The Well-led Podcast

What does it mean to choose your attitude as a leader?

In this episode, you’ll learn how good humor is a leadership skill rooted in choice, mindfulness, and care—not forced positivity. Through personal stories and practical tools, this conversation explores how your mood shapes your team’s experience and how to respond intentionally instead of reacting on autopilot. You’ll walk away with concrete questions and strategies to help you lead with steadiness, awareness, and humanity.

The latest companion toolkit, Leading with Empathy: Practical Techniques for Sustainable Leadership, is available now. Visit https://www.one23ltd.com/toolkits to request your free copy. When you subscribe, you’ll automatically receive future leadership tools and resources from onetwentythree ltd.

Key takeaways

Timestamps

[0:00:01–0:00:53] – A story about creating family house rules

[0:01:06–0:01:43] – Introducing “good humor” as a leadership skill

[0:01:43–0:02:06] – Welcome to the Well Led Podcast & series context

[0:02:06–0:02:49] – An accident and a decision about attitude

[0:03:08–0:03:52] – Defining “good humor” vs. simple laughter

[0:03:52–0:04:57] – Historical “four humors” explanation

[0:05:33–0:06:46] – Humor and choice-making as leadership skills

[0:06:46–0:08:06] – Managing the “lizard brain” and regaining choice

[0:08:06–0:10:02] – Reflective questions to guide your mood and behavior

[0:08:06–0:09:20] – Reflective questions to guide your mood and behavior

[0:09:20–0:11:10] – Good humor vs. toxic positivity & impact on teams

Keywords

leadership attitude, good humor in leadership, how to choose your mood, emotional regulation for leaders, toxic positivity at work, psychological safety, leadership self-awareness, fight or flight response at work, mindful leadership skills, demonstrating care as a leader

In this episode, you will learn how empathy strengthens accountability and improves performance at work. Kate Johnson explains why empathy is not leniency, how mindset shifts shape leadership behavior, and what empathetic accountability looks like in real workplace moments. You will also hear practical guidance for supporting neurodivergent employees and understanding the Double Empathy Problem, so you can lead diverse teams with clarity, trust, and measurable results.

The companion toolkit, Leading with Empathy: Practical Techniques for Sustainable Leadership, is now available from onetwentythree ltd. The worksheets are designed to help you put these ideas into practice immediately and strengthen your leadership habits. Established subscribers receive this and future leadership toolkits automatically.

Looking to learn a little more about empathy and neurodivergence? Here are a few articles to get you started:

Key Takeaways

Timestamps

[0:00:01] – Defining empathy in leadership

[0:00:26] – Recap of previous weeks on empathy

[0:01:40] – Core empathetic mindsets for leaders

[0:03:05] – Introducing the Leader’s Toolkit

[0:05:42] – Empathy and accountability connection

[0:07:20] – “Empathetic accountability” defined

[0:08:55] – Neurodivergence and empathy

[0:11:35] – The double empathy problem

[0:13:20] – Practical leadership takeaways

[0:15:25] – Closing and preview of next topic

Keywords

leadership empathy, empathetic accountability, empathy and performance, how to hold employees accountable, cognitive empathy, affective empathy, emotional intelligence at work, neurodiversity in leadership, Double Empathy Problem, improving team performance

In this episode, you will learn how to practice empathy as a leadership skill in real workplace situations. Kate Johnson is joined by Katharine Manning, author of The Empathetic Workplace, to explore what empathy actually looks like in action. They discuss how leaders can move beyond good intentions and develop practical behaviors that build trust, strengthen psychological safety, and improve performance. You will walk away with clear steps for responding to employees who are struggling, handling trauma-informed conversations at work, and building a culture where people feel seen, heard, and supported—without lowering standards or sacrificing results.

If this episode prompts you to think more deeply about trust and connection, download the current free Vulnerability and Leadership Toolkit available from onetwentythree ltd. The worksheets are designed to help you put these ideas into practice immediately and strengthen your leadership habits.

