Lifting Leaders Podcast

Tricia Rhine | Kristal Roberts
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Leadership Coaching & Transformation for a Better World. The Lifting Leaders Podcast is dedicated to transforming leadership for a better, more hopeful world. We believe every leader has the possibility to grow, inspire, and make lasting impact.  Through engaging conversations with experts, visionaries, and changemakers, we explore leadership growth, sustainable solutions, and the mindsets that fuel purpose-driven leadership. Each episode provides practical insights and strategies to help leaders unlock their potential, expand possibilities, and lead with hope ad courage. Whether you're guiding a team, an organization, or simply leading in your daily life, this podcast is your space to learn, reflect, and rise to the challenges of our world. Together, we elevate leader capabilities to shape a brighter, more sustainable, and hope-filled future.

  1. Sep 28

    How to Get Unstuck in the Messy Middle: 6 Practical Ways to Lead Change

    Change rarely happens in a straight line. Whether you’re leading organizational change, navigating a personal transition, or simply trying to figure out what comes next, there’s often a point where forward movement feels difficult. You know something needs to change but you’re not quite sure what to do next. Welcome to the messy middle of change. As we continue our Lead the Change journey on the Lifting Leaders Podcast, we’re taking a cue from fall. The leaves change, the weather shifts, daylight gets shorter, and we adjust, pulling out warmer clothes and preparing for what’s ahead. Change can be like that, too. Sometimes it’s expected. Sometimes it catches us by surprise. And sometimes we simply feel stuck. Inspired by our recent conversation with millennial leader, coach, and author Melissa Castro, this Gems episode explores six practical ways to get unstuck and create forward movement when change feels uncertain. We explore questions that can help shift your perspective, why taking a small action, even when you’re not sure it’s the “right” one, can create momentum, and the surprising value of stepping away, seeking another perspective, and opening yourself to new experiences. If you’re leading through change, navigating uncertainty, or feeling stuck in the messy middle, this episode offers practical leadership strategies to help you move from uncertainty toward action and discover your next step.

  2. Sep 22

    From Hope to Action: Leading Change When the Path Isn’t Clear with Melissa Castro

    What does it take to move from hoping for change to actually making it happen, especially when you can’t be certain how things will turn out? In this episode of the Lifting Leaders Podcast, Kristal Roberts sits down with Melissa Castro, author of Intrinsic Leadership, to explore what it means to turn hope into agency and take meaningful action in the face of uncertainty. Drawing from two significant changes in her own life, writing and publishing Intrinsic Leadership and moving to Costa Rica with her partner, Melissa shares what she has learned about planning, persistence, vulnerability, and having the courage to move forward before you have all the answers. Along the way, Melissa offers a powerful ziplining metaphor for change: sometimes our instinct is to grip tighter when we’re afraid, but holding on too tightly can actually stop our momentum. Leading change requires us to prepare thoughtfully, take the leap, and trust our ability to adapt along the way. Kristal and Melissa also explore the often-overlooked “messy middle” of change, the place where initial excitement has faded, the destination is still out of sight, and sustaining momentum becomes the real work. Melissa shares why trusted relationships, connection to purpose, patience, and noticing incremental progress are essential for staying the course. And when change feels especially difficult, she encourages leaders to look for “glimmers of the good,” small signs of possibility, progress, and hope that remind us that our efforts are making a difference. If you’re leading organizational change, navigating a personal transition, or simply trying to turn an idea for a better future into meaningful action, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t need certainty to move forward. You need a sense of purpose, a willingness to begin, and the persistence to keep going.

  3. Sep 14

    Lead the Change: How Leaders Turn Hope Into Action | Season 6 Premiere

    Season 6 of the Lifting Leaders Podcast is here! Kristal and Tricia are back from summer break and ready to begin a new chapter in our leadership journey: Lead the Change. But first, we’re catching up! We share a few highlights from our summer, from working in our yards and enjoying some much-needed downtime to taking day trips, exploring, and simply making space to recharge. Stepping away from our everyday routines can give us the perspective, energy, and inspiration we need to return with fresh eyes and we’re excited to be back exploring the leadership questions that matter to us and to you. In Season 5, we explored what it means to Ignite Genuine Hope and discovered that hope is more than optimism or positive thinking. Genuine hope helps us believe a better future is possible and gives us the agency, energy, and motivation to move toward it. Now we’re asking the next important question: How do we turn hope into action and lead meaningful change? Throughout Season 6, we’ll explore what it takes to lead change in organizations, teams, communities, and ourselves. How can leaders navigate uncertainty and resistance? How do we build trust and engage people through change? How do we influence systems, sustain momentum, and help people move from possibility to meaningful action? Through practical leadership insights, personal stories, and conversations with inspiring guests, we’ll explore topics including change leadership, organizational change, leadership development, employee engagement, trust, influence, resilience, agency, systems change, and sustained action. Because hope matters - but hope must move or it fades. Join us for Season 6 as we move from believing that a better future is possible to taking the actions that help create it. It’s time to Lead the Change.

  4. Aug 5

    How Great Leaders Inspire Hope During Uncertainty | 10 Practical Leadership Strategies

    As we wrap up Season Five of the Lifting Leaders Podcast, we're reflecting on one of the most important leadership questions of our time: How do leaders inspire genuine hope without ignoring reality? In this season finale, we share 10 practical leadership strategies for creating hope during uncertainty, organizational change, and challenging times. You'll learn how effective leaders build trust by telling the truth, create opportunities for meaningful action, help people reconnect to purpose, celebrate progress, and model the resilience needed to move forward together. Whether you lead an organization, a team, or simply want to have a greater positive influence on those around you, these evidence-informed leadership practices will help you foster optimism grounded in action, not wishful thinking. Throughout our Ignite Genuine Hope series, we've been inspired by extraordinary guests whose experiences reminded us that hope isn't simply a feeling, it's a leadership capability that can be cultivated every day. In this episode, we also look back on some of our favorite conversations, lessons, and memorable moments from Season Five. As we take a short August summer break, we want to thank every listener who has joined us on this journey. Your support has helped build a community of leaders committed to making workplaces, and the world, a little better. When we return for Season Six, we'll launch our new leadership series, Lead the Change, exploring how leaders transform hope into action, navigate complexity, and create lasting organizational impact. In this episode: 10 practical ways to inspire genuine hope as a leader How to build trust during uncertainty and change Why hope is a leadership skill, not simply an emotion Lessons from our favorite Season Five guests A preview of Season Six: Lead the Change Thank you for listening to the Lifting Leaders Podcast. We'll see you in September as we continue lifting leaders, and leading change, together.

  5. Jul 27

    Sometimes Hope Begins with Letting Go | A Life-Changing Lesson from the River

    What if the only way forward was to let go? In this deeply personal Spark episode of the Lifting Leaders Podcast, co-host Kristal Roberts shares, for the first time publicly, the true story of a kayaking accident that nearly claimed her life - and the profound leadership lesson she discovered beneath the surface. Pinned under a dangerous log jam and fighting against a powerful current, Kristal faced a decision that became a life-changing metaphor: continue clinging to what felt familiar or trust the current and let go. That experience transformed the way she thinks about leadership, hope, resilience, courage, trust, and navigating uncertainty. Whether you're leading through organizational change, facing a difficult life transition, or struggling to release a future that no longer exists, this episode offers a powerful reminder that genuine hope often begins where certainty ends. In this episode, you'll discover: Why letting go is sometimes the bravest leadership decision you can make. How hope grows when we release the need to control every outcome. What a near-death experience taught about resilience and choosing life. Questions every leader should ask when facing change, uncertainty, or loss. How trusting the "river" can open the door to new possibilities and a better future. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to move forward, this story will encourage you to consider a different question: Where are you still trying to swim against the current? Listen now and discover why, sometimes, the path to freedom, growth, and genuine hope begins with simply letting go.

  6. Jul 15

    Honoring the Legacy of Dr. John H. "Jack" Zenger: Timeless Leadership Lessons from a Strengths-Based Leadership Pioneer

    Some leaders leave an impression. Others leave a legacy that continues to shape leaders for generations. This week, we honor the extraordinary life and enduring impact of Dr. John H. "Jack" Zenger, who passed away on July 3, 2026, at the remarkable age of 94. A pioneering leadership expert, bestselling author, researcher, teacher, consultant, and mentor, Jack transformed the field of leadership development through his groundbreaking work on strengths-based leadership and exceptional leadership effectiveness. His ideas have influenced leaders and organizations around the world and will continue to do so for generations to come. Several years ago, we had the extraordinary privilege of spending more than an hour in conversation with Jack. True to who he was, he was generous with both his time and wisdom, sharing insights drawn from decades of research while offering a glimpse into the innovative leadership ideas he and his longtime colleague, Joseph Folkman, were just beginning to explore. What struck us most wasn't simply Jack's brilliance, it was his humility, warmth, curiosity, and genuine desire to help others become better leaders. He embodied the very leadership principles he spent his lifetime teaching. In this special tribute episode of the Lifting Leaders Podcast, we're revisiting that conversation and sharing some of our favorite moments with Jack. You'll hear timeless insights on leadership, human potential, strengths-based development, and what it means to bring out the best in others. Rather than tell you who Jack was, we'd love for you to experience him for yourself. Join us as we celebrate the life, wisdom, and enduring legacy of Dr. John H. "Jack" Zenger - a leader whose influence will continue lifting leaders for years to come.

  7. Jul 7

    How to Become a More Inspirational Leader: 8 Leadership Practices That Motivate, Influence, and Inspire | Coaches Corner

    What makes an inspirational leader? Is it charisma or is it a set of leadership skills anyone can develop? In this Coaches Corner episode of the Lifting Leaders Podcast, executive coaches Kristal Roberts and Tricia Rhine share eight practical leadership practices that can help you become a more inspirational leader, strengthen employee engagement, and create a workplace where people feel motivated, valued, and hopeful. Whether you lead a team, an organization, or simply want to increase your leadership influence, you'll learn how to: Lead with purpose instead of just process. Communicate a compelling vision that people want to be part of. Use storytelling to inspire action and create connection. Ask thought-provoking questions that unlock new possibilities. Recognize and celebrate the strengths and potential in others. Build confidence by believing in people before they believe in themselves. Inspire hope during uncertainty and organizational change. Show up with courage and authenticity when leadership matters most. If you're looking to become a more inspiring leader, improve your leadership presence, motivate your team, or develop leadership skills that create lasting impact, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can begin using immediately. In this episode, you'll discover: Why inspiration is a learnable leadership skill, not a personality trait. Eight habits of highly inspirational leaders. How hope and purpose increase trust, engagement, and performance. Practical ways to inspire greater commitment, confidence, and resilience in the people you lead. Whether you're an executive, manager, entrepreneur, coach, or emerging leader, this episode will help you lead in ways that bring out the very best in others.

  8. Jun 29

    Hope and Trust in Leadership: How Great Leaders Build High-Trust Teams | Igniting Genuine Hope

    Can a leader build trust without creating hope? Can people truly feel hopeful if they don't trust their leader? In this Lifting Leaders Podcast Spark Episode, co-host Tricia Rhine explores the powerful relationship between hope and trust in leadership and why these two qualities are essential for building high-performing teams, increasing employee engagement, and creating healthy organizational cultures. You'll learn: Why trust and hope are foundational leadership capabilities How hope influences motivation, resilience, and team performance Practical leadership behaviors that strengthen trust every day Why leading through change requires both credibility and hope Simple actions that create psychological safety and lasting influence Whether you're an executive, manager, coach, or emerging leader, this episode will help you lead with greater intention by cultivating the trust and hope your people need to thrive. Reflection Question: What is one action you can take today to strengthen trust and ignite hope for those you lead? If you're looking for practical insights on leadership development, organizational culture, employee engagement, trust-building, resilience, and hope-based leadership, this episode is for you.

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About

Leadership Coaching & Transformation for a Better World. The Lifting Leaders Podcast is dedicated to transforming leadership for a better, more hopeful world. We believe every leader has the possibility to grow, inspire, and make lasting impact.  Through engaging conversations with experts, visionaries, and changemakers, we explore leadership growth, sustainable solutions, and the mindsets that fuel purpose-driven leadership. Each episode provides practical insights and strategies to help leaders unlock their potential, expand possibilities, and lead with hope ad courage. Whether you're guiding a team, an organization, or simply leading in your daily life, this podcast is your space to learn, reflect, and rise to the challenges of our world. Together, we elevate leader capabilities to shape a brighter, more sustainable, and hope-filled future.

Information

  • Creator
    Tricia Rhine | Kristal Roberts
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©Lifting Leaders LLC
  • Show Website
    Lifting Leaders Podcast