In this episode of The Connectors Podcast, we continue our Redefining Leadership series with operations consultant Darryl Howard, who helps startups and established teams build structure that supports both performance and people.

Darryl shares how grace has become his guiding value in leadership—how empathy, clarity, and accountability can coexist when we lead with intention instead of impulse. From defining roles to delegating with confidence, this conversation explores what it means to lead through both structure and soul.

In this episode, we explore:
• The difference between abdication and delegation—and why it matters.
• Grace as a leadership value that builds trust and connection.
• How documentation and clear processes create freedom, not restriction.
• Why clarity fuels confidence and culture within teams.
• The power of balancing systems, empathy, and accountability.

Darryl also shares personal stories from his corporate-to-consulting journey, how he built his business around helping others succeed, and why leading with grace is the ultimate strategy for long-term growth.

Where to get a hold of our guest - 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryl-w-howard/

We want to hear from you!! If you have a story you think our growing audience needs to hear, please email us at [email protected].

"The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  

PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

In this episode of the Connectors Podcast, we sit down with Janic Gorayeb for our Redefining Leadership series. Janic shares her journey from the corporate world into entrepreneurship and talks about why self leadership is one of the most important skills for solo business owners. She opens up about navigating decision fatigue, imposter syndrome, and the comparison mindset, and how values can anchor you during tough seasons of growth.

She also highlights the importance of community and mentorship, building relationships based on clarity and communication, setting expectations, and celebrating small wins along the way. This episode is an honest look at the mindset work behind business growth and a reminder that progress matters more than perfection.

• Takeaways
  Self leadership is a foundational skill for solo entrepreneurs
  Values help guide clear and aligned decision making
  Community and mentorship create support that keeps you moving forward
  Comparison pulls you out of your own lane and slows down growth
  Celebrating small wins builds confidence and momentum
  Trial and error is part of the process
  Setting expectations prevents confusion and frustration
  Reflection helps you grow as a leader
  Courage is required to put yourself out there
  Progress matters more than perfection

Where to get a hold of our guest - 

https://www.rippleeffectleadership.ca  https://www.instagram.com/rippleeffectleadership/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicgorayeb/  https://www.youtube.com/@RippleEffectLeadership

We want to hear from you!! If you have a story you think our growing audience needs to hear, please email us at [email protected].

"The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  

PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

In this episode of The Connectors Podcast, Jolyn and Quinten sit down with Ashley Cox, founder and leadership coach at SproutHR, to explore how the stories we tell ourselves shape the way we lead, and how rewriting them can unlock a more human, heart-centered form of leadership.

Ashley brings over 17 years of experience helping women leaders and entrepreneurs build inclusive, people-first workplaces that thrive on empathy, trust, and authenticity. She shares how her own journey from self-doubt and burnout to alignment and confidence taught her that the traits we often try to hide are the very ones that make us powerful leaders.

You’ll hear about:
• How to transform your inner dialogue into a tool for confidence and connection
• Why emotional intelligence and compassion are the new leadership superpowers
• The Triangle of Trust framework and how it builds stronger teams
• Why assuming positive intent can turn conflict into clarity
• What to do when leadership feels lonely and how to stay grounded in purpose

Ashley reminds us that leadership is not about perfection or control. It is about courage, vulnerability, and creating space for others to shine.

And the moment that changed everything came when she realized that the stories holding her back were not true, they were simply unedited.

Where to get a hold of our guest - 

Website: www.ashleycox.co | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyncox | Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashleycox.co | Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashleycox.co

We want to hear from you!! If you have a story you think our growing audience needs to hear, please email us at [email protected].

"The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  

PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

In this episode of The Connectors Podcast, Jolyn and Quinten sit down with Susan Reid.  The award-winning expert on vision, former marketing professor, and co-founder of Domain Pinnacle. Susan shares her decades of insight on how “vision” is more than a plan, it’s the passionate, cinematic reel of the life or business you want to create.

We explore:
• The difference between goal setting and true visioning
• The four essential components of any vision
• How clarity and passion fuel reinvention at every stage of life
• The role of connection, community, and “heartset” in leadership
• Why slowing down and reflecting may be the most powerful leadership move of all

Susan also opens up about her own transition from academia to entrepreneurship and how a panic attack in a French cheese aisle sparked a new chapter of purpose.

Listen to hear how redefining vision might just change how you lead, live, and create your future.

Where to get a hold of our guest - 

[email protected]

susanreid.com; www.linkedin.com/in/susan-reid-19ba5b108

We want to hear from you!! If you have a story you think our growing audience needs to hear, please email us at [email protected].

"The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  

PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

This week on The Connectors Podcast, we’re joined by Gail Grant-Park—author of the Gallagher Girls Mystery Series. With a BA in History from Brigham Young University and a Master’s in Library Science from Syracuse, Gail spent her career as a librarian before retiring to Boise, Idaho, where she now writes, paints, gardens, and traces her family history.

As part of our Redefining Leadership series, Gail shares:

• Leading through reinvention: how she transitioned from librarian to novelist and what it takes to begin a new creative chapter later in life
• The role of heritage in leadership storytelling: how her Irish roots and cultural research shaped her mysteries
• Community as leadership fuel: why surrounding yourself with support and accountability helps creative projects thrive
• The discipline of publishing: what writing teaches us about persistence, patience, and resilience
• Storytelling as a leadership tool: how preserving family history and personal truths fosters connection and understanding
• Vision for the future: how her upcoming memoir and children’s book extend her leadership into new genres
  

Through her journey, Gail shows that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about creativity, courage, and the willingness to share stories that matter.

Where to get a hold of our guest - Tiktok: @Gailpark12; Facebook: /parkcreativewriting; Insta: gailgrantpark; website: http://gailgrantpark.com

[email protected]

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Books - Gallagher Girls Mystery Series

We want to hear from you!! If you have a story you think our growing audience needs to hear, please email us at [email protected].

"The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  

PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

This week on The Connectors Podcast, we’re joined by Chris McAuley—speaking coach, business storyteller, and seasoned actor. With over 35 years in business and more than 40 stage and film productions, Chris brings a rare blend of performance and leadership to his work at MCAVOY Inc., helping professionals master the art of speaking, connect authentically, and strengthen workplace culture.

As part of our Redefining Leadership series, Chris shares insights on:

• Overcoming public speaking fears by turning anxiety into excitement
• Why business is ultimately about connection
• How leaders can create time and space to connect with their teams
• The power of storytelling to build trust and engage audiences
• Why failures and mistakes are not setbacks, but powerful gifts for leaders
• Shifting from traditional leadership models to intentional, servant-oriented leadership

This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for anyone looking to step into their voice, build stronger connections, and lead with authenticity

Where to get a hold of our guest - www.chrismcauley.co  linkedin.com/in/chrismcauley2 

[email protected]

We want to hear from you!! If you have a story you think our growing audience needs to hear, please email us at [email protected].

"The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  

PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

Welcome to The Connectors Podcast, where we dive into the art of building meaningful connections to empower your personal and professional life. We’re Jolyn and Quinten, and together we explore how connections can transform your journey toward happiness, growth, and fulfillment.

This fall, we’re launching a special series called Redefining Leadership—a conversation for anyone bridging the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or stepping into a new chapter, leadership and entrepreneurship come with challenges, lessons, and growth moments. Our guests—entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers—will share how their experiences shaped them, the connections and support that helped them, the hard truths they faced, and the insights they’ve gained about themselves and others. You’ll hear stories, strategies, and inspiration to help you lead and grow with authenticity, resilience, and impact.