The Inner Edge: Leadership, Self-Mastery, and Reinvention for a New Era

Ever stood at your own success party and talked people OUT of celebrating you? That's exactly what I did at my own book launch, paralyzed by a merciless inner critic that had me rewriting the same book SIX times over SEVEN years. In this raw and revealing episode, I pull back the curtain on my battle with self-criticism and share the exact moment I realized my inner critic (whom I named "Esmeralda") was sabotaging my leadership and creative voice. Even after coaching C-suite executives at Fortune 200 companies, that voice telling me "I'm not good enough" still tried to drown out my achievements. The journey to authentic leadership isn't about silencing your critic forever—it's about recognizing it and moving forward anyway. 

In this episode, we cover:

• Why your inner critic gets loudest right before your most important leadership moments, and the counterintuitive approach that turns down its volume
• My embarrassing confession about what I said to guests at my own book launch party (and how it reveals the sneaky way imposter feelings show up even after achieving success)
• The simple naming technique that instantly creates distance between you and your critical inner voice
• How trying to avoid criticism actually smothers your authentic leadership voice and creative expression
• The question I ask myself whenever self-doubt creeps in that instantly reconnects me with my leadership purpose and silences criticism

Connect with me on LinkedIn or join my monthly newsletter for exclusive strategies that go beyond what we cover in the podcast—because your leadership journey matters, especially when your voice shakes.

About the Leadership Presence podcast

Leadership Presence | Mastering the Inner Work of Leadership is your guide to leading with less ego and more soul. Your host is Janet Ioli, leadership and human development expert, sought-after coach, advisor to global executives, and former executive with experience in four Fortune 200 companies. In this podcast, she digs into the real deep work and empowers leaders to show up with authenticity, build emotional intelligence, and lead in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

Escape the Traps: The 7 Hidden Patterns That Sabotage Your Leadership Imprint

- Get Janet's new book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Others

- Get special discounts when purchasing multiple copies at https://janetioli.com/order 

Connect with Janet Ioli:

Website: janetioli.com
LinkedIn: Janet Ioli
Instagram: @janetioli
YouTube: @janetioli

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.  Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.  

Produced by Ideablossoms 

“You probably have the skills you need to take it to the next level because you've gotten this far. So, at least believe in yourself enough based on the evidence to know that you're gonna make it through. ”  - John Tarnoff

In this episode, I talk to John Tarnoff, executive and career transition coach, speaker, and author, who helps mid-career professionals land better jobs and build more meaningful, sustainable careers. We talk about the realities of ageism in the workplace and practical strategies for career reinvention when you are 50+.

You'll hear John talk about how to find your next steps when you’re at the top of your game but others think you’re at the age to be on your way out. We’ll also discuss ways to move toward what is presenting itself for you now.

In this episode:

• How John went from the entertainment industry to becoming a mid-career transition coach
• Doing the  inner work necessary to identify what’s next for your career
• How to reconcile with your past and let go of your limiting beliefs
• How to defy and overcome ageism as a mid-career job seeker
• Ways  to leverage networking and thought leadership
• Tips to help you reenter the workforce after a break
• Creating your own personal board of directors

Leadership Presence | Mastering the Inner Work of Leadership is your guide to leading with Less Ego and More Soul. Your host is Janet Ioli, leadership and human development expert, sought-after coach, advisor to global executives, and former executive with experience in four Fortune 200 companies. In this podcast, she digs into the real deep work and empowers leaders to show up with authenticity, build emotional intelligence, and lead in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

Resource Links:

John Tarnoff is a reinvention career coach who provides career counseling for baby boomer and late career professionals looking to defy ageism, work beyond retirement, and pivot to a new job or new business as a second act or encore career. Fired 39% over the course of his 40-year career as a Los Angeles-based entertainment industry executive, John learned the secrets of turning setbacks into successes.

Learn more at johntarnoff.com.

Check out his book, Boomer Reinvention: How to Create Your Dream Career Over 50.

Watch his TEDx Talk, The Kids Are Still Alright: Success Strategies for Boomers in the 21st Century.

Connect with today’s guest on LinkedIn: John Tarnoff

Escape the Traps: The 7 Hidden Patterns That Sabotage Your Leadership Imprint

- Get Janet's new book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Others

- Get special discounts when purchasing multiple copies at https://janetioli.com/order 

Connect with Janet Ioli:

Website: janetioli.com
LinkedIn: Janet Ioli
Instagram: @janetioli
YouTube: @janetioli

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.  Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.  

Produced by Ideablossoms 

“It all starts and ends with our awareness.” - Brian Cunningham

You’ve heard of IQ. Maybe EQ. But have you considered the importance of your AQ?

