Drama Free Teams | Trauma-Informed Leadership for High-Performing Teams

Annie Campanile, PhD
  • 5.0 (37)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Your team's smart. But managing the personalities, politics, and pressure of leadership? That’s a whole other story. If you’re constantly putting out fires, struggling to get buy-in, or avoiding difficult conversations to keep the peace, Drama Free Teams is your new secret weapon. Hosted by trauma-informed executive coach Dr. Annie Campanile, PhD, this podcast helps emotionally intelligent leaders stop second-guessing what to say, and start leading conversations that create clarity, accountability, and connection. Dr. Annie has helped hundreds of leaders build high-performing teams and step into the C-suite without people-pleasing, second-guessing themselves, or getting derailed by drama at work, and in every episode, she’s handing you psychology-backed insights and straightforward tools you can put to work right away to become the kind of leader people authentically trust, respect, and want to follow. Ready to become a great leader, known for clear, confident, and compassionate leadership—at work, at home, and in every area of your life? Hit PLAY and let’s begin.

  1. JAN 28

    30. How to Support Your Team Without Absorbing Their Stress

    Many compassionate leaders assume that feeling drained is just part of the job. That if you care deeply, especially in the middle of ongoing stress and drama at work, you’re going to take other people’s emotions home with you. Stephanie believed that too, until supporting her team started to erode her work-life balance and her confidence as a leader. She wasn’t lacking skill or commitment. She was leading with care, but without the trauma-informed leadership tools that help you stay present without absorbing everything around you. In this episode, I share the shift that helped her strengthen her executive presence without hardening or pulling away. You’ll learn the “Be a Bowl, Not a Sponge” exercise, a simple, practical approach I’ve used for over 20 years in leadership coaching to help people set healthy boundaries at work while remaining calm, supportive, and clear. So if you want to lead with compassion, reduce drama at work, and support your team without carrying it all yourself, hit play and let’s get into it. 🎧 Hit PLAY and let’s get started. You’ll learn: Why your mind might be tricking you into thinking your team’s stress is your ownA simple visualization technique that helps you protect your energy in real timeHow to lead with compassion without taking responsibility for everyone else’s emotionsWhy emotional intelligence in leadership hinges on knowing what to hold  and what to release Free Resource Mentioned in this Episode 4 Steps to Healthy Boundaries (From Exhaustion to Authentic Power) 1:00 – The Empathy Trap: Why compassionate leaders take on emotions that aren’t theirs 2:00 – Mirror Neurons & Leadership Stress: Why your body reacts so strongly when others are upset 4:10 – Leadership Burnout in Real Life: A healthcare leader on the verge of quitting 6:00 – Be a Bowl, Not a Sponge: A trauma-informed tool to stay grounded during emotional conversations 10:45 – Regulated Leadership: How staying grounded protects you from burnout and helps your team feel safer 🧘‍♀️ ACTIVITY FROM THIS EPISODE: 1. Imagine a bowl you love to look at or hold. 2. Imagine it being big enough to fill your lap. 3. Imagine the other person's words & emotions going into the bowl (not into you). 4. After the conversation, imagine pouring the contents of the bowl out.  5. Remind yourself there will be others to support that person (it doesn't all have to come from you). 💡 ANOTHER EPISODE YOU'LL LOVE: How to Give Honest Feedback - Without Starting A Fight Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Click here to send me a message. More Resources for You: Explore Dr. Annie's Executive Coaching Program Get The Drama-Free Feedback Toolkit so you can deliver clear feedback that drives real change. Download your free guide: Executive Presence Starter Kit Connect with Dr. Annie online: LINKEDIN | WEBSITE Love this show? Say thanks with a 5 star rating or a positive review. ©Ⓟ 2025 Annie Campanile, LLC. All rights reserved.

    13 min

  2. 12/14/2025

    29. What’s Really Driving Conflict on Your Team (And Why Many Leaders Miss It)

    You’ve been told that if conflict keeps happening on your team, the solution is better communication, clearer expectations, or another “hard conversation.” But when those things don’t work and the same conflict keeps disrupting the team, it’s usually because you’re trying to solve the wrong problem. In this episode, I reveal the four hidden drivers behind drama at work and explain why so many capable leaders miss them, especially in high-pressure environments like healthcare, where the stakes are high. I also share a real healthcare leadership story that shows how years of unresolved conflict were resolved in just 90 minutes—not through disciplinary action or new policies, but through a trauma-informed approach that addressed what was really driving the drama. So if you’re tired of revisiting the same issues, getting derailed by interpersonal conflict, or wondering why professionals can’t seem to resolve their own disagreements, hit play. 0:00 – Why conflict is natural (and why drama is optional) 3:10 – The Communication Iceberg: what leaders focus on—and what they miss 6:45 – The four drivers behind every conflict 10:20 – Why assumptions quietly escalate tension on teams 15:05 – How unexpressed wants and unmet needs create resentment 18:40 – A real OR leadership story: resolving six years of conflict 27:10 – How to start addressing the real issue without making things worse Resources mentioned 👉 The Drama-Free Communication Iceberg (free download)Share this episode If this episode helped you see conflict differently, share it with a colleague or leader who’s stuck managing the same issues over and over again. Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Click here to send me a message. More Resources for You: Explore Dr. Annie's Executive Coaching Program Get The Drama-Free Feedback Toolkit so you can deliver clear feedback that drives real change. Download your free guide: Executive Presence Starter Kit Connect with Dr. Annie online: LINKEDIN | WEBSITE Love this show? Say thanks with a 5 star rating or a positive review. ©Ⓟ 2025 Annie Campanile, LLC. All rights reserved.

    24 min

  3. 11/05/2025

    28. When Authenticity Backfires: What Leaders Need to Know About Being Real at Work

    Many women leaders want to show up authentically at work—honest, open, and confident—but it doesn’t always feel safe to do that. You’ve been told to “be yourself,” but also to “be strong,” “be professional,” and “don’t be too emotional.” It’s confusing. How can you be both a compassionate leader and a strong leader without being misunderstood? In this episode, I unpack what happens when authenticity backfires, why strong communicators sometimes get labeled as intimidating, and how to tell the difference between your authentic self and your defensive self. You’ll also learn a simple somatic practice to calm your nervous system so you can lead with authentic confidence, clarity, and calm authority, even when the pressure’s on. What You’ll Learn The hidden reason authenticity sometimes gets misread as aggression or coldnessWhy your nervous system—not your personality—determines how authentic you can be under stressHow to recognize when you’re leading from your defensive self instead of your authentic selfA simple grounding practice (the Sunshine Exercise) to shift from survival mode to calm presenceHow to rebuild trust with colleagues when your good intentions have been misunderstoodKey Quotes “Your authentic self is who you are when you’re open, honest, and not in survival mode.” “We can’t help others feel safe with us if we don’t feel safe in our own body.” “Authenticity isn’t about being unfiltered—it’s about being untriggered.” ⏱️ Top Moments from This Episode [02:00] – When strong communication becomes self-protection Why some confident, capable women leaders get labeled as intimidating—and how the fight response can disguise itself as leadership strength. [03:00] – Defining your authentic self Dr. Annie’s simple definition that changes everything: Your authentic self is who you are when you’re not in survival mode. [08:00] – The body-based truth about leadership You can’t be authentic from a defensive nervous system. Learn why regulating your body—not just your mindset—is the real key to executive presence. [09:00] – The Sunshine Exercise A calming practice you can use before high-stakes meetings or difficult conversations to shift from survival mode to calm, grounded authority. Resources Mentioned Free Masterclass: Executive Presence for Authentic Leaders  Learn practical tools to project calm authority without intimidationOther Episodes You'll Love Ep 19: When Cutting Off Feels Safer Than Speaking UpEp 21: What No One Tells You About Healthy Boundaries at WorkHave a question you'd like answered on the show? Click here to send me a message. More Resources for You: Explore Dr. Annie's Executive Coaching Program Get The Drama-Free Feedback Toolkit so you can deliver clear feedback that drives real change. Download your free guide: Executive Presence Starter Kit Connect with Dr. Annie online: LINKEDIN | WEBSITE Love this show? Say thanks with a 5 star rating or a positive review. ©Ⓟ 2025 Annie Campanile, LLC. All rights reserved.

    13 min

  4. 10/08/2025

    27. How New Leaders Can Build Trust & Stability from Day 1 (without the Drama)

    “Hit the ground running” sounds like smart advice — until it makes you stumble. The drive to prove yourself can backfire, especially when you’re inheriting someone else’s team or stepping into unresolved tension. That urgency to show results can undermine your credibility before you even realize it. In this episode, I’ll show you three hidden traps new leaders fall into — like enforcing accountability before you’ve observed behavior yourself, skipping your own skill-building, and taking responsibility for everyone’s happiness — and what to do instead. You’ll learn how to set healthy boundaries (up, down, and across), steady your nervous system when pressure hits, and earn respect without getting pulled into drama. If you want to feel grounded, communicate clearly, and lead with strength from day one, hit play. 00:00 — How the pressure to be liked shapes your communication under stress03:00 — Trap #1: Holding people accountable before you’ve observed their behavior (and the boundary to set with your boss)09:00 — Trap #2: Skipping your own leadership education (simple ways to level up fast)10:10 — Trap #3: Taking responsibility for your team’s happiness (the mindset shift that changes everything)14:30 — Quick recap: three traps to avoid and what to do instead15:10 — Resource: Executive Presence Starter KitEpisode Links: FREE: Executive Presence Starter KitBook: Your First Leadership JobBook: The First 90 DaysBook: Managing Transitions: Making the Most of ChangeOther Episodes You'll Love 19. The Surprising Reason Praise Doesn’t Boost Your Confidence as a Leader (and the Simple Shift That Will)Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Click here to send me a message. More Resources for You: Explore Dr. Annie's Executive Coaching Program Get The Drama-Free Feedback Toolkit so you can deliver clear feedback that drives real change. Download your free guide: Executive Presence Starter Kit Connect with Dr. Annie online: LINKEDIN | WEBSITE Love this show? Say thanks with a 5 star rating or a positive review. ©Ⓟ 2025 Annie Campanile, LLC. All rights reserved.

    16 min

  5. 09/10/2025

    26. Is Your Employee Ready to Lead Their Peers? Here’s How to Tell

    You’re ready to promote a strong performer into leadership—but how do you know if they’re really prepared to lead their peers? In this episode, I share an unusual interview technique that goes beyond resumes and past performance to reveal how each candidate will actually show up as a leader in front of their former coworkers. You’ll hear how one manager used this exact process to choose the right supervisor for a struggling team and why skipping this step can lead to resistance, resentment, and months of unnecessary drama at work. You’ll also walk away with a simple three-step structure you can use to promote from within with confidence, prepare new leaders to guide their teams through change, and build trust from day one.  So if you’ve ever worried about promoting the wrong person, or wondered how to know if a candidate is truly ready to lead, hit play and let’s dive in. 0:00 – The Hidden Risk of Promoting a Peer Into Leadership  0:45 – How to Spot the #1 Mistake Leaders Make When Promoting from Within 1:30 – The Simple Interview Technique That Reveals Who’s Truly Ready to Lead A Team Through Change 5:10 – A 3-Step Process to Evaluate Internal Candidates Fairly (and Win Team Buy-In) 7:30 – How to Save Months of Time, Build Trust, and Set Your New Leader Up for Success For step-by-step instructions: Grab your FREE Peer to Leader Interview GuideOther Episodes You'll Love: The Unexpected Cure for Burnout (You Can Do in 10 Seconds)Breakdown to Breakthrough: Reclaiming Yourself in LeadershipHave a question you'd like answered on the show? Click here to send me a message. More Resources for You: Explore Dr. Annie's Executive Coaching Program Get The Drama-Free Feedback Toolkit so you can deliver clear feedback that drives real change. Download your free guide: Executive Presence Starter Kit Connect with Dr. Annie online: LINKEDIN | WEBSITE Love this show? Say thanks with a 5 star rating or a positive review. ©Ⓟ 2025 Annie Campanile, LLC. All rights reserved.

    9 min

  6. 08/06/2025

    25. The Surprising Reason Praise Doesn’t Boost Your Confidence as a Leader (and the Simple Shift That Will)

    You get praised for your work. You show up for your team. You go the extra mile. So why does it still feel like… it’s never enough? That’s the question "Pamela," a high-performing senior leader, brought to our coaching session. Her team was thriving, her project had just earned company-wide praise… and yet she felt deflated. Doubtful. Disconnected from any real sense of accomplishment. If you’ve ever found yourself downplaying your success, brushing off compliments, or pushing harder when your body’s begging you to rest—this episode is for you. In this trauma-informed coaching moment, Dr. Annie Campanile shares the simple, science-backed practice she used to help Pamela quiet her inner critic, reconnect with her body, and finally believe: I am doing enough. Hit play and experience the shift for yourself. ⏱️ What You’ll Hear: 1:45 — Why high-achieving leaders feel like they’re never doing enough 3:00 — A nervous system grounding practice you can try in real time 4:45 — The mindset shift that quiets self-doubt without forcing positivity 10:15 — How this one shift changes how you lead, relate, and restore energy 💬 Want support applying this shift in your leadership? Explore 1:1 trauma-informed leadership coaching with Dr. Annie → anniecampanile.com Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Click here to send me a message. More Resources for You: Explore Dr. Annie's Executive Coaching Program Get The Drama-Free Feedback Toolkit so you can deliver clear feedback that drives real change. Download your free guide: Executive Presence Starter Kit Connect with Dr. Annie online: LINKEDIN | WEBSITE Love this show? Say thanks with a 5 star rating or a positive review. ©Ⓟ 2025 Annie Campanile, LLC. All rights reserved.

    12 min

  7. 07/09/2025

    24. Compassionate Leadership Without the Burnout: Be a Bowl, Not a Sponge

    Trying to support your team without burning out? You might be missing one key trauma-informed leadership skill. You care about your people. You want them to feel safe coming to you with their concerns. But every time someone shares their stress, anger, or worry with you, you walk away feeling drained — and take their stress home with you. It feels like you have to choose: Be a compassionate leader OR Protect your energy. That’s exactly the dilemma "Stephanie," a dedicated healthcare leader, faced. She was exhausted from managing constant drama at work. She was emotionally fried and on the verge of quitting leadership altogether. In this episode, I share the powerful “Be a Bowl, Not a Sponge” exercise — a simple, trauma-informed leadership tool I’ve used for more than 20 years. It’s helped hundreds of leaders (including me!) stay grounded, centered, and present, even in the middle of emotional storms. If you want to lead with emotional intelligence and support your team without absorbing their stress, this episode will show you how. 🎧 Hit PLAY and let’s get started. You’ll learn: Why your mind might be tricking you into thinking your team’s stress is your ownA creative visualization technique that helps you protect your energy in real timeHow to lead with compassion without taking responsibility for everyone else’s emotionsWhy emotional intelligence in leadership hinges on knowing what to hold — and what to release💼 Want more help building a drama-free team that gets along—and gets results? Apply for on-air leadership coaching here (spots are limited). 0:56 – The Empathy Trap: Why Leaders Take On Emotions That Aren’t Theirs 2:15 – Mirror Neurons, The surprising reason your body reacts so strongly when others are upset—and what to do about it. 5:10 – Real-Life Burnout: A Leader on the Verge of Quitting 7:00 – Be a Bowl, Not a Sponge: The Tool That Changes Everything A simple exercise to help you stay clear, calm, and present during emotional conversations. 10:45 – How staying grounded helps your team feel safer—and keeps you from burning out. 🧘‍♀️ ACTIVITY FROM THIS EPISODE: 1. Imagine a bowl you love. 2. Make it big. 3. Let their words & emotions pour into the bowl. 4. Empty the bowl. 5. Let go with intention. 💡 ANOTHER EPISODE YOU'LL LOVE: How to Give Honest Feedback - Without Starting A Fight Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Click here to send me a message. More Resources for You: Explore Dr. Annie's Executive Coaching Program Get The Drama-Free Feedback Toolkit so you can deliver clear feedback that drives real change. Download your free guide: Executive Presence Starter Kit Connect with Dr. Annie online: LINKEDIN | WEBSITE Love this show? Say thanks with a 5 star rating or a positive review. ©Ⓟ 2025 Annie Campanile, LLC. All rights reserved.

    13 min

  8. 07/08/2025

    Welcome to Drama Free Teams

    Are you constantly absorbing your team’s stress, replaying difficult conversations in your head, or holding back in meetings just to keep the peace? If this sounds like you, you might be carrying the invisible weight of drama at work, and this podcast is for you. Hi, I’m Dr. Annie Campanile, trauma-informed executive coach and former healthcare director. On Drama Free Teams, we go deeper than communication tips. We unpack the invisible dynamics that create drama at work and give you psychology-backed tools to lead with confidence, clarity, and connection (even during conflict). Because leadership doesn't have to mean absorbing everyone’s stress, second-guessing every word, or sacrificing your work-life balance just to keep your team and your boss happy. Each month, you’ll learn how to: Navigate difficult conversations with confidenceSet healthy boundaries at work without guiltBuild executive presence without having to “toughen up”Lead with compassionate and authentic leadership (not power plays)And stop choosing between being liked and being respectedSubscribe to Drama Free Teams on your favorite podcast platform. If you're ready to become a great leader, known for clear, confident, and compassionate leadership, click FOLLOW and let’s get you and your team thriving. Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Click here to send me a message. More Resources for You: Explore Dr. Annie's Executive Coaching Program Get The Drama-Free Feedback Toolkit so you can deliver clear feedback that drives real change. Download your free guide: Executive Presence Starter Kit Connect with Dr. Annie online: LINKEDIN | WEBSITE Love this show? Say thanks with a 5 star rating or a positive review. ©Ⓟ 2025 Annie Campanile, LLC. All rights reserved.

    1 min
See All (31)

5
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

Your team's smart. But managing the personalities, politics, and pressure of leadership? That’s a whole other story. If you’re constantly putting out fires, struggling to get buy-in, or avoiding difficult conversations to keep the peace, Drama Free Teams is your new secret weapon. Hosted by trauma-informed executive coach Dr. Annie Campanile, PhD, this podcast helps emotionally intelligent leaders stop second-guessing what to say, and start leading conversations that create clarity, accountability, and connection. Dr. Annie has helped hundreds of leaders build high-performing teams and step into the C-suite without people-pleasing, second-guessing themselves, or getting derailed by drama at work, and in every episode, she’s handing you psychology-backed insights and straightforward tools you can put to work right away to become the kind of leader people authentically trust, respect, and want to follow. Ready to become a great leader, known for clear, confident, and compassionate leadership—at work, at home, and in every area of your life? Hit PLAY and let’s begin.

Information