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The JOY CEO episodes

  • Seasoned with Purpose: Stacey Hawkins on Nourishment, Friendship & Reclaiming Joy
    Episode 11 — Seasoned with Purpose: Stacey Hawkins on Nourishment, Friendship & Reclaiming Joy

    Summary:

    In this heartwarming and flavorful conversation, Lori sits down with her dear friend and culinary entrepreneur Stacey Hawkins to explore how joy, friendship, and purpose can transform your life—and your dinner table. From corporate burnout to building a thriving spice and seasoning brand, Stacey shares her journey of reclaiming her energy, her kitchen, and her calling.

    This episode is more than a business success story—it’s a recipe for fulfillment through self-care, nourishing food, and real connection. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, or stuck in survival mode, this one’s for you.

    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    From Burnout to Breakthrough

    Stacey’s pivot came after years of corporate hustle left her drained. Her comeback? A spice business built on health, heart, and helping others rediscover joy through cooking.

    Nourishment Is More Than Food

    Cooking became Stacey’s love language—not just for herself, but for others. She believes food is medicine, memory, and connection.

    You Don’t Need to Be a Chef to Cook with Confidence

    With simple techniques and powerful seasonings, Stacey demystifies healthy cooking for busy professionals.

    Purpose Doesn’t Always Start with a Plan

    Stacey’s path unfolded through curiosity, courage, and a few unexpected turns. Her story is proof that purpose often grows from passion—one small action at a time.

    Friendship as Fuel

    Lori and Stacey’s sisterhood is a thread of support, joy, and truth-telling. Their bond reminds us that we’re not meant to walk (or cook!) alone.

    🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:

    • Stacey Hawkins Seasonings – Stacey’s signature spice line that helps people cook healthy with ease.
    • “Kitchen Confidence” – Stacey’s approach to making cooking approachable for anyone.
    • Lori & Stacey’s Friendship Origin Story – A chance meeting that turned into a lifelong bond.
    • From Hustle to Health – Stacey’s transition from corporate stress to soulful entrepreneurship.


    ✨ Reflection Prompts:

    • What’s one meal that made you feel truly loved or cared for?
    • Where in your life are you craving more nourishment—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?
    • How can you bring more joy and intention into your daily routines (even the messy ones)?


    🧠 Who This Episode Is For:

    • Women recovering from burnout or career fatigue
    • Busy professionals who want to eat better without extra stress
    • Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking purpose through passion
    • Anyone longing for deeper friendship and joyful self-care


    📩 Want to Go Deeper?

    • Explore Stacey’s spice blends and recipes at staceyhawkins.com
    • Try cooking one simple, nutritious meal this week with intention
    • Follow Lori on LinkedIn for more conversations about joyful leadership
    • Book a coaching session with Lori: loripine.com


    🎧 Subscribe to The Joy CEO Podcast

    ⭐️ Leave a review to help other heart-centered listeners find the show

    📲 Share this episode with a friend who could use more flavor, friendship, and fulfillment in her life

    42 min
  • The Vacation Advantage: Why Great Leaders Know When to Log Off
    Episode 10 — The Vacation Advantage: Why Great Leaders Know When to Log Off

    Summary:

    In this candid and energizing solo episode, Lori explores a surprising superpower that many leaders underestimate: taking a real vacation. Drawing from her own story—where a life-changing trip to Paris with her sons became the moment she finally unplugged—Lori challenges the culture of hustle and the badge of busyness.

    She breaks down why stepping away isn’t a luxury—it’s leadership. If you’ve ever answered emails from a beach chair, or told yourself “I’ll relax after the next deadline,” this episode is your permission (and playbook) to rethink what true rest looks like.

    From neuroscience to team dynamics, Lori lays out a compelling case for disconnection as a strategy to reconnect—with yourself, your family, and your vision.

    📍 If you’re building a sustainable leadership life and want to create a team culture that thrives even when you’re offline—this one’s for you.


    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    • Rest Is a Responsibility, Not a Reward

    True vacations aren’t indulgent—they’re part of being an effective leader. Rest sharpens clarity, creativity, and decision-making.


    • You Can’t Be Essential and Always Available

    Being the bottleneck doesn’t make you irreplaceable—it makes you tired. Lori emphasizes building systems and trust that allow work to flow without you.


