Today, we're getting into something that might feel familiar—the uncomfortable but sometimes unavoidable "performance trap". If you're a high performer who's ever felt the need to try showing up perfectly composed even when you're not feeling like it, then this episode is for you.

Chapters:

• 1:27 - What the Performance Trap Is (And What This Episode Isn't About)

• 6:08 - The Hidden Cost of High Performance

• 10:31 - Defining the Performance Trap: Performance vs. Excellence

• 19:08 - Why High Performers Fall Into This Trap (5 Key Reasons)

• 28:05 - The Signs You're Stuck in the Performance Trap

• 34:02 - How to Redefine Your Worth Beyond Output

• 37:00 - Your Internal World Deserves Success Too

Newsletter Sign Up Here

Take the Conscious Productivity Quiz!

• Discover your personal productivity profile | DISCOVER MORE

• Are you a people leader at work? You can also take the LEADER version of the quiz to discover how you create the conditions for conscious productivity at work | TAKE LEADER QUIZ

Get Stephanie's Book:

• The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance By Your Own Design | GET YOUR COPY HERE

Work with Stephanie:

• 1x1 Coaching | LEARN MORE

• Workplace + Team Programs | LEARN MORE

• Organizational Culture | LEARN MORE

Connect with Stephanie:

• Instagram | @agencytochange

• Website | agencytochange.com

Thank you for tuning in ~ don't forget to leave a rating and review!

Welcome to the first episode of 2026! Today, we're getting into the transformative power of journaling—why it matters, how it can shape your personal and professional life, and practical tips to make journaling a sustainable habit. Whether you're a seasoned journaler or just getting started, this episode is packed with research-backed insights, personal stories, and actionable advice.

Chapters:

• 00:42 – Why Journaling?

• 06:34 – The Power of Writing

• 09:12 – Setting Your Intention

• 11:56 – Journaling for Growth & Leadership

• 13:12 – Research-Backed Benefits

• 16:28 – Tracking Patterns & Achieving Goals

• 21:07 – Clarity, Climate, and Flow

• 25:45 – Journaling for Leaders

• 31:02 – Emotional Regulation & Planning

• 35:50 – Five Practical Tips

• 41:45 – Using Prompts & Habit Stacking

• 46:44 – Shifts vs. Resolutions

Top 5 Tips for Building a Journaling Habit:

1. Start with intention—know your "why"

2. Keep it short and simple, especially if you're new

3. Pair journaling with an existing habit (like morning coffee)

4. Use prompts to get unstuck

5. Focus on shifts, not rigid goals

Take the Conscious Productivity Quiz!

• Discover your personal productivity profile | DISCOVER MORE

• Are you a people leader at work? You can also take the LEADER version of the quiz to discover how you create the conditions for conscious productivity at work | TAKE LEADER QUIZ

Get Stephanie's Book:

• The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance By Your Own Design | GET YOUR COPY HERE

Work with Stephanie:

• 1x1 Coaching | LEARN MORE

• Workplace + Team Programs | LEARN MORE

• Organizational Culture | LEARN MORE

Connect with Stephanie:

• Instagram | @agencytochange

• Website | agencytochange.com

Thank you for tuning in ~ don't forget to leave a rating and review!

In this episode, I'm guiding listeners through the essential practice of reflection before setting new goals for the upcoming year. Rather than jumping straight into resolutions, let's emphasize the importance of looking back at the past year to gain clarity, understand what truly matters, and set intentions that stick. Today, I'm sharing personal stories, practical reflection questions, and leadership insights to help you close out the year with purpose and step into the new one with intention.

Chapters:

• 00:41 – Why Resolutions Fail & The Role of Clarity

• 03:32 – The Conscious Productivity Framework

• 06:36 – The Power of Looking Back

• 13:48 – Five Self-Reflection Questions

• 18:14 – What to Bring Forward & Leave Behind

• 24:32 – Team & Leadership Reflection

Take the Conscious Productivity Quiz!

