Messy & Magnificent with Karlee Fain

Steady On| The “Unproductive” Habits That Make You a Braver Leader


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The world tells us progress is measured in speed, output, and proof. Yet some of the most powerful shifts happen in the smallest, quietest moments—a breath you actually notice, a slow stir of the pot, a walk with no destination. 

What if the habits that seem “unproductive” are the very ones that make you steadier, clearer, and braver in your leadership?

This week, Karlee unpacks the paradox of modern leadership: the more responsibility you carry, the more essential it is to slow down. She shares meaningful research on the link between boredom and creativity that demonstrates the healing effects of nature, proving that even just 30 seconds of steadiness in your day matters.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to use simple pauses as fuel. You’ll explore why reclaiming slowness actually sharpens your decisions and deepens your impact. And, you’ll hear a true client story of how one small nourishing and practical exercise transformed their health and work life. 

If you’re ready to replace burnout with steadiness and lead with clarity, calm, and courage, this episode is for you.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • (3:12) Why wise leadership often begins with practices that don’t show up on a spreadsheet
  • (10:18) How boredom activates the brain’s default mode network and sparks creativity
  • (14:09) Why just 30 seconds of calm steadies your body and mind
  • (18:02) A nurse’s story: one simple habit that restored energy and improved patient care
  • (20:47) A practical question to anchor steadiness in your daily life


Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Study: Mann, Sandi and Cadman, Rebekah (2014) Does Being Bored Make Us More Creative? Creativity Research Journal, 26 (2). pp. 165-173. ISSN 1040-0419 

Study: Hunter MR, Gillespie BW and Chen SY-P (2019) Urban Nature Experiences Reduce Stress in the Context of Daily Life Based on Salivary Biomarkers. Front. Psychol. 10:722. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00722

JOIN US October 14, 7pm EST: Leadership Circle: Staying Steady in a Chaotic Moment: Showing Up Bravely — Even When You Don’t Have All the Answers.


People Mentioned in this Episode:

Dr. Maria Sirois

Suzy Banks Baum

Mary Oliver

Albert Einstein

Maya Angelou


Use the “Text Karlee” option above to send your Audio Comments and Questions to us.


Connect With Karlee: 

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram


Messy and Magnificent is produced by the folx at
Ginni Media.

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Messy & Magnificent with Karlee FainBy Karlee Fain

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