In this episode, I talk to Brian Cunningham, an author who went from working as a parking lot attendant at a hospital to being the hospital’s CEO for over 10 years.  You'll hear Brian talk about why IQ and EQ are not enough–he introduces what he calls the Awareness Quotient (AQ) and its importance to our success.

In this episode:

• How Brian’s study of leadership took him from parking lot attendant to CEO
• The different expressions of leadership based on levels of awareness
• Defining awareness 
• How to leverage your attention 
• Using intense focus to better serve others as a leader
• How being intentional will help you expand your leadership
•  Applying AQ in the four key domains  of our experience in life

Leadership Presence | Mastering the Inner Work of Leadership is your guide to leading with Less Ego and More Soul. Your host is Janet Ioli, leadership and human development expert, sought-after coach, advisor to global executives, and former executive with experience in four Fortune 200 companies. In this podcast, she digs into the real deep work and empowers leaders to show up with authenticity, build emotional intelligence, and lead in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

Resource Links:

In Brian Cunningham’s journey from parking lot attendant to CEO, he studied the leadership experience at every level. His commitment to serving and collaborating with others through higher levels of leadership led to the development of a revolutionary model for genuine leadership growth, the Awareness Quotient (AQ) Model.

Check out Brian’s books.

Connect with today’s guest on LinkedIn: Brian Cunningham

Escape the Traps: The 7 Hidden Patterns That Sabotage Your Leadership Imprint

- Get Janet's new book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Others

- Get special discounts when purchasing multiple copies at https://janetioli.com/order 

Connect with Janet Ioli:

Website: janetioli.com
LinkedIn: Janet Ioli
Instagram: @janetioli
YouTube: @janetioli

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.  Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.  

Produced by Ideablossoms 

“ The reality is you're going to work with people you don't like, it's inevitable. But you always have a choice. You can let those relationships drain your energy. You can let them impact your reputation and how you're seen by your boss, or you can be strategic about how you navigate them.”

In this episode, I talk about the complicated yet unavoidable times when you need to work with someone you don’t like or trust. I share five things that will help you better navigate these tricky situations so you can maintain a positive leadership presence.

These tips will go a long way in helping you “not take the bait” and maintain perspective and composure when dealing with people you’d prefer not to interact with at all.

In this episode:

• The issues Jason had with a colleague who drove him nuts
• #1 Shift your mindset
• #2 Understand what drives that person
• #3 Engage before you need something
• #4  Pick your battles and let go of the small stuff
• #5 Set boundaries and be direct when needed

Leadership Presence | Mastering the Inner Work of Leadership is your guide to leading with Less Ego and More Soul. Your host is Janet Ioli, leadership and human development expert, sought-after coach, advisor to global executives, and former executive with experience in four Fortune 200 companies. In this podcast, she digs into the real deep work and empowers leaders to show up with authenticity, build emotional intelligence, and lead in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

Escape the Traps: The 7 Hidden Patterns That Sabotage Your Leadership Imprint

- Get Janet's new book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Others

- Get special discounts when purchasing multiple copies at https://janetioli.com/order 

Connect with Janet Ioli:

Website: janetioli.com
LinkedIn: Janet Ioli
Instagram: @janetioli
YouTube: @janetioli

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.  Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.  

Produced by Ideablossoms 

“ They come to my courses, usually they want to be better leaders. They want to have better and more effective teams. They want to change the corporate culture, but in the end they talk about their mothers, their fathers, their spouses, their children, their life.”

In this episode, I talk to Manfred Kets de Vries; executive coach, psychoanalyst, and Distinguished Clinical Professor of Leadership Development and Organizational Change at INSEAD. 

You'll hear Manfred discuss the human condition, how to bring up the best in people and in yourself, what it takes to be a good and fulfilled leader, and the benefits of group coaching.

In this episode:

• How Manfred’s life’s calling  was shaped by witnessing the leadership in WWII
• The current state of leadership and its impact on the world
• The benefits of longer group coaching programs over 1:1 coaching
• Storytelling for change
• Major decisions, inner work, and what truly matters
• How your relationships impact your life
• Contemplating what makes an effective leader
• Using 360º and 720º questionnaires as a starting point
• Accepting your dark side to become a better leader
• The 7C framework of leadership
• Leadership is a team sport, rely on your team
•  Die young as late as possible
• And more!