• Discover your personal productivity profile | DISCOVER MORE

• Are you a people leader at work? You can also take the LEADER version of the quiz to discover how you create the conditions for conscious productivity at work | TAKE LEADER QUIZ

Get Stephanie's Book:

• The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance By Your Own Design | GET YOUR COPY HERE

Work with Stephanie:

• 1x1 Coaching | LEARN MORE

• Workplace + Team Programs | LEARN MORE

• Organizational Culture | LEARN MORE

Connect with Stephanie:

• Instagram | @agencytochange

• Website | agencytochange.com

Thank you for tuning in ~ don't forget to leave a rating and review!

In this episode, I dive deep into the art of having difficult conversations at work and in life. I share why these conversations are so challenging, the common patterns that hold us back (like perfectionism, people-pleasing, and over-functioning), and how to shift from unconscious, reactive responses to a more conscious, relationship-focused approach.

Chapters:

• 07:34 — Unconscious Productivity Patterns

• 15:19 — Conscious Productivity Approach

• 16:06 — Five Steps for Navigating Difficult Conversations

• 22:28 — Special Advice for Leaders

5 Steps for Navigating Difficult Conversations:

1. Clarify Your Intention: Know why you're having the conversation and what you hope to achieve.

2. Listen with Genuine Curiosity: Be open to the other person's perspective and ask thoughtful questions.

3. Express Your Perspective Clearly: Be direct but respectful, focusing on behaviors and impact, not character.

4. Align on Solutions: Collaborate to find practical ways forward and clarify expectations.

5. Reinforce the Relationship: End by affirming your commitment to working together and building trust.

Take the Conscious Productivity Quiz!

• Discover your personal productivity profile | DISCOVER MORE

• Are you a people leader at work? You can also take the LEADER version of the quiz to discover how you create the conditions for conscious productivity at work | TAKE LEADER QUIZ

Get Stephanie's Book:

• The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance By Your Own Design | GET YOUR COPY HERE

Work with Stephanie:

• 1x1 Coaching | LEARN MORE

• Workplace + Team Programs | LEARN MORE

• Organizational Culture | LEARN MORE

Connect with Stephanie:

• Instagram | @agencytochange

• Website | agencytochange.com

Thank you for tuning in ~ don't forget to leave a rating and review!

In this episode, we're exploring the transformative power of embodiment for leaders and professionals. Moving beyond the "bobblehead" approach—living solely in our heads—I share how tuning into our bodies can fuel authentic leadership, clarity, and sustainable productivity.

Chapters:

• 1:41 — Living as a Bobblehead

• 3:56 — What is Embodiment?

• 5:48 — Body as Strategic Partner

• 8:18 — Embodiment & the Flow Pillar

• 9:29 — Defining Embodiment Simply

• 11:46 — The Power of Body Wisdom

• 13:43 — Why Embodiment Matters for Leaders

• 17:51 — Costs of Disconnection

• 21:18 — Signs You Need Embodiment

• 26:12 — Five Embodiment Practices

• 28:29 — Practice 1: Body Scan Check-ins

• 28:46 — Practice 2: Pause Before Responding

• 29:25 — Practice 3: Sensory Breaks

• 30:44 — Practice 4: Productive Rest

• 34:49 — Practice 5: Ask Your Body's Vote

• 35:52 — You Are a Full System

Practical Takeaways:

• Five beginner-friendly embodiment practices to integrate into your daily routine, including body scans, mindful pauses, sensory breaks, productive rest, and checking in with your body before making decisions.

• Tips for replacing "performing presence" with genuine presence in meetings and conversations.

• How to use your body as a strategic partner for better leadership and productivity.

Take the Conscious Productivity Quiz!

• Discover your personal productivity profile | DISCOVER MORE

• Are you a people leader at work? You can also take the LEADER version of the quiz to discover how you create the conditions for conscious productivity at work | TAKE LEADER QUIZ

Get Stephanie's Book:

• The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance By Your Own Design | GET YOUR COPY HERE

Work with Stephanie:

• 1x1 Coaching | LEARN MORE

• Workplace + Team Programs | LEARN MORE

• Organizational Culture | LEARN MORE

Connect with Stephanie:

• Instagram | @agencytochange

• Website | agencytochange.com

Thank you for tuning in ~ don't forget to leave a rating and review!