    • The Paris Wake-Up Call

    Lori’s honest reflection on a vacation that didn’t go as planned vs. the one that changed everything. Her turning point? Realizing her presence is the best gift she can give her family—and herself.


    • Model the Culture You Want

    If you want your team to value rest, you have to model it. Leaders who take real breaks create permission for their teams to do the same.


    • Boundary-Setting Is an Act of Service

    Clear out-of-office messaging, aligned expectations, and strong communication allow for guilt-free time off. Lori shares how she prepares her business and team for her absence.


    🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:

    • Lori’s Paris vacation story—how stepping back redefined her leadership lens
    • Science of unplugging: The mental health and productivity benefits of true rest
    • Psychology of overwork: Why it’s so hard to stop—even when we want to
    • Lakehouse vacation vs. Paris trip—two different outcomes, one major lesson
    • Practical delegation tools and pre-vacation planning tips


    ✨ Reflection Prompts:

    • What would it take for you to feel safe unplugging?
    • Do you believe your team can thrive without you for a few days? If not—why?
    • Are you leading from depletion or from overflow?


    🧠 Who This Episode Is For:

    • Founders and executives who haven’t taken a guilt-free break in years
    • Leaders struggling with control or delegation
    • HR professionals cultivating healthy team dynamics and burnout prevention
    • Working parents navigating boundaries between life and leadership
    • Anyone who wants to rest, but feels like they can’t


    📩 Want to Go Deeper?

    • Download Lori’s Vacation Prep Checklist for Leaders
    • Share this episode with your team before your next time-off request
    • Follow Lori on LinkedIn for more leadership tools
    • Book a Leadership Strategy Call: loripine.com


    🎧 Subscribe to The Joy CEO Podcast

    ⭐️ Leave a review to help more high-performing (and exhausted) leaders find the show

    📲 Share this with someone who needs a real break—and permission to take one

    23 min
  • Boardrooms & Baby Bottles: The Dual Life of Liza Maschi, a Courageous Leader
    Episode 9 — Boardrooms & Baby Bottles: The Dual Life of Liza Maschi, a Courageous Leader

    Summary

    In this inspiring and honest conversation, Lori sits down with Liza Maschi—Vice President at Kraft Heinz—to talk about the bold moves, personal sacrifices, and joyful wins that shaped her career journey. From starting as an intern to becoming a senior executive at brands like Coca-Cola, Danone, and now Kraft Heinz, Liza shares how saying yes to unexpected opportunities (and tough transitions) built the foundation of her courageous leadership.

    Liza opens up about navigating pregnancy in the corporate world, balancing motherhood with a high-impact career, and what it means to lead with both drive and heart.

    If you’re a high-achiever looking for real talk on risk, resilience, and rising with purpose—this one’s for you.

    🔑 Key Takeaways

    Say Yes Before You’re Ready

    Liza’s rise from intern to VP was fueled by her willingness to step into roles that stretched her—even when she didn’t feel 100% prepared.


    Authenticity Is a Leadership Superpower

    Whether managing teams or making tough decisions, Liza emphasizes showing up as your full, human self. Vulnerability builds trust.


    Duality Is Strength—Not a Flaw

    Liza talks about embracing the “and”—being a powerful executive and a present mom, being driven and joyful, being serious and playful.


    Lead by Example, Even in Private Moments

    From quietly pumping breastmilk in a Danone breakroom to taking bold career leaps, Liza models resilience in everyday acts.

    Find Joy, Not Just Achievement

    Liza weaves self-care, reflection, and joy into her fast-paced schedule—proving that high performance doesn’t have to come at the cost of well-being.



    🔎 Mentioned in the Episode

    • Liza and Lori’s Coca-Cola connection—how one chance meeting shifted a career path
    • Liza’s move to Danone during a major life transition
    • Kraft Heinz’s culture and Liza’s leadership approach today
    • The importance of women advocating for themselves during motherhood and career moves


    ✨ Reflection Prompts

    • What risk would you take if you trusted yourself more?
    • Are you prioritizing joy—or just productivity?
    • What version of leadership would your younger self be proud of?


    🧠 Who This Episode Is For

    • Women leaders navigating motherhood and executive roles
    • Professionals ready to grow through change and uncertainty
    • HR and DEI leaders looking to support more human-centered workplaces
    • Ambitious individuals craving purpose and performance


    📩 Want to Go Deeper?