Leadership Presence | Mastering the Inner Work of Leadership is your guide to leading with Less Ego and More Soul. Your host is Janet Ioli, leadership and human development expert, sought-after coach, advisor to global executives, and former executive with experience in four Fortune 200 companies. In this podcast, she digs into the real deep work and empowers leaders to show up with authenticity, build emotional intelligence, and lead in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

Resource Links:

Manfred Kets de Vries is a leading expert on executive development, combining insights from economics, management, and psychoanalysis to offer fresh perspectives on leadership, organizational dynamics, executive coaching, and existential dilemmas. A pioneer in team coaching and education, he's the Distinguished Clinical Professor at INSEAD, a six-time recipient of INSEAD’s Distinguished Teacher Award, and author of over 50 books.

Get to know the Kets de Vries Institute.

Learn about Manfred’s 50+ books.

Connect with today’s guest on LinkedIn: Manfred Kets de Vries

Escape the Traps: The 7 Hidden Patterns That Sabotage Your Leadership Imprint

- Get Janet's new book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Others

- Get special discounts when purchasing multiple copies at https://janetioli.com/order 

Connect with Janet Ioli:

Website: janetioli.com
LinkedIn: Janet Ioli
Instagram: @janetioli
YouTube: @janetioli

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.  Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.  

Produced by Ideablossoms 

“Mistakes are inevitable, but they don't have to define you. What does define you is how you handle them.”

In this episode, I talk about how to navigate the times you make a big mistake that impacts you and others in your organization.

We’ll cover  how to take responsibility with clarity and confidence instead of reacting emotionally; and how to own your mistake, fix it, and move forward instead of spiraling into self-doubt and panic.

In this episode:

• The time I accidentally blindsided a group of senior executives
• Lesson #1: Pause before reacting
• Lesson #2:  Own the mistake directly without over apologizing
• Lesson #3:  Fix it without making it bigger than it is
• Lesson #4: Learn the deeper lesson

Leadership Presence | Mastering the Inner Work of Leadership is your guide to leading with Less Ego and More Soul. Your host is Janet Ioli, leadership and human development expert, sought-after coach, advisor to global executives, and former executive with experience in four Fortune 200 companies. In this podcast, she digs into the real deep work and empowers leaders to show up with authenticity, build emotional intelligence, and lead in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

Escape the Traps: The 7 Hidden Patterns That Sabotage Your Leadership Imprint

- Get Janet's new book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Others

- Get special discounts when purchasing multiple copies at https://janetioli.com/order 

Connect with Janet Ioli:

Website: janetioli.com
LinkedIn: Janet Ioli
Instagram: @janetioli
YouTube: @janetioli

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.  Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.  

Produced by Ideablossoms 

“ The truth is feedback isn't supposed to feel comfortable. Growth is never comfortable. If you can learn to take feedback without letting it throw you and if you can hear it, process it, and take what's useful without getting defensive, you'll rise faster than you ever imagined.”

In this episode, I talk about getting feedback from your boss, especially when it’s a tough pill to swallow. Every leader will face this no matter where they are in their career, so I’m sharing some tools to help you navigate this situation when it arises without getting defensive or letting it derail your confidence or motivation.

In this episode:

• A time when I got some feedback that upset me
• Tool #1:  Catch your emotional reaction and don't let it drive you
• Tool #2:  Ask yourself, What's the real message here?
• Tool #3: Don't dismiss feedback just because you don't like it
• Tool #4:  Separate feedback from your self-worth
• Tool #5:  Decide. Do I need to act on this or let it go?
• And more!

Leadership Presence | Mastering the Inner Work of Leadership is your guide to leading with Less Ego and More Soul. Your host is Janet Ioli, leadership and human development expert, sought-after coach, advisor to global executives, and former executive with experience in four Fortune 200 companies. In this podcast, she digs into the real deep work and empowers leaders to show up with authenticity, build emotional intelligence, and lead in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

Escape the Traps: The 7 Hidden Patterns That Sabotage Your Leadership Imprint

- Get Janet's new book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Others

- Get special discounts when purchasing multiple copies at https://janetioli.com/order 

Connect with Janet Ioli:

Website: janetioli.com
LinkedIn: Janet Ioli
Instagram: @janetioli
YouTube: @janetioli

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.  Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.  

Produced by Ideablossoms 

“ Your leadership presence is built not just on what you say or how good you are at your job, but on how you show up consistently.”

In this episode, I talk about  professionalism and etiquette, because the  subtle ways you communicate respect, credibility, and authority without even realizing it can make or break you as a leader. You’ll learn what these intangible signals are and how to sharpen your leadership presence.

In this episode:

• Why professionalism and etiquette are crucial for leadership
• When Mark’s  leadership presence crumbled
• Respecting other people’s time and schedules
• Thoughtful and respectful communication
• Being fully present and engaged
• Making sure to follow through
• Maintaining professionalism in difficult moments
• A challenge to help you sharpen your leadership presence

Leadership Presence | Mastering the Inner Work of Leadership is your guide to leading with Less Ego and More Soul. Your host is Janet Ioli, leadership and human development expert, sought-after coach, advisor to global executives, and former executive with experience in four Fortune 200 companies. In this podcast, she digs into the real deep work and empowers leaders to show up with authenticity, build emotional intelligence, and lead in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

Escape the Traps: The 7 Hidden Patterns That Sabotage Your Leadership Imprint

- Get Janet's new book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Others

- Get special discounts when purchasing multiple copies at https://janetioli.com/order 

Connect with Janet Ioli:

Website: janetioli.com
LinkedIn: Janet Ioli
Instagram: @janetioli
YouTube: @janetioli

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.  Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.  

Produced by Ideablossoms 

“ I have been a card carrying member of the Walking Dead myself. I know what that is like. That's why I do the work that I do today, which is to awaken people to their passion and purpose and then inspire them to make a contribution worthy of their one precious life.” - Dr. Alise Cortez

In this episode, I talk to Dr. Alise Cortez, the Chief Ignition Officer at Gusto, NOW!, an inspirational speaker, organizational logotherapist, social scientist, author, and podcast host. You'll hear Dr. Alise  talk about how we can go about finding more meaning in our lives and in our work. She’ll also share some powerful practices and exercises to help ignite your purpose.

In this episode:

• Understand logotherapy and its teachings 
• Dr. Alise’s early onset midlife crisis (which may sound familiar)
• A cry for meaning and some powerful practices to help you find it
• Why finding meaning and purpose is so important in our life and work
• The 3 sources of meaning
• Being fulfilled by being part of something bigger
• Ways to activate meaning and create greater purpose inside organizations
• Purpose statement X mission statement X vision X values
• And more!

Leadership Presence | Mastering the Inner Work of Leadership is your guide to leading with Less Ego and More Soul. Your host is Janet Ioli, leadership and human development expert, sought-after coach, advisor to global executives, and former executive with experience in four Fortune 200 companies. In this podcast, she digs into the real deep work and empowers leaders to show up with authenticity, build emotional intelligence, and lead in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

Resource Links:

Dr. Alise Cortez is the Chief Ignition Officer at Gusto, NOW!, a management consulting firm specializing in the activation of meaning and purpose. She is also an inspirational speaker, organizational logotherapist, social scientist, author, and host of the Working on Purpose podcast.

Learn more about her and her work at alisecortez.com. You can also find all her books here.

Listen to the episode where I was a guest on Dr. Alise’s Working on Purpose Podcast: Got Soul? Unlock the Power of Your Wise Self as a Leader.

Connect with today’s guest on LinkedIn: Dr. Alise Cortez.

Escape the Traps: The 7 Hidden Patterns That Sabotage Your Leadership Imprint

- Get Janet's new book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Others

- Get special discounts when purchasing multiple copies at https://janetioli.com/order 

Connect with Janet Ioli:

Website: janetioli.com
LinkedIn: Janet Ioli
Instagram: @janetioli
YouTube: @janetioli

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.  Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.  

Produced by Ideablossoms 

“ Leadership isn't just about doing great work. It's about building relationships,  understanding the dynamics around you, and strategically positioning yourself and your ideas.”

In this episode, I talk about something lots of people dread: workplace politics. To help you better navigate workplace dynamics with integrity, I’m sharing the story of a client who faced the challenge of engaging in workplace politics, as well as 3 practical tips so you, too, can face it while staying true to yourself. 

In this episode:

• Workplace politics is a reality in every organization
• How James and his team stopped being a best-kept secret with integrity
• #1 Build relationships before you need them
• #2 Understand the unwritten rules
• #3 Engage in politics but draw boundaries
• A question to help you to better engage in workplace politics as a leader

Leadership Presence | Mastering the Inner Work of Leadership is your guide to leading with Less Ego and More Soul. Your host is Janet Ioli, leadership and human development expert, sought-after coach, advisor to global executives, and former executive with experience in four Fortune 200 companies. In this podcast, she digs into the real deep work and empowers leaders to show up with authenticity, build emotional intelligence, and lead in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

Resource Links:

Learn more about the book I mentioned, The Secret Handshake: Mastering the Politics of the Business Inner Circle, by Kathleen Kelley Reardon.

Escape the Traps: The 7 Hidden Patterns That Sabotage Your Leadership Imprint

- Get Janet's new book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Others

- Get special discounts when purchasing multiple copies at https://janetioli.com/order 

Connect with Janet Ioli:

Website: janetioli.com
LinkedIn: Janet Ioli
Instagram: @janetioli
YouTube: @janetioli

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.  Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.  

Produced by Ideablossoms