In this episode, I dive deep into the concept of "flow" as a critical pillar of conscious productivity, especially for people leaders. As we move into a busy season, I share why managing human rhythms—not just tasks—is essential for sustainable performance and team well-being.

Chapters:

• 16:21 — Design the Rhythm, Don't Just React to It

• 17:42 — Protect Space for Deep Work

• 18:47 — Model Sustainable Performance

• 21:26 — Respect Different Human Rhythms

• 23:11 — Facilitate Momentum, Not Just Movement

Journal Questions:

1. Where in your team's week is flow being interrupted, and how can you protect it?

2. What's one recurring meeting you could shorten, skip, or reshape?

3. Who on your team seems out of sync right now, and what conversation could help them reset?

4. Are there systems or processes creating unnecessary friction? What can you redesign?

5. What's your own flow like right now? Are you leading from a grounded rhythm or a reactive one?

Take the Conscious Productivity Quiz!

• Discover your personal productivity profile | DISCOVER MORE

• Are you a people leader at work? You can also take the LEADER version of the quiz to discover how you create the conditions for conscious productivity at work | TAKE LEADER QUIZ

Get Stephanie's Book:

• The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance By Your Own Design | GET YOUR COPY HERE

Work with Stephanie:

• 1x1 Coaching | LEARN MORE

• Workplace + Team Programs | LEARN MORE

• Organizational Culture | LEARN MORE

Connect with Stephanie:

• Instagram | @agencytochange

• Website | agencytochange.com

Thank you for tuning in ~ don't forget to leave a rating and review!

Welcome back! In today's engaging conversation, I'm tackling a challenge that so many conscious leaders face: the Delegation Dilemma.

Chapters:

01:56 — Why Delegation Feels Risky

03:09 — Identity & Letting Go

05:25 — Fear of Losing Quality

07:08 — Reputation & Responsibility

08:46 — Fear-Based vs. Growth Delegation

12:27 — Four Steps to Conscious Delegation

12:48 — Step 1: Context & Clarity

13:44 — Step 2: Agreement on Outcomes

16:17 — Step 3: Support & Boundaries

18:36 — Step 4: Watch, Learn, Adjust

21:26 — Delegation as a Development Tool

24:05 — Matching Assignments to Growth

27:15 — Increasing Autonomy Over Time

29:55 — Identifying Future Leaders

30:45 — Your Delegation Challenge

Take the Conscious Productivity Quiz!

• Discover your personal productivity profile | DISCOVER MORE

• Are you a people leader at work? You can also take the LEADER version of the quiz to discover how you create the conditions for conscious productivity at work | TAKE LEADER QUIZ

Get Stephanie's Book:

• The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance By Your Own Design | GET YOUR COPY HERE

Work with Stephanie:

• 1x1 Coaching | LEARN MORE

• Workplace + Team Programs | LEARN MORE

• Organizational Culture | LEARN MORE

Connect with Stephanie:

• Instagram | @agencytochange

• Website | agencytochange.com

Thank you for tuning in ~ don't forget to leave a rating and review!

Welcome back! In today's engaging conversation, I'm tackling a challenge that so many conscious leaders face: the Delegation Dilemma.

Chapters:

01:56 — Why Delegation Feels Risky

03:09 — Identity & Letting Go

05:25 — Fear of Losing Quality

07:08 — Reputation & Responsibility

08:46 — Fear-Based vs. Growth Delegation

12:27 — Four Steps to Conscious Delegation

12:48 — Step 1: Context & Clarity

13:44 — Step 2: Agreement on Outcomes

16:17 — Step 3: Support & Boundaries

18:36 — Step 4: Watch, Learn, Adjust

21:26 — Delegation as a Development Tool

24:05 — Matching Assignments to Growth

27:15 — Increasing Autonomy Over Time

29:55 — Identifying Future Leaders

30:45 — Your Delegation Challenge

Take the Conscious Productivity Quiz! 

