Evolve: A New Era of Leadership Carolyn Swora

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I am joined by Vicky Smith, a senior consultant at Working Well in the UK. We delve into the vital topics of wellness and psychological safety in the workplace, exploring what leaders can do to create environments where employees can truly thrive.
Vicky Smith, Senior Consultant at WorkingWell, is passionate about sharing her knowledge and has more than 20 years of consulting, coaching, facilitation and training experience in locations across the globe. She holds an MSc in Organisation Development and Consultancy, an MSc in Psychology and an MSc in Applied Health and Exercise. She is working through a PhD, researching psychological safety in organizations, and is also a qualified NLP trainer, psychotherapist, and executive coach.
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:
The Importance of Psychological Safety: Vicky discusses the concept of psychological safety, emphasizing the need for trust within teams and the challenges faced when extending this trust outside the immediate team environment.


Building Trust and Authenticity: Insights into practical strategies for fostering trust and authenticity among team members, and the role leaders play in setting the tone for open, honest communication.


Overcoming Workplace Pressure: The conversation highlights the intense pressure in modern workplaces, exacerbated by the pandemic, and how this impacts employee well-being and organizational culture.


Creating Supportive Systems: Vicky explains the necessity of systemic changes within organizations to support psychological safety, rather than placing the burden solely on individuals to become more resilient.


Practical Steps for Leaders: Vicky shares practical models and steps from her book, "Brave New Leader," to help leaders create psychologically safe environments and enhance team performance.

We talk about:
00:00 Intro
04:17 Understanding Psychological Safety
07:43 Building Trust and Team Dynamics
11:57 The Impact of Workplace Pressure
23:12 Navigating Power Dynamics in Teams
34:43 The Five C's of Psychological Safety
36:33 Practical Examples and Final Thoughts
38:00 Vicki's Book and Final Questions


#PsychologicalSafety #Leadership #Wellbeing #TrustInTheWorkplace #BraveNewLeader

Connect with Vicky
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickysmith121/ 
Website: https://www.workingwell.co.uk/ 

Connect with me
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/
Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/
Contact: media@carolynswora.com 

How can leaders effectively support their employees through the profound and often challenging experiences of grief? In this episode, Sarah Hines joins me in exploring how organizations can better handle grief in the workplace and the transformative impact it can have on both employees and leaders.
Sarah Hines has spent over two decades serving those at the end of life and supporting many in their journey with grief. Her compassionate approach is built upon three fundamental beliefs: grief is how we honour what we love, that death belongs in the hands of love, and that community care is imperative for humanity to thrive.
She has integrated her life experience with multiple facets of learnings, certifications and training including Grief Coaching, Deathcaring, Trauma & Mental Health Certifications, IFS Therapy and Somatic Practitioner Training, and over 20 years as a corporate consultant. 
In 2019, she founded Grief Advocacy. A National grief care organization that supports leaders and their teams through grief and loss. Sarah comes to us with one mission to help us cultivate a relationship with our grief so that we can live inside our passion, purpose and legacy as compassionate leaders.
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:
The Intersection of Sales and Grief Work: Sarah discusses her journey from a corporate sales career to founding griefadvocacy.com, merging her professional skills with her passion for grief support.


Grief Literacy and Inclusivity: The importance of developing grief literacy in leadership and creating inclusive environments where employees feel supported during their grief experiences.


Empathy vs. Compassion in Leadership: Sarah emphasizes the distinction between empathy and compassion, advocating for leaders to hold space for their team's emotions without absorbing the energy, thus fostering a supportive yet sustainable leadership approach.


Actionable Leadership Strategies: Practical advice for leaders on how to manage their own grief while leading, including setting boundaries, redistributing tasks, and creating a culture of trust and belonging.


Creating Safe Spaces: Techniques for leaders to create safe spaces for employees to express their grief, including recording meetings and sending supportive messages to those on bereavement leave.


Ambiguous and Anticipatory Grief: Discussion on the nuanced forms of grief, such as ambiguous loss and anticipatory grief, and how they manifest in both personal and professional settings.


Compassionate Leadership Practices: The importance of leaders practicing self-care, leaning back to witness rather than fix problems, and fostering an environment where emotions are acknowledged and respected.

