The Well-led Podcast

Pull them close: A conversation about grief and loss

In this episode of The Comfy Chairs, host Kate Johnson welcomes Justin Clifford, CEO of bereave, for a heartfelt conversation about the critical role of workplace bereavement practices. Together, they delve into how employers can compassionately support employees navigating grief and the profound ripple effects this has on retention, productivity, and workplace culture.

Justin shares actionable insights for managers, from fostering empathy through training to crafting inclusive policies that honor modern family dynamics. He challenges leaders to rethink how they approach grief—not only as a moral imperative but as a smart business strategy. With unaddressed loss often leading to burnout and turnover, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The episode also explores the transformative power of vulnerability in leadership. Justin underscores the importance of modeling self-care and cultivating a workplace where employees feel seen and supported during life’s toughest moments. He highlights practical tools and resources to help organizations build a culture of care, reminding us that addressing grief at work isn’t just about resilience—it’s about creating a workplace that values humanity.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to shape compassionate, resilient workplaces that prioritize both people and performance.

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinclifford2/

Learn more about Bereave: https://www.bereave.io/

Additional resources mentioned during our conversation:

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Welcome to comfyHQ! New from the comfy chairs.

In this first comfyHQ installment of the comfy chairs, we’re answering some of your burning questions and introducing a new format: shorter, focused episodes packed with practical advice.

This episode explores what it means to lead with intention, offering actionable insights for leaders who want to make an impact—without overcomplicating things. If you’re looking for quick, meaningful takeaways to apply at work (or in life), this episode is for you.

Get comfy, because today we’re answering these hard questions:

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Tell me more: A conversation about curiosity and joy

What if the secret to joyful, innovative, and resilient leadership lies in a single quality—curiosity? In this episode, Kate sits down with Tatyana Sanikovich, HR consultant and executive coach, to explore how curiosity transforms leadership and team dynamics. Together, they unpack the true meaning of curiosity and offer actionable insights on how leaders can build trust, foster experimentation, and create psychological safety.

From curiosity check-ins at meetings to celebrating both successes and failures, Kate and Tatyana highlight practical strategies to integrate curiosity into everyday leadership. They also delve into the connection between curiosity and joy, explaining how embracing the unknown can spark creativity and strengthen teams.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this episode will help you embrace curiosity’s power to unlock potential in your team, your organization, and yourself.

Additional resources:

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Envision a leader: A conversation about humanity in leadership.

What if leadership wasn't about perfection but about embracing humanity? In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate Johnson sits down with Mandee Bowsmith to explore a new vision for what it means to lead. Together, they take aim at outdated leadership models and champion an approach rooted in psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and authenticity.

The conversation goes to the heart of what challenges leaders: how to foster trust, admit mistakes, and create safe environments for growth.

The episode calls on organizations to rethink their leadership development strategies and asks: How can we equip leaders to be lifelong learners and empathetic builders of culture? If you've ever questioned the systems that shape leadership today or sought a more human-centered approach, this episode will help you imagine a new kind of leadership.

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Natural to the human mind: A conversation about fear.

In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate sits down with Utkarsh, a coach and consultant, to explore fear as both a challenge and a catalyst for growth. Together, they unpack how fear shapes leadership and personal growth, from navigating rejection and failure to embracing vulnerability with resilience.

Utkarsh shares his journey of transforming fear into action and highlights the power of anchoring ourselves in personal values like growth and love. Kate reflects on the role of joy as a counterbalance to fear, offering practical insights on how leaders can cultivate courage, seek feedback with grace, and find joy in everyday moments.

This conversation delves into the cultural and societal pressures that magnify fear, the value of empathy, and how leaders can foster a growth mindset to ignite positive change. Tune in for a reflective dialogue about embracing change, staying grounded in your values, and living a life aligned with purpose and joy.

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

Additional resources about fear and/or mentioned during our conversation:

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Get ready for comfyHQ, a bite-sized series where your leadership and learning questions take center stage.

Submit your hard questions for the comfy chairs here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

Subscribe to the comfy chairs today and get ready for comfyHQ.

The work may be hard, but the chairs here are comfy.

So, be on the lookout for the first comfyHQ answers, coming January 7th.

Intended for fun: A conversation about team-building.

What does it really mean to build a high-performing team?

Spoiler: it’s not about icebreakers or quick-fix trust exercises.

In this episode of the comfy chairs, we tackle the art and architecture of team building with Jeremy LaDuke, owner of Epic Nine Marketing Outfitters. We dive into the essential mindsets and practices that help leaders create thriving teams, focusing on what truly matters: fostering one-on-one connections, celebrating successes, addressing unspoken tensions, and embracing vulnerability as leaders.

Whether you’re inheriting a team with a complex history or building one from scratch, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about team building. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on what it takes to lead teams to success!

Connect with Jeremy and learn more about this business:

Additional resources mentioned during our conversation:

Books!

Sorry, but you have to die (How the 16 personalities would communicate your execution)

A basic overview of Malcolm Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

A balance to strike: A conversation about humor at work

In this episode of the comfy chairs, host Kate Johnson sits down with Kim Minnick, an HR leader with a knack for weaving humor into the sometimes-rigid landscape of human resources. They dive into the power of humor in the workplace, exploring how it can be a bridge for connection, resilience, and even creativity in day-to-day interactions. Kim shares stories of navigating the challenging dynamics of an inherited team with limited management skills, balancing her HR responsibilities while often being the “paperwork enforcer.” She believes, though, that HR should be more than the enforcer—it should empower managers to lead effectively.

From an employee’s crusade against sugary drinks to navigating the fine line between humor and professionalism, Kim and Kate discuss the role of laughter in easing workplace tensions and fostering inclusivity. With insights on using humor to connect meaningfully and improv techniques to enhance listening and response skills, this episode offers listeners practical ways to bring lightheartedness to work while maintaining respect and empathy. Tune in to discover how humor can shift perspectives, soften hardships, and, ultimately, bring a little more humanity to the workplace.

Awesome books we mentioned:

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Opening up opportunities: A conversation about advocacy and stories.

In this episode, I am joined by Thomas Wilson, owner and CEO of R&H Creative Advocacy, to discuss the power of shared storytelling and its role in creating psychological safety and celebrating neurodiversity.

Thomas shares his passion for using sensory-friendly settings and inclusive storytelling to empower underserved communities. We unpack the mission of R&H Creative Advocacy, which focuses on advocacy through shared narratives that embrace mental health and cultural acceptance. Our conversation explores practical steps organizations can take to design event spaces and experiences that accommodate diverse sensory, physical, and emotional needs.

We also devote time to the importance of empathy in leadership and the shared responsibility we all have in building more compassionate, accessible spaces.

This episode offers valuable lessons for leaders looking to foster psychological safety and celebrate the unique perspectives within their communities.

Additional resources:

Learn more about the Employment First Initiative: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/employment-first

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

You don’t have to fake anything: A conversation about listening.

Deepen your understanding and expand your language about what works best when it comes to listening. In this episode, we focus on how to learn more about the interplay of thoughts, actions, and emotions that occur when we speak and when we listen.

With guest Bailey Massey.

Connect with Bailey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bailey-massey/

Visit her website: https://baileymasseyglobal.com/

Additional resources and information:

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay