In this episode of The People Playbook, Coach Cora speaks with high-performing leader Maryland from Wisconsin about navigating the constant tension between ambitious career goals, family commitments, and personal faith. Together, they explore how to prevent burnout by aligning daily behaviors with core values and implementing small, intentional routines—like family walks and targeted spiritual content—to replenish your energy and stay grounded.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this non-profit spotlight episode of The People Playbook, host Coach Cora speaks with Teri Diaz from the Northside Education Foundation to explore how community partnerships drive success across San Antonio's largest school district. They discuss the vital role of foundation grants, upcoming giving campaigns, and the Six Pillars of Character in empowering teachers and shaping future leaders.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The People Playbook, Coach Cora reveals how workplace drama erodes trust and drains productivity through the reactive roles of the Drama Triangle. She breaks down the Empowerment Dynamic framework, providing three vital questions to help leaders shift out of toxic patterns and transform into strategic Creators, Challengers, and Coaches.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this live coaching session, Coach Cora sits down with risk management leader Debbie Clark to discuss how to navigate fast promotions, under-equipped managers, and low accountability driven by a fear of employee turnover. Together, they explore practical strategies to shift away from frustrating problem-dumping and the workplace drama triangle toward collaborative, outcome-focused conversations that build leadership alignment.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The People Playbook, host Coach Cora explores why listening breaks down in workplace leadership, arguing that miscommunication stems from differences in what people pay attention to rather than a simple lack of effort. She breaks down the five core listening styles—discerning, comprehensive, evaluative, empathic, and appreciative—and provides practical tools for leaders to adapt their style to give speakers what they actually need to feel heard.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The People Playbook, Coach Cora hosts live "just-in-time" coaching with HR consultant Shae Noble to navigate the turbulent waters of conflicting organizational priorities and executive misalignment. Coach Cora guides listeners through shifting from a reactive "fixer" or "victim" mindset toward self-regulation and strategic curiosity, offering practical advice on how to realign key stakeholders around shared long-term outcomes.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this educational edition of The People Playbook, Coach Cora breaks down why promoting strong individual contributors without proper leadership training leads to high turnover—and how to fix it. Focusing on the foundational skill of self-awareness, she explores how the DISC behavioral model serves as a practical leadership tool and a common language for teams to improve communication, build trust, and handle conflict productively.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having a great idea or a solid solution is only half the battle—how you deliver it determines whether people lean in or shut down. In this episode of The People Playbook, Coach Cora sits down with HR professional and volunteer leader Dawn Cunningham for a live, just-in-time coaching session on effective communication and influence.

Together, they dive into why good intentions often meet resistance, how to shift people out of emotional states and into critical thinking, and how asking purpose-driven, reflective questions can turn potential conflict into genuine collaboration.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a new leader steps in, even the most structured teams can experience a ripple effect of uncertainty. How do you stay focused on your performance metrics and maintain momentum when the expectations around you seem to be shifting?

In this episode of The People Playbook, Coach Cora sits down with guest Tracey James, an instructional design professional from Joint Base San Antonio. Together, they break down practical strategies for leading yourself through organizational change.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to a brand-new chapter of The People Playbook! In this solo episode, Coach Cora introduces an exciting new format for the show: moving forward, listeners will get a front-row seat to live, just-in-time coaching sessions featuring real professionals navigating everyday workplace hurdles like accountability, trust, and team dynamics.

To set the foundation for these future coaching conversations, Coach Cora breaks down one of the most practical leadership frameworks available: Situational Self-Leadership. She explains how workplace frustration grows when leaders guess what their team needs and employees mask their uncertainties. By shifting away from "good vs. bad" labels, this model empowers individual performers to take ownership of their own growth and development.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.