We talk about:
00:00 Intro
02:53 The Birth of Grief Advocacy
05:58 Impact of COVID-19 on Grief Advocacy
10:50 Defining and Understanding Grief
23:18 The Impact of Societal Stress on Mental Health
38:13 Leadership and Self-Awareness
39:47 Daily Routines and Emotional Regulation
44:12 Final Thoughts and Reflections


#GriefInTheWorkplace #CompassionateLeadership #GriefLiteracy #SupportiveLeadership #EmbracingVulnerability

Connect with Sarah
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahahines
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahahines  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefadvocacy 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griefadvocacy 
Website: www.griefadvocacy.com 

Connect with me
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/
Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/
Contact: media@carolynswora.com 
 

As leaders, are we truly the CEO of our own boardroom, or are we letting external and internal forces dictate our behavior? This profound question formed the crux of a recent conversation with Dana Skaggs who has worked with many leaders in her practice, Dana Skaggs is a licensed psychotherapist known as "The Queen of Boundaries" with 16 years of experience in private practice, specializing in anxiety and trauma work. She serves as a board member for the Intermountain Psychological Association and frequently appears as a guest on ABC-affiliate WJHL Daytime Tri-Cities, where she discusses the emotional aspects of everyday problems.
Dana has contributed to the article “Second Opinions: How You Can Leverage Mindset to Change Behaviour” in the journal “A Plus” from the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is a regular contributor to “The Maverick Paradox Magazine.” She also hosts the podcast "Phoenix and Flame," which is globally ranked in the top 5%, and provides online Boundary courses and coaching.
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:
Understanding Boundaries: Dana emphasizes that boundaries are crucial for self-management and effective leadership. They help individuals take responsibility for their own thoughts, feelings, and actions while allowing others to do the same. 📏


People-Pleasing: Dana discusses the common issue of people-pleasing and how it often leads to unnecessary stress and emotional turmoil. She highlights the importance of recognizing and stepping away from this behavior. 🚫


The Boardroom Analogy: Dana introduces the concept of the internal boardroom, where different parts of oneself are acknowledged and managed by the 'CEO' part, helping maintain control during challenging interactions. 🏢


The Hook Visualization: She provides a visualization technique to avoid getting 'hooked' by provocative comments or situations, maintaining emotional composure and focus. 🎣


Handling Hard Conversations: Dana shares strategies for approaching difficult conversations with calm and clarity, ensuring they are productive and respectful. 🗣️


The Boomerang Effect: She explains the 'boomerang' effect of unresolved issues that return as intrusive thoughts and how addressing them directly can prevent emotional outbursts and build trust. 🪃


Trust and Boundaries: The conversation ties into Brene Brown's BRAVING trust framework, emphasizing how boundaries are fundamental to building trust in leadership and teamwork. 🤝

We talk about:
00:00 Intro
02:42 Understanding Boundaries at Work
04:05 The Concept of People Pleasing
07:52 Managing Emotional Responses
10:25 The Boardroom Technique
18:53 Practical Steps for Setting Boundaries
21:38 Understanding Emotional Triggers
25:13 The Boomerang Effect
27:35 Building Trust Through Boundaries


#Boundaries #Leadership #Trust #EmotionalIntelligence

Connect with Dana
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabskaggs/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dana.b.skaggs/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dana.b.skaggs 
Website: https://danaskaggs.com 
Enter "100off" in the coupon section of her 8-week group course to get $100 off the price!

Connect with me
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/
Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/
Contact: media@carolynswora.com 
 

In this episode of Evolve, we dive deep into the unconventional yet profoundly impactful realm of polyvagal theory and felt sense with renowned psychotherapist Jan Winhall. Leaders might wonder what insights a seasoned trauma and addiction therapist could offer to the leadership arena, but Jan bridges the gap between mental health and effective leadership. By exploring how our physiological states influence decision-making and interpersonal relationships, Jan provides leaders with innovative tools to foster a more resilient, empathetic, and productive work environment. Tune in to discover how understanding and applying the principles of polyvagal theory and felt sense can revolutionize your leadership approach and elevate your team's performance.
Jan Winhall, based in Toronto, is an educational partner and course developer with the Polyvagal Institute and an adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto. She offers a training program based on her book, "Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model." Jan's work integrates polyvagal theory and felt sense, providing a practical approach to understanding and enhancing our physiological and psychological safety.
 
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:
Polyvagal Theory Explained: Jan provides insight about polyvagal theory, describing it as the science of safety, and explains how understanding this can help leaders create safer, more supportive environments. 🌱


Felt Sense Model: Jan introduces the felt sense model, a way to access and understand the information our bodies provide, which is crucial for effective decision-making and leadership. 🌟


Leadership and Safety: The conversation highlights the importance of physiological safety in leadership, emphasizing that true safety encompasses both psychological and physiological aspects. 🛡️


Practical Applications: Jan shares practical steps for leaders to incorporate these concepts into their daily practices, enhancing both their well-being and the well-being of their teams. 🧘‍♂️

We talk about:
00:00 Intro
02:07 Meet Jan Winhall: Author and Psychotherapist
03:09 Understanding Felt Sense and Leadership
06:38 The Role of the Vagus Nerve
14:21 Polyvagal Theory in the Workplace
20:33 Creating Safe and Supportive Environments
28:00 Focusing Techniques for Leaders
29:28 Identifying and Addressing Internal Issues
30:06 Exploring Physical Sensations and Emotions
30:40 The Power of Co-Regulation
31:16 Resonating with Felt Sense
40:13 Understanding the Intervening Variable
41:22 Practical Applications and Final Thoughts
44:37 Closing Remarks and Reflections


🌈 Closing Thoughts:
This episode with Jan Winhall offers an exploration of polyvagal theory and felt sense, providing valuable insights for leaders seeking to create safer and more effective work environments. Jan’s expertise and practical advice encourages leaders to embrace the wisdom of their bodies and foster a culture of safety and support within their organizations.
#PolyvagalTheory #FeltSense #Leadership #PhysiologicalSafety #TraumaInformedLeadership #EvolveLeadership

Connect with Jan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-winhall-6a0a2314/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janwinhall/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janwinhallcommunity 
Website: https://janwinhall.com/ 
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JanWinhall 

Connect with me
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/
Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/
Contact: media@carolynswora.com 
 

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Michael Allison, an educational partner with the Polyvagal Instituteory. Michael shares his profound insights on the application of polyvagal theory to enhance leadership and performance, iMichael's unique approach helps leaders and individuals achieve peak performance by consciously controlling their physiology. With extensive experience working with athletes and business leaders, Michael's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to elevate their performance and leadership effectiveness.
As mentioned, Michael is an educational partner with Polyvagal Institute and Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. (originator of Polyvagal Theory) leading the development and delivery of a Polyvagal-informed Certificate for Health, Wellness & Performance Coaches accredited by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaches. 
His unique application of Polyvagal Theory to performance endorsed by Dr. Porges – The Play Zone – provides a paradigm shifting methodology to optimize control of our performance through skillful and conscious control of our physiology. 
Michael consults with professional, collegiate and high performing coaches, teams, organizations, athletes and performers in a variety of disciplines, as well as schools, executive coaches, business leaders and corporate teams.
He is a Health & Performance Coach, Personal Trainer, Medical Exercise Specialist, Post Rehab Specialist and Certified Oxygen Advantage Breathwork Instructor, and the author of SMARTER Coaching, a certificated behavior change course accredited by the American Council on Exercise. In addition, Michael is a certificated ILS Safe & Sound Provider / Remote Provider and Focus System Training Provider.
 
