefalo sits down with Mara Kamat, HR leader and founder of On The Mark Consulting, to explore just that. Together, they unpack the practical strategies to create resilient and collaborative workplace cultures, build trust, set healthy boundaries, and foster cross-functional teamwork that drives both wellness and productivity.
What You'll Learn:

• How to develop a problem-solving mindset rather than crisis thinking
• Solving business challenges and building resilient themes through cross-functional collaboration
• The framework for establishing healthy workplace boundaries that respect both individual and team needs
• How to identify and address signs of workplace burnout before they impact team productivity
• Why personal reflection and self-awareness are crucial components of effective leadership
• The importance of succession planning and developing future leaders for long-term organizational success
• Why creating mutual respect and trust is fundamental to building high-performing teams
• How to establish accountability partnerships that support both personal and professional growth

Mara Kamat is a visionary HR leader and founder of On The Mark Consulting, bringing extensive experience from leadership roles at Great Lake Cheese and Philips Healthcare. As a distinguished HR strategist and executive coach, she specializes in sculpting effective HR strategies and leading transformational leadership programs that foster healthy, productive workplace environments. An alumna of Harvard Business School's authentic leadership development program, Mara excels in helping organizations navigate complex transformations while maintaining team wellness and engagement. Her practical approach to building resilient teams, establishing healthy boundaries, and promoting cross-functional collaboration has made her a trusted advisor for companies seeking to create sustainable, people-first cultures. 
Resources:

• Mara Kamat’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-kamat 
• On the Mrk Consulting Website: https://mrk-consulting.com/ 
• Mara Kamat’s Podcast, In Her Land: inherland.com 
• Books she recommended:
  • Outlive by Peter Attia: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61153739-outlive 
• Shen’s New Book: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/best-bunny
• Get in touch with Shen: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/contact 
• Have us talk at your event: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/speaking-events 

Podcast Show Resources:

Garbage Bag Suitcase by Shenandoah Chefalo
Mindful Management: Creating a Trauma-Informed Work Environment is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

A gym membership, beanbags and a well-stocked coffee machine hardly define employee wellness in the workplace. And, yet, they have become nearly synonymous with the phenomenon. In this enlightening episode of Mindful Management, host Shenandoah Chefalo welcomes Jasmin Dennis, founder and CEO of Jazzdhealth and Wellness, for a powerful discussion on transforming workplace wellness beyond traditional physical health programs.
What You'll Learn:

• How to implement wellness initiatives that go beyond surface-level programs like gym membership
• The "WELLNESS" Framework for creating sustainable organizational health programs
• Why compassionate leadership is essential for fostering genuine workplace wellness
• How to identify and address workplace burnout using the "Burnout Pie" concept
• The importance of creating safe spaces for emotional expression in the workplace
• How to implement cost-free wellness strategies that focus on empathy and connection
• The critical difference between managing tasks and leading people through wellness initiatives
• Why incremental, sustainable changes are more effective than dramatic overhauls in wellness programs
  
  

A distinguished expert in corporate wellness and leadership development with over two decades of experience, Jasmin Dennis is the founder and CEO of Jazzdhealth and Wellness. Over the course of her illustrious career, she has built fitness facilities for notable clients including former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis and brings valuable insights from her work with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Dennis has developed innovative approaches to workplace wellness, including her signature "burnout pie" framework and comprehensive wellness strategies that go beyond traditional physical health programs. Her mission, rooted in her philosophy that "a happy workforce is a healthy workforce”, is to transform corporate cultures through holistic wellness initiatives combining practical experience with deep understanding of employee well-being. 
Resources:

• Jasmin Dennis’ LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jasmindennis7 
• Jazzdhealth and Wellness Website: https://www.jazzdhealth.com/ 
• Jasmin Dennis’ Book, Hidden Signs: Identifying Emotional Burnout in the Workplace:  https://www.jazzdhealth.com/ 
• Shen’s New Book: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/best-bunny
• Get in touch with Shen: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/contact 
• Have us talk at your event: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/speaking-events 
• Books she recommended:
  • Good to Great by Jim Collins: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76865.Good_to_Great 
  • The Everyday Hero Manifesto by Robin Sharma: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57343547-the-everyday-hero-manifesto 

Podcast Show Resources:

Garbage Bag Suitcase by Shenandoah Chefalo
Mindful Management: Creating a Trauma-Informed Work Environment is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Healing isn’t a once in a lifetime experience; it’s a journey that deeply impacts the personal, professional and everything in between. In this transformative episode of Mindful Management, host Shenandoah Chefalo explores the intersection of personal healing and professional growth with Mark Dallimore, well-being coach and Founder of The Buddha Spot. Having moved from being an advertising executive to a spiritual guide, Mark shares powerful insights on moving from overthinking to intuition, finding purpose in the workplace, and implementing practical healing practices for busy professionals.
What You'll Learn:

• How to recognize and address the difference between "soul loss" and dissociation in professional settings
• The three essential components of healing: bringing mind and body to rest, finding trusted support, and maintaining daily practice
• Why purpose has both inner and outer dimensions, and how to align them in professional life
• How leaders can create trauma-informed workplace environments through personal healing practices
• The "energetic hygiene" framework for processing daily stress and preventing burnout
• How to shift from overthinking to intuitive decision-making in professional settings
• The power of community in supporting healing and purpose-driven work
• Why understanding you're "not your thoughts" is the first step toward transformation
  
  
  

Mark Dallimore is a well-being coach and Founder of The Buddha Spot, specializing in guiding busy professionals toward inner harmony and purposeful living. With over 20 years of experience in advertising before his transformation, Mark combines diverse healing modalities including Buddhism, shamanism, and energetic practices, to help individuals reconnect with their purpose. As a coach at Satori Prime, he has developed innovative approaches to helping professionals move from overthinking to intuitive leadership, creating a unique blend of corporate experience and spiritual wisdom. His work in transformational leadership and energy-based healing has helped countless professionals find greater fulfillment and resilience, making his perspective particularly valuable for organizations looking to create more mindful, balanced workplace environments.
Resources:

• Shen’s New Book: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/best-bunny
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-dallimore-84aa6732b
• Website: https://thebuddhaspot.com
• Satori Prime Website: https://satoriprime.com
• 10 Steps to Align Your Energy with Life's Purpose - Free guide by Mark Dallimore (available on website) 
• Books he recommended:
  • Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/639864.Autobiography_of_a_Yogi 
• Podcasts for listening pleasure:
  • Diary of a CEO: https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT7XGuZSzAMjoNWlX?si=424373363d1340b3 
  • Aubrey Marcus Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0n7j2qseg6fu0Fj2dvzXVi?si=6619ebfc8117440d 
• Research/Data sources mentioned:

Gallup State of the Workplace Global Study 2023: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx Podcast Show Resources:

Garbage Bag Suitcase by Shenandoah Chefalo
Mindful Management: Creating a Trauma-Informed Work Environment is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

What if your leadership edge isn't what you accomplish, but how deeply you see people? Today on Mindful Management, Katharine Manning reveals why the empathy skills she learned supporting trauma victims are exactly what every workplace needs. You'll hear how a simple five-minute conversation can transform relationships, why curiosity beats assumptions, and how taking care of yourself first actually helps you serve others better. Whether you're exhausted from carrying your team's emotional load or struggling with a culture of criticism and micromanagement, this episode offers a compassionate approach to creating workplaces where humanity and productivity go hand in hand.
What You'll Learn:

• How to make the business case for empathy through improved productivity, engagement, and reduced turnover
• Why quick check-ins and small acts of compassion can transform workplace culture
• The power of "noisy self-care" and modeling healthy workplace boundaries
• How to overcome common barriers to empathy, including distancing assumptions and judgment
• Why leadership buy-in is crucial but individual actions still matter for cultural change
• How to master the art of listening without feeling pressured to fix others' problems
• The importance of curiosity in building genuine workplace connections
• Why acknowledging emotions without trying to solve them builds stronger workplace relationships
  
  

Katharine Manning is the President of Blackbird and a renowned expert in workplace empathy and trauma-informed leadership. With over 15 years at the Department of Justice, where she served as an advisor on victims' rights in high-profile cases including the Boston Marathon bombing and Madoff scandal, Manning brings unique insights to the intersection of justice and empathy. As the author of "The Empathetic Workplace," she distills decades of experience into practical strategies for organizations navigating trauma with compassion and effectiveness. Manning's journey from domestic violence hotline counselor to DOJ advisor to organizational consultant demonstrates her deep understanding of how empathetic leadership can transform workplace culture and improve organizational outcomes. Her work provides critical training on creating psychologically safe workplaces where both victims and employees can thrive, making her insights invaluable for leaders seeking to build more resilient and compassionate organizations.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here

References:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharine-manning/ 
• Website: https://katharinemanning.com 
• The Empathetic Workplace book by Katharine Manning: https://a.co/d/ikcf3JW 
• Books she recommended:
  • Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara: https://a.co/d/3nNWrEc 
• TV/Reading for pleasure:
  • Nicci French series - features a therapist who works with detectives: https://www.goodreads.com/series/67491-frieda-klein 
• Research/Data sources mentioned:
  • Gallup's annual survey on "State of the Global Workplace" (2024 data cited): https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx 

Podcast Show Resources:

Garbage Bag Suitcase by Shenandoah Chefalo
Mindful Management: Creating a Trauma-Informed Work Environment is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so