    • Follow Liza Maschi on LinkedIn for more leadership inspiration
    • Connect with Lori Pine on LinkedIn to keep the conversation going
    • Book a 1:1 strategy session with Lori at loripine.com
    • Try reflecting on your last “yes”—and what it led to


    🎧 Subscribe to The Joy CEO Podcast

    ⭐️ Leave a review so other heart-centered leaders can discover the show

    📲 Share this episode with a woman in leadership who needs a reminder of her power

    42 min
  • Breaking Free from the Exception Trap: Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
    Ep 8: Breaking Free from the Exception Trap: Redefining Success on Your Own Terms

    Summary:

    In this deeply honest and empowering solo episode, Lori Pine shares her personal story of breaking free from The Exception Trap—the pressure to always overperform, over-deliver, and prove your worth. As a former corporate VP and now executive coach, Lori invites listeners into the emotional cost of being “the one who makes it”—and the quiet burnout that often comes with it.

    Through the lens of her own professional success and personal loss, Lori unpacks what it means to redefine success on your own terms. If you’ve ever felt like you had to earn your seat every day, this episode offers the permission slip you didn’t know you needed: to rest, to realign, and to lead with joy—not exhaustion.

    Whether you're navigating corporate life, entrepreneurship, or a leadership transition, this episode will help you return to yourself—and your true definition of success.

    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    The Exception Trap is Real

    Being “the exception” can feel like a badge of honor—but it often comes with invisible emotional labor.

    Success Without Alignment Is Exhausting

    Lori shares how she climbed the ladder only to realize it was leaning against the wrong wall.

    Let Go of What’s Not Yours to Carry

    From grief to corporate pressure, Lori walks through how she learned to release responsibilities that didn’t belong to her.

    Stop Performing, Start Leading with Presence

    Authentic leadership isn’t about always having it together—it’s about being real, being present, and being human.

    From Approval to Alignment

    This episode is a roadmap for shifting your motivation from external validation to internal alignment.


    🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:

    • Lori’s journey from VP to Executive Coach
    • The concept of The Exception Trap—and how it sneaks into ambition
    • Reflection practices for redefining success
    • Leadership lessons born from grief, burnout, and transformation

    ✨ Reflection Prompts:

    • What am I chasing—and who am I chasing it for?
    • Where am I operating from approval instead of alignment?
    • How would I lead differently if I didn’t have to prove myself?


    🧠 Who This Episode Is For:

    • High-achieving professionals struggling with burnout
    • Women in leadership redefining what success means
    • Executives ready to lead with authenticity instead of perfection
    • Coaches and mentors navigating personal transformation


    📩 Want to Go Deeper?

    • Reflect on your own Exception Trap using Lori’s journal prompts
    • Follow Lori Pine on LinkedIn for weekly insights and leadership tools
    • Book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Lori: loripine.com


    🎧 Subscribe to The Joy CEO Podcast

    ⭐️ Leave a review so other ambitious, heart-led leaders can find the show

    📲 Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder: they’re allowed to rest, realign, and rise on their own terms

    18 min
  • Breaking Barriers & Embracing Change: A Leadership Journey with Nan Weaver Chambers
    Episode 7 — Breaking Barriers & Embracing Change: A Leadership Journey with Nan Weaver Chambers

    Summary:

    In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The Joy CEO Podcast, Lori Pine sits down with Nan Weaver Chambers—corporate leader, trailblazer, and dear friend—to talk about the power of resilience, relationships, and rising with joy. From being the first woman in her role at Coca-Cola to navigating the emotional aftermath of a sudden layoff, Nan opens up about the defining moments in her leadership journey.

    Now a leader at Campbell’s, Nan reflects on how gratitude, integrity, and authentic connection have shaped her career and personal life—including a recent marriage and a life-changing health scare.

    This episode is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about titles—it’s about who you are when life tests you, and how you rise with grace and purpose.

    If you’re walking through change, rebuilding after loss, or simply seeking deeper meaning in your work, this conversation is for you.


    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    Your People Are Your Power

    Nan emphasizes that strong relationships and team culture are at the heart of every success.

    → Who’s one team member you could appreciate or connect with more deeply this week?

    Lead with Integrity, Even When It’s Hard

    From Coca-Cola to Campbell’s, Nan chose principle over politics—and it paid off.

    → Where can you choose values over convenience in your leadership today?