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:
Understanding Physiology: Michael explains the crucial role of physiology in influencing behavior and performance. He emphasizes how our internal state impacts our interactions and effectiveness as leaders. 🧠💪


The Play Zone: Introducing the concept of the "play zone," Michael describes how achieving a state of play can enhance creativity, collaboration, and overall performance. 🎮🌟


Polyvagal Theory in Practice: Insights into how polyvagal theory can be applied in both athletic and corporate settings to improve performance through better regulation of the nervous system. 🏃‍♂️🏢


Importance of Safety: Michael discusses the significance of creating an environment of physiological and psychological safety to foster trust, belonging, and optimal performance. 🛡️🤝


Navigating Different States: An exploration of the performance hierarchy, detailing the predictable physiological states we go through and how to manage them effectively. 🔄🧘‍♂️

We talk about:
00:00 Intro
02:04 Understanding Physiology and Performance
06:15 The Role of Physiology in Leadership and Business
15:43 Navigating Physiological States in High-Stress Situations
24:25 Recognizing and Managing Physiological Responses
29:32 Introduction to Neuroception
30:03 Understanding Neuroception
33:12 The Role of Neuroception in Leadership
33:54 Building Awareness and Skills
37:12 Practical Applications for Leaders
39:06 The Importance of Psychological and Physiological Safety
43:06 Strategies for Team Resilience
55:25 Closing Thoughts and Resources


🌈 Closing Thoughts:
This episode with Michael Allison provides a deep dive into the transformative power of polyvagal theory and its application in leadership and performance. Michael's insights offer a fresh perspective on how to harness our physiology to become more effective leaders and individuals. 
#PolyvagalTheory #Leadership #Performance #Physiology #PlayZone
 
Connect with Michael
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-allison-smarter/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playzonepro/ 
Blog: https://www.

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Elena Armijo, a former opera singer turned executive coach. Elena shares her profound insights on performance, leadership, and the importance of somatic awareness in high-stakes environments.
Elena's journey from traveling the world as an opera singer to becoming a leadership coach is inspiring. She discusses how her background in music has given her a unique foundation for her current work, emphasizing the discipline, rigor, and deep connection with the body that singing required. These skills have seamlessly transitioned into her coaching practice, where she helps high performers and leaders navigate their professional journeys with authenticity and awareness.
Elena is not only an accomplished singer but also a passionate advocate for bringing somatic awareness into leadership. Through her coaching, she guides leaders to reconnect with their bodies, fostering intuition and presence in high-pressure situations. Her work emphasizes the importance of preparation, not just for performances but for leadership roles as well.
Elena Armijo, Master Certified Coach (MCC), Founder and CEO of The C-Suite Collective, and Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator has a strong track record of supporting clients and organizations in creating impact, culture shifts and leadership development. Her unique ability to identify common patterns while generating new awareness and re-invention leaves clients with the ability to make stronger choices, clearer decisions and powerful steps toward their desired outcomes. Elena offers in-depth and customized executive programs for high performers who are at the top of their respective fields – from CEOs of leading businesses to professional athletes, policy-focused individuals, entertainers, and artists, and more. Partnering with Elena, these clients have created and achieved the professional and personal impact in the world they once perceived unattainable. As a former leader and trainer with Accomplishment Coaching© and CHIEF Core Guide Facilitator, Elena continues to expand her work with teams across the world.  Elena also hosts the podcast The Collective Corner.
She was inspired to become an Executive and Leadership Coach through her work as a professional opera singer. Drawn to work with ambitious top performers like herself, she realized she could bring unique insight to the coaching business after spending many years “on the other side of the table.” Elena’s ten-year career in opera spanned across the globe and included work with many prestigious opera companies as well as performances at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Elena holds a B.M. of Music Education from New Mexico State University and an M.M. in Vocal Performance from the University of Washington.
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:
The Role of Performance in Leadership: Elena explores the parallels between performing on stage and leading in the boardroom, highlighting the common traits of discipline, preparation, and presence. 🎭


Somatic Awareness in Leadership: Elena delves into the concept of somatic awareness, explaining how being in tune with one's body can enhance leadership effectiveness and decision-making. 🧠


Navigating Fear: Insights into how Elena has made friends with fear, using it as an alert system rather than letting it drive her actions, both in her singing career and in her coaching practice. 🔥


Building and Repairing Containers: The importance of creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive space for dialogue and growth, and having a process for repairing when agreements are broken. 🛠️


Belonging vs. Fitting In: Elena discusses the difference between these concepts and the impact of creating a culture of true belonging in organizations. 🌍


Challenges of Modern Leadership: The conversation touches on the evolving nature of leadership and the heightened need for connection and community in toda