Katharine Manning is a speaker, author, and trainer who has spent more than 25 years working at the intersection of trauma and leadership—first as a DOJ attorney advising on responses to crises like the Boston Marathon bombing and the South Carolina AME Church shooting, and now as an expert and thought leader on empathy at work. Her book, The Empathetic Workplace, provides clear direction and support for leaders who want to respond to trauma on the job with compassion, calm, and confidence. Join Katharine’s text list by texting “blackbird” to 833-975-1945 for weekly messages on empathy, leadership, and taking care of ourselves as we take care of others.

Katharine Manning - Blackbird | LinkedIn 

Blackbird 

Katharine Manning 

Key takeaways

Timestamps

[0:00:05] Framing the conversation: empathy in the workplace

[0:01:43] Working definitions of empathy and empathetic leadership

[0:04:50] Empathy as a rigorous leadership skill, not a “soft” extra

[0:10:06] Shifting from theory to action: what empathy looks like day‑to‑day

[0:10:40] Practical tool #1: Regular check‑ins and psychological safety

[0:13:28] Practical tool #2: Team “vernacular” (numbers/weather) for honest check‑ins

[0:19:50] Trauma‑informed leadership and the “paper cut vs knife wound” metaphor

[0:26:01] The LASER technique introduced (Listen, Acknowledge, Share, Empower, Return)

[0:32:03] Empathy for self, vulnerability, and the “full cup spills over” idea

[0:40:30] Empathy as a risk‑management tool and closing resources for leaders

Keywords

workplace empathy, empathetic leadership, psychological safety, trauma informed workplace, leadership communication skills, cognitive empathy, affective empathy, accountability and empathy, leadership trust building, LASER method

This episode of The Well-Led Podcast: Other Voices explores what empathy really means in leadership—and why it plays a central role in building trust at work. Rather than treating empathy as a soft skill or personality trait, contributors describe it as a learned practice that requires presence, restraint, and the willingness to sit with discomfort. Through personal stories and professional reflections, this episode helps leaders understand how empathy shows up in real moments and why it changes how people experience leadership.

In this episode, contributors respond to two guiding questions: How do you define empathy? And who taught you to accept empathy from others—and how did that change your leadership? Their answers reveal that empathy is shaped by experience, strengthened through relationships, and essential to creating psychological safety without lowering expectations.

Request your copy of the Vulnerability in Leadership Toolkit.

Guest Information, listed alphabetically

Peggy Mark, Ph.D. 

In her role as executive coach and leadership consultant, Peggy leverages her expertise in healthcare leadership, organizational  learning, and nursing administration to support  executives in discovering their own unique skills as a leader.   Peggy is a lifelong student of leadership and organizational change. She finds immense joy in watching others succeed in their leadership journey. 

Peggy Mark - Break-Through, LLC | LinkedIn 

Utkarsh Narang

Utkarsh is the founder and CEO of IgnitedNeurons, a learning and development consultancy that strives to help its learners build new connections that lead to lasting change.  With an extensive background in operations and transformational coaching, he is also the host of the IgnitedNeurons podcast.

Utkarsh Narang - Executive Coach Helping Ambitious Professionals Breakthrough Stuck Careers & Inner Frustration | Ignite Life Method 

Ignited Neurons

The IgnitedNeurons Podcast - YouTube 

Angela Wale

Angela has a long reputation as an insightful and compassionate professional, leader, and colleague. She currently serves as an executive nurse leader responsible for integrating technology resources with nursing practice, professional development, education and research for a regional health system. 