    Being the “First” Comes With Pressure—and Purpose

    Nan shares the real challenges of being the first woman in her leadership role and how she stayed centered despite it.

    → If you're a “first,” how are you paving the way for those who follow?

    Rejection Can Be Redirection

    After being laid off from a 20-year career, Nan rebuilt her confidence and found new purpose.

    → What past loss are you ready to see as a launchpad?

    Live Like It Matters

    A recent health scare reminded Nan to cherish the moment, embrace joy, and lead with love.

    → What brings you joy—and how can you make more space for it today?

    🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:

    • Nan’s transition from Coca-Cola to Campbell’s
    • The emotional impact of corporate layoffs
    • The importance of celebrating new personal chapters
    • Leadership lessons from decades in Fortune 500 companies
    • Building high-performing teams through connection

    ✨ Reflection Prompts:

    • Where in your leadership journey have you shown resilience?
    • How can you bring more humanity to your team or organization?
    • What part of your story are you ready to own and share?

    🧠 Who This Episode Is For:

    • Leaders navigating change or career transitions
    • Women breaking new ground in male-dominated industries
    • Professionals seeking to lead with authenticity and empathy
    • Anyone balancing personal growth with professional goals

    📩 Want to Go Deeper?

    • Reflect on how you're building a legacy of integrity
    • Practice gratitude as a grounding tool during change
    • Follow Lori Pine on LinkedIn for more real-talk leadership insights
    • Book a Leadership Strategy Call at loripine.com


    🎧 Subscribe to The Joy CEO Podcast

    ⭐️ Leave a review to help others find the show

    📲 Share this episode with someone navigating change with courage and heart

    51 min
  • Navigating Uncertainty: Mindset, Preparation & Grace Through Career Transitions
    Episode 6 — Navigating Uncertainty: Mindset, Preparation & Grace Through Career Transitions

    Summary:

    In this timely and supportive episode of The Joy CEO Podcast, host Lori Pine offers a grounded, compassionate guide for high-achieving professionals navigating corporate reorganizations, layoffs, or role uncertainty. Drawing from her own experience and her work as an executive coach, Lori shares both mindset shifts and practical strategies to help listeners stay anchored through professional transitions.

    Whether you're preparing for a potential change, dealing with a recent layoff, or supporting someone who is, this episode will equip you with tools to stay steady, proactive, and empowered—even when the ground beneath you feels uncertain.

    If you’ve ever struggled to separate your worth from your job title, this conversation will remind you: you are your greatest asset—not your role.

    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    • You Are Not Your Title

    Lori shares how to shift your mindset from job-based worth to a deeper recognition of your inherent value.

    • Ground Yourself Before You React

    Use practices like journaling, gratitude, and breathwork to stay emotionally steady during turbulent times.

    • Update and Prepare—Even If You're Safe

    Lori encourages listeners to regularly update their resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and personal brand to stay ready—not reactive.

    • Relationships Are a Career Lifeline

    In moments of change, reach out. Networking doesn’t mean asking—it means connecting and showing up.

    • Uncertainty Can Be an Opening

    Career disruption is often an invitation to realign, evolve, and grow into something new—on your terms.

    🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:

    • Lori’s personal experience navigating corporate restructuring
    • Tips for journaling, breathwork, and daily grounding
    • Relationship-first approach to networking
    • Why gratitude is a resilience tool—not just a feel-good one
    • Hula hoop Theory in Episode 2

    ✨ Reflection Prompts:

    • How do I define my worth beyond my title?
    • What support systems do I need to stay steady in uncertain times?
    • Where am I being invited to evolve professionally—even if I didn’t choose this change?


    🧠 Who This Episode Is For:

    • Professionals facing corporate reorganizations or layoffs
    • HR leaders looking to support teams through transitions
    • Women navigating career changes with clarity and self-worth
    • Executives and managers committed to leading with heart—even in disruption


    📩 Want to Go Deeper?

    • Connect with Lori on LinkedIn for more leadership insights
    • Explore coaching options at loripine.com

    Share this episode with a colleague navigating change

    ⭐ Leave a review to help others find heart-centered leadership tools

    🎧 Subscribe to The Joy CEO Podcast for more grounded growth

    24 min
  • From Burnout to Business Success: The Journey of Jenifer Namestka
    Episode 5 — From Burnout to Business Success: The Journey of Jenifer Namestka

    Summary:

    In this honest and inspiring episode of The Joy CEO Podcast, Lori Pine sits down with Jenifer Namestka—founder and CEO of AVO Solutions—to explore her journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurial success. After being laid off from a traditional role, Jenifer turned uncertainty into opportunity, building a values-driven business rooted in emotional intelligence, purpose, and human-centered leadership.

    From confronting imposter syndrome to cultivating community, Jenifer shares the powerful mindset shifts that helped her realign with her strengths and step into her calling.

    If you're navigating a career pivot or dreaming of a purpose-led business, this conversation is your roadmap for starting over—with courage and clarity.

    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    Turn Setbacks Into Setups

    Being laid off wasn’t the end of Jenifer’s career—it was the beginning of something more aligned. Her story is proof that reinvention is possible at any stage.

    Build a Business That Reflects Your Values

    AVO Solutions was born from Jenifer’s desire to lead with intention and create a socially conscious company where people matter more than profit.

    Emotional Intelligence Is a Leadership Superpower

    Jenifer emphasizes that self-awareness, empathy, and communication aren’t soft—they’re essential tools for leading teams and growing businesses.

    Community Is Fuel for Courage

    From networking in a new city to leaning on support systems, Jenifer shares how showing up and staying humble opened new doors.

    You Don’t Have to Shrink to Lead

    Jenifer opens up about minimizing herself in past roles and how stepping into leadership required unlearning self-doubt and claiming space.


    🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:

    • AVO Solutions – Jenifer’s company focused on values-based consulting
    • The power of local networking – especially after relocating
    • Leadership legacy – building something that lasts beyond the title
    • Conversations around imposter syndrome, self-care, and intentional living

    ✨ Reflection Prompts:

    • What fear are you holding onto that’s keeping you from starting something new?
    • Are your current goals aligned with your core values—or someone else’s expectations?
    • How do you define success beyond titles or roles?

    🧠 Who This Episode Is For:

    • Professionals navigating a career transition or layoff
    • Entrepreneurs craving purpose-driven business strategies
    • Women who want to lead authentically and boldly
    • Anyone ready to redefine success on their own terms

    📩 Want to Go Deeper?

    • Connect with Jenifer Namestka and explore AVO Solutions - Linkedin, Website
    • Book a Leadership Clarity Call with Lori: loripine.com

    🎧 Subscribe to The Joy CEO Podcast

    ⭐️ Leave a review to help more women lead with purpose

    📲 Share this episode with someone ready for a fresh start

    52 min
  • Why I Built My Leadership Brand Around JOY (And You Should Too)
    Episode 4 — Why I Built My Leadership Brand Around JOY (And You Should Too)

    Summary:

    Why build an entire business—and now a podcast—around joy? In this intimate solo episode, Lori pulls back the curtain on the moment she walked away from her high-powered VP role and made the boldest, most strategic decision of her life: to lead with joy.

    Spoiler: Joy isn’t fluffy. It’s her anchor, her methodology, and her leadership advantage.

    She shares what corporate never taught her about joy, the data behind why joy increases productivity, and the mindset shift that helped her move from burnout to clarity, from performance to presence. If you’ve been operating like success is the goal and joy is the reward—this one’s for you.

    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    Joy Is Not Fluff—It’s Fuel

    • Lori reframes joy as a hard-won mindset, not a fleeting mood.
    • She made joy her anchor after two decades of pressure, promotions, and personal loss.
    • Audience follow-up→ Ask yourself: What have I been calling “fluff” that might actually be a survival strategy?

    There’s Data Behind Joy

    • Joyful leaders are 31% more productive and 3x more creative.
    • Joy boosts profitability, sales, retention, and engagement.
    • Audience follow-up→ Google studies from Harvard Business Review, Shawn Achor, and McKinsey on emotional contagion, psychological safety, and joy in the workplace.

    Gratitude Is a Daily Practice—Not a Personality Type

    • Lori’s 5-minute morning gratitude habit helps her shift from stress to presence.
    • Audience follow-up→ Start your own: Write down 5 things you’re grateful for every morning (no repeats!).

    You Can’t Lead Well If You’re Depleted

    • Joy helped Lori repair her health, reconnect to her worth, and set unshakable boundaries.
    • She stopped surviving on Diet Coke and pretzels—and started sleeping, hydrating, and showing up differently.
    • Audience follow-up→ Choose one daily habit that supports your well-being and commit to it this week.

    Legacy Isn’t About Metrics—It’s About Meaning

    • People won’t remember your dashboard—they’ll remember how you made them feel.
    • Joy creates space for human connection even in high-pressure environments.
    • Audience follow-up→ In your next meeting, remember one personal detail about someone on your team—and ask them about it.

    🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:
    • Her VP roles at Coca-Cola, Campbell’s, and Anheuser-Busch
    • The “Rainbows & Unicorns” comment from a toxic SVP that became a turning point
    • Gratitude practice: 5 things every morning
    • The TV show The Bear as a metaphor for her last corporate environment
    • Her personal definition of joy:

    “A profound and holistic sense of well-being and contentment that transcends momentary happiness.”✨ Reflection Prompts:
    • Where are you achieving, but not fulfilling?
    • What would shift if you let joy lead—not as a finish line, but as your foundation?
    • How do people feel in your presence—and how do you want them to feel?

    🧠 Who This Episode Is For:
    • Executives who are successful on paper but running on fumes
    • Professionals recovering from burnout, overfunctioning, or toxic leadership
    • Women ready to lead on their terms—with boundaries, clarity, and presence
    • Anyone asking: Is there a better way to lead? (Yes. It’s JOY.)

    📩 Want to Go Deeper?
    • Explore the neuroscience + business case for joy: Start with Shawn Achor’s The Happiness Advantage or Gallup’s data on engagement.
    • Join Lori’s world for more insight on joyful, human-centered leadership: → Instagram | LinkedIn
    • Book a Discovery Call to work with Lori: loripine.com

    🎧 Subscribe to The Joy CEO Podcast

    ⭐️ Leave a 5-star review if this episode hit home

    📲 Share it with a leader who’s craving more meaning (and less burnout)

    18 min
  • The Soft Skills That Shape Strong Leaders with Dr. Susan Dean
    Episode 3 — The Soft Skills That Shape Strong Leaders with Dr. Susan Dean

    Summary:

    In this vulnerable and wisdom-packed conversation, Lori sits down with Dr. Susan Dean—an executive operations leader, educator, and researcher—to explore the leadership moments that shaped her. From running teams of 200+ to picking blueberries on a conveyor belt in 100-degree heat, Dr. Dean shares what she’s learned about leading people with empathy, structure, and presence.

    This episode isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about who you become as you rise, and how your past (including your pain) can sharpen your leadership superpowers.

    If you’re navigating big responsibilities and want to lead with heart, not burnout—this episode is for you.


    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    Soft Skills = Strong Leadership

    • Dr. Dean’s doctoral research proves that communication, emotional regulation, and empathy aren’t “nice-to-haves”—they’re essential in the 21st-century workforce.
    • Audience follow-up→ Ask yourself: Which soft skill do I need to develop to better support my team right now?

    Make It Safe to Talk About the Problem

    • Susan uses the “Phone in the Middle” method: place the issue at the center of the conversation (literally or metaphorically) to encourage solution-focused dialogue without blame.
    • Audience follow-up→ Try this in your next team debrief: “Let’s talk about the issue—not the person.”

    Resilience Is a Skill—Not Just a Trait

    • Susan shares a powerful metaphor of falling off a cliff during trauma—and learning how to land on a ledge instead of in the water.
    • Her takeaway? Feel your emotions, take a beat, then rise with purpose.
    • Audience follow-up→ What’s your “ledge” strategy? How do you care for yourself after a setback?

    Don’t Confuse the Title with Readiness

    • It’s not about chasing the next title—it’s about learning how to make better decisions through experience, listening, and asking great questions.
    • Audience follow-up→ If you’re gunning for a bigger role, ask yourself: Am I ready to lead people—or just ready to manage tasks?

    Your Story Is Your Leadership Edge

    • Dr. Dean’s trauma shaped her empathy. Her former team of incarcerated individuals reshaped her worldview. These experiences became her legacy, not liabilities.
    • Audience follow-up→ What in your past shaped how you lead today—and how can you own it more fully?

    🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:
    • “Phone in the Middle” Approach – Susan’s framework for safe, non-defensive team debriefs.
    • Tony Burgess, PhD – Leadership trainer and mentor who influenced Susan’s cliff/ledge metaphor and resilience practice. Dr. Tony Burgess
    • Dr. Dean’s Dissertation – Soft Skills for the 21st Century Workforce (great for leaders and HR pros).
    • Her Transformative Warehouse Experience – Managing a team of formerly incarcerated workers and helping them rebuild their lives and resumes.

