Today on Productive Joy, Dr. Christie introduces Kristin Haluch, a human-centered leadership expert and author of The Mama Bear Leader: How Human-Centered Leadership Can Reimagine the Way We Work. Kristin explains why leaders often prioritize profits and spreadsheets over people, arguing that psychologically safe workplaces drive productivity and that focusing on people first leads to profits. 

She shares how an acquisition and layoffs shaped her “mama bear” leadership approach and discusses how AI could reduce busywork and create more time for one-on-one connection, coaching, and hard conversations. Kristin and Dr. Christie discuss Kristin’s seven foundational principles—be self-aware, know your people, communicate clearly, teach to hunt and gather, anticipate and adapt, give and receive tough love, and make lifelong connections—emphasizing that trust equals consistency over time. She highlights “know your people,” including feedback preferences and learning styles.

contact Kristin at mamabearleadershipco.com and [email protected]

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Meet Kristin Haluch

00:54 People Before Profits

02:44 Learning Leadership Hard Way

04:40 AI And Human Connection

06:24 Mama Bear Leader Book

06:50 Seven Leadership Principles

09:58 Defining Productive Joy

13:07 Know Your People Deeply

18:58 Choose Your Hard

20:14 Rapid Fire Wisdom

22:43 One Final Takeaway

24:02 Wrap Up And Connect