Find Angela on LinkedIn 

Key takeaways

Timestamps

[0:00:00] – Kate’s introduction to the Well Led Podcast & empathy theme  

[0:01:36] – Peggy defines empathy as perspective-taking and compassionate listening  

[0:02:40] – Peggy describes her husband teaching her to accept care and vulnerability   

[0:05:54] – Utkarsh introduces himself and defines empathy as presence without control or fixing  

[0:08:10] – Utkarsh’s coaching moment: being fully seen, silence, and emotional “cracking open”  

[0:13:30] – Angela defines empathy as strengthening human connection through validation  

[0:18:20] – Angela’s leadership example: resisting the urge to fix and asking how to best support

Keywords

empathy in leadership, building trust at work, empathetic leadership, psychological safety, leadership presence, human-centered leadership, leadership vulnerability, trust at work, emotional intelligence leadership, other voices podcast

This episode introduces empathy as a core leadership competency and the second essential practice for demonstrating care. Building on the foundation of vulnerability, these Notes on Leading Well explain what empathy is, how it works in the human brain, and why leaders who practice empathy are better equipped to build trust, communicate clearly, and lead people through change.

Listeners will gain a practical understanding of affective and cognitive empathy and how intentional perspective-taking improves employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.

Additional resources to explore:

Key takeaways

Timestamps

[0:00:00] – Introduction to the Well Led Podcast & leadership premise

[0:00:35] – Recap: Vulnerability as a leadership competency

[0:01:27] – Vulnerability as relational and needing sustainability

[0:02:45] – Transition to second competency: Empathy

[0:03:39] – Working definition of empathy + two forms (affective & cognitive)

[0:04:22] – Affective empathy: “feelings about others’ feelings”

[0:05:20] – Cognitive empathy: perspective-taking & To Kill a Mockingbird example

[0:06:34] – Mirror neurons and the biology of empathy

[0:08:35] – What empathy does at work & impact on trust and change

[0:10:25] – Practicing empathy: observation exercise in a public space

Keywords

In this episode, you will learn how vulnerability strengthens leadership effectiveness. Rather than treating vulnerability as oversharing or weakness, this lesson clarifies it as a leadership competency grounded in judgment, boundaries, and self-awareness.  We translate vulnerability into observable behaviors leaders can practice immediately, outlining what it can look like in day-to-day leadership. You will leave with concrete behaviors you can apply immediately, along with strategies for managing the emotional cost of leading openly without burning out.

Download the one-page resource: Leading with Vulnerability without Burning Out

Key takeaways

Timestamps

[0:00:00] - Introduction: Vulnerability as Daily Leadership Practice

[0:01:30] - Vulnerability Cultivates Team Trust & Collaboration

[0:02:35] - Review of Previous Episodes & Need for Observable Behaviors

[0:03:30] - Listing Human Characteristics Leaders Face

[0:05:00] - Examples: Owning Emotions and Managing Illness

[0:06:40] - Tenderness Toward Teams During Difficult Times

[0:08:00] - Concrete Ways to Model Vulnerability (Mistakes, Ignorance)

[0:09:30] - Accepting Feedback and Building Diverse Teams

[0:11:52] - Managing Costs: Debriefing, Decompression, Reflection

[0:14:56] - Final Takeaways & Next Topic Preview (Empathy)

Keywords

In this episode, Kate Johnson and Peggy Mark explore vulnerability as an intentional leadership choice rather than a personality trait. Listeners will learn how openness, self-awareness, and authenticity create trust, strengthen human connection, and support healthier workplace cultures. Through personal stories and practical reflection, the conversation reframes vulnerability as bravery and a critical skill for leaders who want to lead well.

Key takeaways:

Why vulnerability is a conscious leadership decision

How openness builds trust and credibility

The role of self-awareness in effective leadership

Why vulnerability is not the same as weakness

How admitting mistakes strengthens leadership presence

The impact of authenticity on workplace culture

Navigating conflict without losing compassion

Balancing strength and softness as a leader

How vulnerability supports learning and growth

What brave leadership looks like in practice

Timestamps:

[0:00:05] Introduction to Podcast & Guest

[0:01:16] Defining Vulnerability in Leadership

[0:03:12] Self-Awareness and Leadership Starting Point

[0:05:44] Peggy’s Personal Journey to Vulnerability

[0:09:41] Affirmation of Positive Leadership Impact

[0:09:53] Story: Vulnerability During Emotional Crisis

[0:12:07] Creating Safe Spaces & Two-Way Vulnerability

[0:20:18] Balancing Vulnerability vs. Over-Sharing

[0:29:06] Fear, Boundaries, and Unpredictable Outcomes

[0:35:21] Leadership Success Story from Emergency Department

In this episode, leaders will learn why vulnerability is not a weakness but a critical leadership skill. The conversation explores how openness, honesty, and the willingness to share both successes and failures directly influence trust, psychological safety, and team performance. Listeners will gain practical insight into how vulnerable leadership improves communication, strengthens relationships, and creates environments where people feel safe to contribute fully.

Special thanks to Kim Rohrer for sharing her time and insights this week. Kim is a storyteller and connector who has dedicated her career to creating values-driven corporate cultures and innovative approaches to HR. Founder of Patchwork Portfolio, she blends her expertise and creativity to help leaders communicate with employees, customers, and communities. She shares her insights and experiences at icaretoomuch.substack.com  

You can connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimrohrer/ 

And explore her business website here: https://www.patchworkportfolio.com/

Timestamps:

[0:00:03] - Podcast Introduction & Theme Overview

[0:00:50] - Explanation of 'Other Voices' Segment

[0:01:46] - Gallup Research on Leadership & Vulnerability

[0:02:20] - Importance of Humanity in Leadership

[0:03:26] - Kim Rohr’s Introduction

[0:04:00] - Reluctance of Leaders to Show Vulnerability

[0:05:20] - Impact of Hiding Failures/Challenges at Work

[0:06:41] - Summary of Kim’s Perspective: Vulnerability’s Role in Team Dynamics

[0:06:48] - Four Inspirational Quotes on Vulnerability

[0:09:01] - Podcast Closing and Next Episode Preview

Keywords:

vulnerability in leadership, leadership trust, psychological safety, employee engagement, authentic leadership, workplace trust, leadership communication, Gallup research, innovation at work, human-centered leadership

This episode explains why vulnerability is a foundational leadership skill and how leading well begins with self-leadership, self-awareness, and the courage to be human. You’ll learn what vulnerability actually means in a leadership context, why it strengthens trust rather than weakening authority, and how leaders can practice vulnerability in practical, appropriate ways that support their teams and work.

Key takeaways

Why leadership does not require perfection

How vulnerability builds trust and credibility at work

The difference between vulnerability and oversharing in leadership

Why self-leadership and self-awareness come first

How owning mistakes strengthens leadership effectiveness

Timestamps

0:00:00 Leadership Paradox: Humanity vs. Perfection

0:01:05 Essential Leadership Mindsets Introduced

0:02:14 Self-Leadership and Vulnerability Defined

0:03:50 Story: Leadership Mistake and Vulnerability

0:07:08 Examples: Vulnerability in Practice

0:08:52 Vulnerability Enables Caring Leadership

0:09:35 Navy SEAL Story: Trust Through Vulnerability

0:11:20 Vulnerability as Bravery, Not Weakness

0:12:38 Closing: Podcast Support and Future Topics

Keywords

Looking ahead: The comfy chairs becomes The Well-Led Podcast

In this final episode of the year, Kate returns with a clear, simple update about the show’s evolution. On January 6th, the comfy chairs will officially relaunch as The Well-Led Podcast, beginning a year-long journey focused on the four essential domains of leadership: Demonstrating Care, Providing Support, Leading with Grace, and Staying Focused on Action.

Kate revisits what’s changing, what remains steady, and why this new structure matters. Listeners will hear about the monthly theme model, the “Notes on Leading Well” format, and the practical tools that will anchor each week. She also previews January’s theme—vulnerability—and how it sets the tone for leading well in the months ahead.

This episode closes the chapter on one season of the podcast and gently opens the door to what’s next. It’s a moment of gratitude, clarity, and optimism for leaders who want to step into the new year with intention.