    ✨ Reflection Prompts:
    • What’s one mistake you’ve made as a leader—and what did it teach you?
    • Are you managing performance… or mentoring people?
    • Where could you lead more with your team instead of above them?

    🧠 Who This Episode Is For:
    • Executives and managers responsible for large teams
    • HR leaders looking to improve engagement and communication
    • Women navigating leadership with heart after hardship
    • Professionals curious about trauma-informed leadership or resilience strategies

    📩 Want to Go Deeper?
    • Download Dr. Dean’s Published Research
    • Try the “Phone in the Middle” technique at your next team post-mortem or performance review
    • Follow Lori on LinkedIn to continue the conversation
    • Book a Leadership Strategy Call with Lori: loripine.com

    🎧 Subscribe to The Joy CEO Podcast

    ⭐️ Leave a review to help other heart-centered leaders find the show

    📲 Share this episode with someone who’s navigating pressure and wants to do it with more grace

    52 min
  • What I’d Tell My 25-Year-Old Self About Career, Control & Joy
    Episode 2 — What I’d Tell My 25-Year-Old Self About Career, Control & Joy

    Summary:

    Ever wish you could go back and give your younger self a little advice—the kind that saves you from burnout, confusion, and running in circles trying to prove yourself? In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the three most powerful lessons I’ve learned in my career—ones I wish someone had told me 20 years ago.

    If you're navigating a transition, questioning your path, or just tired of doing all the right things and still feeling stuck, this episode is for you.

    Spoiler: success isn’t just about doing great work—it’s about alignment, visibility, and creating a life that doesn’t revolve entirely around your title.

    ⏱️ Episode Highlights + Time Stamps:

    [3:30] Lesson #1: Let Go of the Illusion of Control

    I introduce my "Hula Hoop Theory"—a simple but powerful exercise to help you focus on what’s really yours to carry. If you’ve been spinning your wheels trying to control everything (and everyone), this one’s for you.

    🔁 Try it: Step into a real or imaginary hula hoop. What’s inside your circle of control today?

    [8:20] Lesson #2: Great Work Isn’t Always Enough

    This one hits hard: you can be the best at what you do and still be overlooked. We talk about why visibility matters as much as competence—and how to stop waiting to be discovered.

    🎯 Try it: Draft 2–3 soundbite-worthy statements about your wins. Practice saying them out loud. Make it easy for others to champion you.

    [13:00] Lesson #3: Expand Beyond Work

    Tunnel vision on your job will burn you out and bore you. I share what I wish I’d done to stay more grounded, more joyful, and more me—even when work felt all-consuming.

    🎨 Try it: Revisit a hobby, sport, or cause you used to love. Ask yourself: is it time to bring it back?

    ✨ Reflection Prompts:

    • What are you gripping that’s outside your hula hoop?
    • Are you waiting to be discovered—or are you showing up visibly?
    • What could bring more meaning outside of work?

    💬 Mentioned in the Episode:

    • Hula Hoop Theory – my go-to framework for focus and boundaries
    • Hard truth: Promotions don’t always go to the most competent—they go to the most visible
    • My own story: I wish I’d stuck with tennis across my many moves

    👀 Who This Episode Is For:

    • Mid-career professionals feeling unseen or underestimated
    • Emerging leaders who want to rise without losing themselves
    • High achievers ready to build a fulfilling life, not just a resume

    📩 Want to Go Deeper?

    • Try the Hula Hoop Exercise with your team or on your own
    • Post your 3 lessons for your younger self and tag me @loripine
    • Book a 1:1 Coaching Call: loripine.com

    🎧 Subscribe to The Joy CEO Podcast

    ⭐️ Leave a 5-star review and a comment if this episode resonated with you—it helps more than you know.

    📲 Share with someone who’s ready to rise—with clarity, courage, and JOY

    13 min

About The JOY CEO

From the publisher's feed

The Joy CEO is the podcast for high-achieving professionals who are done chasing titles and tired of playing by outdated leadership rules. Hosted by former corporate VP turned Executive Coach Lori Pine, this show is your invitation to redefine success—and lead with more clarity, confidence, and joy.