In this episode, I talk with Dr. Alyssa DeSena, a naturopathic doctor, about finding your way when the road changes. Alyssa shares her personal struggles, career pivots, and the patience it took to find her way. We dive into how she found naturopathic medicine, built her practice despite some setbacks, and how she learned to trust where the universe was taking her. Whether you are navigating a career shift, health challenges, or life’s unknowns, Alyssa’s story is a reminder that the lows and confusions in life might also help us to find out where and who we are supposed to be.

In the very first episode of Then What?, host Patti Feeney sits down with longtime colleague and friend Anna Rogers for a vulnerable, real, and refreshingly honest conversation about identity, uncertainty, and what happens when you realize… you don’t actually know who you are.

In this episode, we explore…

What it's like to sit in a room where everyone else seems sure of themselves and you are . . . well . . . not.

How the Enneagram sparked a surprising self-exploration.

The importance of finding someone in your life who doesn’t give answers but asks the right questions.

Why we avoid conflict, and how facing it head-on becomes the path to growth.

What it means to grieve transitions that don’t involve death.

And how sometimes the best “Then What?” is … nothing. Just being still.

Whether you are in the middle of a transition or reflecting on one long past, this conversation is full of wisdom, warmth, and one very relatable Sex and the City binge.

Additional Resources:

The Enneagram

Curious about the personality framework Anna referenced? The Enneagram is a powerful tool for self-awareness and understanding how we show up in the world—especially in times of change. To learn more about the Enneagram, here are some additional resources:

The Enneagram Institute

https://www.narrativeenneagram.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/The-Enneagram-and-the-Nine-Types-Guide-2021.pdf

Personal Growth & Self-Discovery with Pat Howley

Anna talked about working with someone who did not give her answers but helped her ask the right questions. Pat Howley (who also happens to be my Dad, is primarily a personal growth facilitator. His main interest and training experiences have been focused on adult development. He has studied extensively a development process called the Enneagram; received certification in the use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Carol Pearson's The Pearson-Marr Archetype. To learn more about Pat and the work he does, visit his website: integralschoolhouse.net

And listen to one of my previous podcasts when my Lisa Leary and I had him on as a guest; The Genuine Leader Podcast https://soundcloud.com/the-genuine-leader/episode-5-part-1-of-the-mindful-leader-with-special-guest-pat-howley

In this episode of The Genuine Leader, Lisa, Patti, and guest Pat Howley delve into group mindsets, the power of self-awareness, and authentic leadership. The discussion explores the unconscious norms that shape group behavior, such as ingrained habits and expectations. Pat shares insights from Tavistock training, a method emphasizing consciousness-raising within groups by challenging norms and encouraging genuine truth-sharing. The trio reflects on the challenges leaders face when they inadvertently adopt the same negative patterns they aim to change, highlighting the importance of recognizing and breaking free from such traps.

They discuss strategies to empower leaders to create safe spaces for growth and genuine connections. They advocate for fostering curiosity, both inwardly and outwardly, as a cornerstone of authentic leadership and personal development.

In Part 1 of Episode 5 of The Genuine Leader Podcast, Patti Feeney and Lisa Leary welcome a very special guest—Patti’s father, Pat Howley. A lifelong facilitator of personal growth and development, Pat brings a wealth of insight into what it means to be a mindful leader. Together, they explore the transformative power of self-awareness, the journey from knowledge of self to true awareness, and the role of inner work in leadership. Through compelling metaphors—like dancing with our inner parts—Pat offers a fresh perspective on how leaders can embrace their full selves, navigate challenges with emotional intelligence, and create spaces of trust and psychological safety. From embracing feedback to recognizing the dance between ego and authenticity, this conversation is both thought-provoking and deeply personal. Stay tuned for Part 2 as they continue to unravel the essence of genuine leadership.

This episode explores the concept of workplace culture, emphasizing its subtle yet impactful role in shaping organizational outcomes. Hosts Patti Feeney and Lisa Leary dive into defining culture as the collective "vibe" created by shared behaviors, values, and leadership actions. They discuss how culture is demonstrated through intentional actions, trust-building, and alignment with organizational mission and values. The episode highlights the importance of connecting with the "why" behind actions, aligning leadership at all levels, and fostering environments that promote empowerment and belonging. Patti and Lisa also address the unique challenges of cultivating culture in remote work settings and provide actionable strategies for leaders to create meaningful connections and vibrant team dynamics.

In this episode, we delve into what defines genuine leadership, examining how a leader’s attitude and actions serve as both an advocate and a role model for their team. We explore the challenges of transitioning from peer to leader, the responsibility of showing up with purpose, and the importance of building trust. Through personal stories and experiences, we highlight how self-awareness, mentorship, and supporting team strengths cultivate a cohesive and motivated team dynamic. Join us as we reflect on the essence of leading authentically and creating a positive environment for both yourself and those you guide and inspire.

In this episode of the Genuine Leader podcast, we dive deep into the struggle of defining who you are in a role. Patti and Lisa explore the question, "Who should I be, and how am I supposed to act?" as they discuss the importance of bringing your true self to leadership. Lisa shares a personal story about being told to "fit in" by choosing a specific industry, which stifled her search for real purpose. Together, they emphasize the value of using assessments as clues—not definitions—to better understand yourself. They discuss the power of quiet observation and the importance of not rushing to "fix" everything, but rather learning to notice what brings you joy. This conversation is a reminder to embrace your uniqueness, stay curious, and lead with genuineness.

Audio trailer of episode 1 - 'Unmute Yourself'

In this episode of The Genuine Leader Podcast, we dive into the challenges of staying true to who we are as leaders, exploring the tension between self-acceptance and the pressure to fit in. We unpack the impact of imposter syndrome, the stories we tell ourselves about not being "good enough," and how muting our true selves harms our mental health. We discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, creating cultures of psychological safety, and allowing space for creativity, learning from mistakes, and genuine self-expression. Join us as we explore how leaders can set the stage for innovation and dynamic teams, while also reflecting on the leaders we admire and learn from.