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Ever feel like your inbox is a novel and your day is a string of tiny decisions that drain the joy out of leading? We dig into a practical way forward: using AI to cut noise, spark ideas, and protect your judgment. Not to replace your voice—only to amplify it. From summarizing walls of text into crisp actions to turning messy thoughts into structured plans, we share specific prompts, ethical boundaries, and everyday wins that make leadership lighter and your work more creative.

We start by reframing AI as a collaborator. Adoption is moving fast and skill half-lives are shrinking, so leaders need tools that save time without outsourcing relationships. You’ll hear how to set clear guardrails—no AI writing personal notes or full reviews—while still using it to refine tone, tighten language, and check clarity. We also get real about cognitive overload and decision fatigue, and how switching perspectives in your prompts (like “explain this to a four-year-old” or “challenge my assumptions”) exposes blind spots and reveals simpler paths to action.

Then we get concrete. We show how one listener used AI to tame overlong emails and coach a manager toward simpler communication. We walk through building a reusable prompt library, using meeting transcripts to draft proposals, and turning AI into a sounding board that pushes your thinking beyond the obvious. Outside of work, we highlight meal planning that produces menus, shopping lists, and prep steps in minutes, plus travel logistics that turn complex trips into doable itineraries. Throughout, we emphasize authenticity: never paste AI text blindly; edit for truth, tone, and relevance so your message still feels like you.

If you want less busywork and more headspace for strategy and people, this conversation is your map. Subscribe, share with a colleague who’s curious about AI, and leave a review with the prompt you want us to build next.

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A messy, beautiful October turned into a bigger move: adding Rhonda as our new co‑host and doubling down on leadership that feels human, not performative. We open the door to our coffee-table conversations and invite you into a space where creativity, neuroscience, and lived experience meet practical tools you can use right away.

Rhonda brings a joy-driven approach to transformation that rejects rigid change management and embraces experimentation, play, and presence. Together, we unpack everyday creativity—not as painting or perfection, but as the act of connecting unlikely ideas, testing quickly, and learning in public. We dive into neuroaesthetics and why aesthetic experiences like music, movement, and museums can regulate stress, boost attention, and strengthen emotional intelligence. From social prescribing to team rituals, we explore how leaders can design environments that reduce burnout and spark better thinking, especially in a world reshaped by AI.

We also talk openly about imposter feelings, burnout from corporate life, and the courage to share the messy middle. Leadership shows up at home, in friend groups, on panels, and at work—far beyond job titles. You’ll hear about mirror believers, the people who reflect your energy and help you keep momentum, and how to build a personal board of directors that includes cheerleaders, challengers, and truth-tellers. The goal is simple: curate the circle that lifts you, protect your energy, and choose actions that leave others better than you found them.

If you’ve ever felt “not creative” or boxed out by formal leadership, this conversation gives you language, evidence, and small steps to move forward. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge, and tell us what you want us to dig into next—we’re shaping this journey with you.

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The way we finish the year decides how we start the next. Instead of coasting through December and losing a month of momentum, we walk through a clear, practical strategy for treating quarter four as the bridge to a stronger quarter one. We share the leadership moves that matter most right now: set a focused rallying cry, narrow your must-do list, celebrate wins early and often, and support your team with real flexibility and thoughtful boundaries through the holidays.

We dig into the nuts and bolts of planning early—running retreats in October, reviewing data and lessons learned, and locking Q1 priorities and owners before calendars flip. You’ll hear why clarity beats busyness, how to avoid the mid-December to mid-January stall, and what it looks like to communicate priorities so people return in January ready to execute. We explore recognition as a performance tool, mental health check-ins as a leadership habit, and the role of intentional scheduling to protect energy without sacrificing results.

On the personal side, we talk boundaries, energy management, and reflection: sleep, movement, and nutrition that keep leaders steady under stress; saying no to make room for deep work and real rest; and deciding which “priorities” to finally release. You’ll leave with simple homework that shifts focus from tasks to impact, helps you recognize the right people at the right time, and plants at least one seed of Q1 momentum before the year ends. If this conversation sparks an idea or gives you a useful tool, share it with a colleague, hit follow, and leave a quick review—then tell us: what’s your rallying cry for Q4?

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Ever wonder what happens when a leader intentionally designs workplace culture instead of letting it evolve by chance? Mark Stewart, President and CEO of Agriculture Future of America (AFA), reveals the transformative power of "culture by design, not by default" in this enlightening conversation.

Mark's leadership journey began with closed doors that ultimately guided him to his purpose. "The reason I am where I am today is because of at least two or three doors that were shut," he reflects, offering a refreshing perspective on professional setbacks as redirections rather than rejections. This philosophy has shaped his approach to developing both organizational culture and future leaders.

The heart of our discussion explores how Mark revolutionized AFA's culture through qualitative research with team members, identifying frustrations and desired behaviors. Rather than settling for abstract "values," he implemented action-oriented "lived behaviors" reinforced through regular recognition and celebration. This systematic approach ensures culture remains active rather than merely aspirational—a blueprint any organization can follow.

We dive deep into what truly motivates Generation Z professionals. Beyond the stereotypical desire for rapid advancement, Mark suggests they simply need visible growth pathways: "They have the drive and ambition. They just need help understanding what the pathway could look like." Organizations that invest in showing these developmental progressions gain significant advantages in talent retention.

The conversation culminates with a passionate discussion about helping young people discover suitable career paths earlier, particularly in agriculture where perception often doesn't match exciting reality. Mark's insights reveal how industries, educational institutions, and organizations like AFA can create experiential learning opportunities that showcase diverse career possibilities before students make significant educational investments.

Whether you're building organizational culture, managing diverse generations, or helping others navigate career pathways, this episode offers practical wisdom for creating environments where leadership flourishes. Listen now and discover how intentional approaches to culture and development can transform your organization.

Learn more about Agriculture Future of America at https://www.agfuture.org/

Connect with Mark at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-stewart-86958b9/

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Welcome back to Season 3 of the Path to Leadership! After an extended summer break filled with family transitions, academic pursuits, and professional growth, we're excited to dive into new leadership insights.

• Moving into the "wonderful chaos era" as empty nesters while both children pursue their educational journeys
• Returning to school at 49 to pursue an MBA with a focus on data science, addressing gaps in business knowledge
• Launching "Leadership on Course," a program connecting golf strategy with leadership development
• Highlighting recent research on middle manager challenges, including lack of confidence and purpose alignment
• Introducing the Leaders Catalyst Index, a tool measuring culture, competence, relatedness, and autonomy in organizations
• Previewing upcoming episodes featuring guest conversations about generations, leadership, and AI

Thank you for listening to the Path to Leadership. Please subscribe, leave reviews, and share what topics you'd like to hear in future episodes. Contact me at katiervin.com to learn more about the Leaders Catalyst Index.

Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/

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Summer often calls us to pause and realign our priorities, which is exactly why I'm announcing a brief hiatus from "The Path to Leadership" podcast. Despite the momentum from recent episodes on authenticity and overnight success that sparked meaningful conversations, this intentional break allows me to focus on significant personal and professional developments.

Family transitions take center stage as my son prepares to begin his journey as an airplane mechanic and my daughter intensifies her golf training through summer tournaments. Meanwhile, my own relationship with golf has evolved from casual family activity to a passionate pursuit that offers both physical benefits and profound mental challenges. Through leagues, the Driving Pursuits women's network, and various tournaments, I'm discovering powerful parallels between golf and leadership development—so much so that I've created a professional workshop exploring how our behavior on the course mirrors our approach to career obstacles.

Professionally, Catalyst Development celebrates its third anniversary as we expand our leadership programs. I'm currently midway through a year-long leaders program while launching two corporate cohorts with customized formats. Speaking engagements across Kansas and Missouri on generations, self-management, and leadership principles keep my calendar full. Throughout it all, my guiding word remains "cultivate"—intentionally nurturing relationships by being fully present, taking better care of myself (including shedding 15 pounds), and developing strategic business partnerships that create value for all involved.

When the podcast returns on August 1st, I'll bring fresh perspectives from this period of intentional growth. Until then, I encourage you to revisit earlier episodes or connect with me directly about your own leadership journey. How might a strategic pause help you move forward more effectively in your own path to leadership?

Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/

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Measure what matters. Lead with purpose. Take the LEADERs Catalyst Index: https://katieervin.com/catalyst-score/

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Have you ever watched someone seemingly burst onto the scene out of nowhere and wondered, "How did they get so successful so fast?" The truth is far more complex and fascinating than what meets the eye.

Success isn't a sudden event but a culmination of years—sometimes decades—of consistent work, learning, failures, and resilience that happened quietly behind the scenes. Drawing from my own 26-year journey before starting Catalyst Development, I pull back the curtain on what truly builds sustainable achievement and authentic leadership.

We're living in a world dominated by carefully curated highlight reels. Social media shows the promotions, awards, and celebrations, but rarely reveals the late nights, rejections, and struggles that preceded them. Add to this our natural cognitive tendency toward recency bias—our brain's preference for what we've just noticed—and we get a completely distorted picture of how success actually unfolds.

The most valuable growth happens not in the spotlight but in the shadows: through missteps that teach us what doesn't work, through unexpected detours that connect us with vital people and opportunities, and through the patience of cultivating deep roots before anything visibly sprouts. Just like plants that grow strongest when their foundation is solid, leadership capacity develops through nurturing and time—not through shortcuts or pretending to have all the answers.

What would change if we started celebrating our progress rather than chasing perfection? What if we shared the unfiltered stories of our journeys rather than just the highlight reels? When we embrace authenticity in our paths to leadership, we not only honor our own growth but create permission for others to do the same.

Ready to reframe your understanding of success and leadership? Join me in abandoning the "overnight success" myth and instead valuing the beautiful, messy, nonlinear path that actually builds true leaders. Share your journey—both triumphs and struggles—and discover how your authentic story becomes your greatest strength.

Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/

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Measure what matters. Lead with purpose. Take the LEADERs Catalyst Index: https://katieervin.com/catalyst-score/

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"Fake it till you make it" might be one of the most damaging pieces of advice ever offered to aspiring leaders. This simple phrase sets us up for imposter syndrome, erodes our authenticity, and creates an exhausting façade that eventually crumbles under pressure. But what's the alternative?

Drawing from years of leadership experience, I offer a powerful reframe: "Learn it till you earn it." This approach celebrates curiosity over pretense, growth over performance, and authenticity over imitation. When we embrace learning openly, we not only build genuine skills and confidence but also create psychological safety for those around us. Real leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking better questions and committing to growth.

The episode also tackles the comparison trap that plagues so many professionals. As Theodore Roosevelt wisely noted, "Comparison is the thief of joy," and nowhere is this more evident than in leadership development. We measure our complete, messy reality against others' carefully curated highlight reels, forgetting that everyone's path is unique. Success looks different for each person, and trying to copy someone else's journey is a losing game. Instead, discover practical strategies for defining success on your terms, tracking your progress, surrounding yourself with supporters rather than detractors, and embracing your authentic leadership style.

Your path to leadership is yours alone—that's what makes it powerful. You don't need to pretend to be someone else to be an effective leader. In fact, your unique combination of experiences, perspectives, and values is precisely what will make your leadership impactful. Take a moment this week to reflect: Where have you been faking it? What would it look like to shift into authentic learning mode instead? What small step can you take today to move forward as your true self?

Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/

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When May arrives with its blooming flowers and lengthening days, most of us face a paradox: excitement for new possibilities alongside the overwhelm of jam-packed calendars. This tension creates the perfect opportunity to revisit our approach to leadership, priorities, and self-care.

The concept of cultivation offers a powerful framework for navigating busy seasons. Just as a garden requires intentional decisions about what to plant and nurture, our lives demand thoughtful choices about where we direct our limited energy. This episode explores practical strategies for maintaining focus amid May's unique chaos—from graduation celebrations and school-year endings to work deadlines and vacation planning.

At the heart of sustainable leadership lies the courage to say no gracefully. When we clearly understand our priorities, we can align our commitments accordingly, using phrases like "I don't have the capacity right now" or "That sounds wonderful, but I cannot commit at this time." Every carefully considered "no" creates space for meaningful "yeses" that truly matter. Similarly, establishing anchor habits provides stability during turbulent times—whether it's a Friday afternoon planning routine, daily gratitude practice, or protected family dinner night.

The pressure to be everything to everyone peaks during May, but remember this essential truth: you cannot bloom if you're buried under burnout. By prioritizing self-care, creating intentional boundaries, and focusing on what truly matters, you'll navigate this season with greater clarity and purpose. Consider choosing one thing to decline and one nourishing habit to recommit to this month, balancing both pruning and cultivation for sustainable growth.

Rate the podcast five stars on your listening platform and share with anyone facing May's unique challenges. If you're seeking a speaker, workshop facilitator, or leadership development partner, visit my website to explore how we might work together during this season of growth and opportunity.

Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/

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Measure what matters. Lead with purpose. Take the LEADERs Catalyst Index: https://katieervin.com/catalyst-score/

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Ever wonder why some people always seem to have a dark cloud over their head at work? Rather than avoiding them, I've made it my mission to sit next to the grumpiest person in every room. What I've discovered might surprise you.

Behind almost every scowl and crossed arm lies a story—of being overlooked, having ideas dismissed, feeling powerless, or experiencing workplace trauma. Grumpiness isn't an identity; it's a signal. It's often easier and safer to appear annoyed than vulnerable, especially when past attempts at engagement have led to disappointment.

The magic happens when we approach these colleagues with genuine curiosity instead of judgment. "What's happening?" "How can I support you?" These simple questions can transform relationships and uncover valuable perspectives. Those grumpy teammates often see problems others miss and become your fiercest advocates when they finally feel heard and respected.

For leaders, these connections represent untapped potential. The colleagues everyone avoids could become your best problem-solvers and culture carriers once they trust again. For those who recognize themselves as "the grumpy one," remember that your current emotional state doesn't define you—it's a signal worth investigating, not a permanent home.

Through personal stories of both supporting grumpy colleagues and wrestling with my own periods of disengagement, I share practical strategies for building bridges across emotional divides. Your grumpiness might be your armor, but it doesn't have to be where you live.

Ready to transform workplace relationships? Listen now, and consider your homework: intentionally engage with someone who seems a little grumpy this week, listen without trying to fix anything, and see what unfolds.

Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/

www.jolyean.com

www.katieervin.com

Measure what matters. Lead with purpose. Take the LEADERs Catalyst Index: https://katieervin.com/catalyst-score/

Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/