• Discover your personal productivity profile | DISCOVER MORE

• Are you a people leader at work? You can also take the LEADER version of the quiz to discover how you create the conditions for conscious productivity at work | TAKE LEADER QUIZ

Get Stephanie's Book:

• The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance By Your Own Design | GET YOUR COPY HERE

Work with Stephanie: 

• 1x1 Coaching | LEARN MORE

• Workplace + Team Programs | LEARN MORE

• Organizational Culture | LEARN MORE

Connect with Stephanie:

• Instagram | @agencytochange 

• Website | agencytochange.com

Thank you for tuning in ~ don't forget to leave a rating and review!

In this episode, I explore the art and impact of genuine recognition and appreciation in the workplace. As the year draws to a close and gratitude is top of mind, I dive into why most organizations struggle with recognition, the common mistakes leaders make, and how to transform generic praise into powerful, values-based feedback.

Chapters: 03:01 – The Many Faces of Recognition 05:15 – Performative vs. Conscious Recognition 06:44 – Everyday Recognition Matters 07:59 – The Recognition Gap & Common Mistakes 10:49 – Results, Comparison, and Delayed Recognition 12:23 – The Biggest Mistake: No Recognition 13:39 – What Works: Elements of Conscious Recognition 15:46 – Naming Values & Giving Feedback 17:05 – Delivery: Timing, Setting, Consistency 19:15 – Recognition as a Leadership Tool 21:02 – Building Strengths, Retention, and Values 24:21 – Your Challenge & Peer Recognition 26:14 – The Transformational Power of Feeling Valued

Take the Conscious Productivity Quiz!

• Discover your personal productivity profile | DISCOVER MORE

• Are you a people leader at work? You can also take the LEADER version of the quiz to discover how you create the conditions for conscious productivity at work | TAKE LEADER QUIZ

Get Stephanie's Book:

• The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance By Your Own Design | GET YOUR COPY HERE

Work with Stephanie:

• 1x1 Coaching | LEARN MORE

• Workplace + Team Programs | LEARN MORE

• Organizational Culture | LEARN MORE

Connect with Stephanie:

• Instagram | @agencytochange

• Website | agencytochange.com

Thank you for tuning in ~ don't forget to leave a rating and review!

In this episode, I'm exploring how individual productivity patterns shape team culture and organizational climate. We discuss common team dynamics—perfectionism, people-pleasing, over-functioning, and achievement obsession—offering practical strategies for shifting toward conscious productivity. Whether you're a leader or team member, you'll learn how to recognize invisible patterns, foster healthier collaboration, and create a more sustainable, energizing workplace.

Chapters:

• 03:20 – Bringing Patterns into the Workplace

• 06:10 – Self-Leadership as Foundation

• 12:10 – Changing Team Patterns: Your Role

• 13:00 – Unconscious Productivity at the Team Level

• 14:05 – Invisible Patterns: The Undercurrent

• 15:00 – Example: The Perfectionist Team

• 16:10 – Example: The People-Pleasing Team

• 17:30 – Example: The Over-Functioning Team

• 18:30 – Example: The Achievement-Obsessed Team

• 19:25 – Recognizing Patterns in Your Team

• 20:10 – Five Key Indicators of Team Dynamics

• 22:00 – Energy Indicators

• 23:00 – Communication Patterns

• 24:10 – Decision-Making Rhythms

• 25:00 – Boundaries & Sustainability

• 26:00 – Innovation & Risk-Taking

• 27:00 – Shifting Patterns: Awareness & Action

• 28:30 – Practical Steps for Change

Take the Conscious Productivity Quiz!

• Discover your personal productivity profile | DISCOVER MORE

• Are you a people leader at work? You can also take the LEADER version of the quiz to discover how you create the conditions for conscious productivity at work | TAKE LEADER QUIZ

Get Stephanie's Book:

• The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance By Your Own Design | GET YOUR COPY HERE

Work with Stephanie:

• 1x1 Coaching | LEARN MORE

• Workplace + Team Programs | LEARN MORE

• Organizational Culture | LEARN MORE

Connect with Stephanie:

• Instagram | @agencytochange

• Website | agencytochange.com

Thank you for tuning in ~ don't forget to leave a rating and review!