This week, we talk about the tension between going all-in on your biggest goals and avoiding burnout—especially as we see conversations about "the great lock-in" trending.

The Big Question Can I square ambition and sustainability, or do I have to choose one over the other?

The 4 Steps

1. Get intentional about your vision: Write down your short-term and long-term goals, both personally and professionally. What's your bigger purpose? What do you want to accomplish?
2. Think co-creation, not solo execution: Identify your zone of genius and find people to fill the gaps. This applies to both business and personal life—you don't have to do everything yourself.
3. Build your wraparound support system: Map out the professional, personal, self-care, and community support you need. Remember: this doesn't always mean spending money—leverage community, skill swaps, and existing relationships.
4. Create a decision-making matrix: Establish clear boundaries and criteria for saying yes or no to opportunities. Ask: Does this align with my top 3-5 goals? Is this the right time, partner, and place?

Remember: You can do it all, but you can't do it all at one time. Balance isn't static—it changes based on your season and priorities.

Key Takeaway: Don't limit your ambition by what you think is sustainable. Have the ambition first, then figure out how to make it sustainable through intentionality, co-creation, and community.

Resources for this Episode: Rest is Resistance, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

Have a question for the show? Email [email protected]. Subscribe to our newsletter for written framework and prompts.

As always, thank you for your leadership.

Resources:

• Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.
• Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.

We would love to connect with you!

• CoCreate Work on LinkedIn
• CoCreate Work on Instagram
• La’Kita on Instagram
• Chloe on Instagram
• Visit our Podcast Page

Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at [email protected]

This week, we dig into a line we hear often from leaders and founders: I’m not sure I can do this.

The Big Question

What do you do when the next step feels bigger than your current confidence?

The 3 Moves

1. Gather evidence from your wins: List three moments of exponential growth. For each, name what about you made it possible.
2. Set a clear intention: Write and say: I am going to do this. I will figure it out. Share it with one trusted person.
3. Take the next right step: Choose one action you can do in 20 minutes. Put it on your calendar today.

Remember

Mindset first. Skills and tools work best after the decision is made.

Key Takeaway

Your past successes are proof. Intention changes how you move. Start small and start today.

Have a question for the show? Email [email protected].

Subscribe to our newsletter for the written framework and prompts.

As always, thank you for your leadership.

Resources:

• Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.
• Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.

We would love to connect with you!

• CoCreate Work on LinkedIn
• CoCreate Work on Instagram
• La’Kita on Instagram
• Chloe on Instagram
• Visit our Podcast Page

Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at [email protected]

Welcome back to Season 4! This week, we discuss a question we hear frequently from our coaching clients: What does it mean when you have all the authority on paper, but still feel like you can't make decisions?

What does it mean when you are in the position of authority, but you don't feel like you can make decisions or feel empowered?

Ask yourself: "What's keeping me from making these decisions?" Tools like journaling and asking deeper questions can help you get clarity.

Common blocks include fear of not being liked, not wanting to be wrong, or not trusting yourself. Once you identify these beliefs, you can address them through approaches like custom affirmations or professional support when needed.

After addressing mindset, you may find gaps in practical skills like having difficult conversations or making structured decisions—and that's when building those capabilities becomes essential.

Remember: You must address the mindset first. All the skills won't help if you haven't made the decision to step into your authority.

The blocker is usually something deeper than the surface-level decision. Start with introspection, get clarity through journaling, and take imperfect action.

Have a question for the show? Email us at [email protected]

Subscribe to our newsletter for additional insights and tools.

As always, thank you for your leadership.

Resources:

• Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.
• Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.

We would love to connect with you!

• CoCreate Work on LinkedIn
• CoCreate Work on Instagram
• La’Kita on Instagram
• Chloe on Instagram
• Visit our Podcast Page

Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of The CoCreators Podcast, we dive into what co-creation really means and how to put it into practice. Whether you're a consultant, an HR leader, or a founder building your culture from the ground up, this episode offers the essential principles that guide effective, sustainable co-creation at work.

We share our definition of co-creation and why it’s more than collaboration. We walk through the 8 principles that help organizations lead with culture, embed equity, and build trust. We also talk about how to move from top-down leadership to a more agile, high-impact approach, and we offer real-life stories of co-creation in action from our work with clients and leaders.

You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of the difference between collaboration and co-creation, a framework to evaluate and improve how your team builds together, and practical ways to start applying co-creation in your own work today:

The 8 Principles of Co-Creation are:

• Culture as Strategy
• Beyond Thought Leadership
• Transformation Over Transactions
• Responsive Approach
• Accountability and Ownership
• Collective Leadership
• Acknowledge the Good Work
• Radical Inclusion

We use these principles in every part of our work, and you’ll hear us return to them throughout the season. In future episodes, we’ll talk with founders, consultants, HRBPs, and culture builders who are living these ideas and shaping the future of work every day.

Resources Mentioned:

Take the free CoCreator Style Quiz

Join our email list for updates and upcoming episodes at cocreatework.com.

Let us know which principle resonated most with you or how you’re already practicing co-creation. We’d love to hear from you.

Resources:

• Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.
• Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.

We would love to connect with you!

• CoCreate Work on LinkedIn
• CoCreate Work on Instagram
• La’Kita on Instagram
• Chloe on Instagram
• Visit our Podcast Page

Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at [email protected]

We’re kicking things off with a fresh name and an expanded vision. In this episode, we share why we’ve rebranded to The CoCreators, what co-creation means to us, and what you can expect moving forward.

We’re here for founders, HR leaders, and anyone committed to building culture with intention—and we’re so glad you’re with us.

Resources:

• Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.
• Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.

We would love to connect with you!

• CoCreate Work on LinkedIn
• CoCreate Work on Instagram
• La’Kita on Instagram
• Chloe on Instagram
• Visit our Podcast Page

Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at [email protected]

Join us on this exciting finale of our Culture Series where we discuss the essence and impact of building a great culture within organizations. We debunk misconceptions about culture, clarifying that it goes beyond work perks, but encompasses everything from project management to diversity, inclusion, leadership, and beyond. Culture is the foundation for creating adaptive organizations, thriving in the future of work.

And we invite you to apply to the CoCreate Work Culture Certification Program to help us build the future of work - together.

Resources:

• Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.
• Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.

We would love to connect with you!

• CoCreate Work on LinkedIn
• CoCreate Work on Instagram
• La’Kita on Instagram
• Chloe on Instagram
• Visit our Podcast Page

Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at [email protected]

Ever wondered why some workplaces feel terrible? Let's talk about it. In this episode we’re talking all about toxic workplaces. We walk you through some significant data about the prevalence of toxic work environments and their impact on employee's mental and physical health. It's time to understand the power dynamics and beliefs that contribute to creating such workplaces, and how these can often blur the line between healthy friction and genuine toxicity.

But it's not all gloom and doom! We turn the lens towards potential solutions and proactive steps you can take to combat toxicity in your workspace.

Links and Resources

To Put Your Company Values into Action, Create Working Agreements

We’re All More “Toxic Aware” in 2023

Toxic Culture Is Driving the Great Resignation

Resources:

• Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.
• Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.

We would love to connect with you!

• CoCreate Work on LinkedIn
• CoCreate Work on Instagram
• La’Kita on Instagram
• Chloe on Instagram
• Visit our Podcast Page

Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at [email protected]

Today, we're turning our attention to burnout, a problem plaguing more than 40% of employees, according to a recent poll by Future Forum. Join us as we shed light on the overlooked systemic causes of burnout, rather than just the individual-level issues. We explore the challenges posed by the pandemic and the pressures of unrealistic expectations and perfectionism. Listen in as we argue for more systems-level solutions.

Discover why it's vital for people to show up as themselves, understand and appreciate others' perspectives, and establish working agreements to prevent false urgency and overworking. You don't want to miss this critical conversation about redesigning the future of work to reduce stress, burnout, and promote a healthier, more effective working environment.

Links and Resources

Future Forum Pulse Poll

Beating Burnout - HBR

Resources:

• Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.
• Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.

We would love to connect with you!

• CoCreate Work on LinkedIn
• CoCreate Work on Instagram
• La’Kita on Instagram
• Chloe on Instagram
• Visit our Podcast Page

Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at [email protected]

Can you imagine a workplace where purpose is the driving force, where every team member is connected to a shared vision, and where fulfillment is not just a buzzword but a lived experience? This is not some utopian dream, but a reality that forward-thinking organizations are looking to create. Listen in as we unpack the transformative power of purpose in the workplace. We'll share statistics, like how employees experience 64% higher levels of fulfillment when they identify as purpose-driven, and discuss how purpose is the foundation for direction, identity, and culture in an organization.

We'll also touch on the power of storytelling in solidifying the messages of purpose. This episode will not only change how you view work, but also inspire you to create a workplace environment that is driven by purpose, passion, and fulfillment.

Links and Resources

Help your employees find purpose—or watch them leave

Why Purpose at Work is More Important than Ever

Build A Culture Of Fulfillment With A Mission That Matters

Resources:

• Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.
• Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.

We would love to connect with you!

• CoCreate Work on LinkedIn
• CoCreate Work on Instagram
• La’Kita on Instagram
• Chloe on Instagram
• Visit our Podcast Page

Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at [email protected]

Get ready to flip your workplace mindset with us! In this episode, we’re talking about something unconventional - celebrating those bumps and hiccups at work that we often label as "friction." What if we “challenge” the idea that friction is a problem, and consider how friction can ignite innovation. We'll dig into the impact of communication styles, differing generational expectations, and lived experience on the creative process. Discover how we can craft working agreements that support a diverse set of perspectives and personality types, whether you're an introvert or an extrovert. Plus, we'll emphasize the importance of accountability and respect, focusing on ideas rather than personal conflicts when differences arise.

By the time you finish listening, you'll have a fresh perspective on how friction can be a driving force for innovation, creativity, and teamwork in your workplace.

Links and Resources:

The CoCreate Work Culture Certification

Resources:

• Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.
• Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.

We would love to connect with you!

• CoCreate Work on LinkedIn
• CoCreate Work on Instagram
• La’Kita on Instagram
• Chloe on Instagram
• Visit our Podcast Page

Questions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at [email protected]