Leadership & Learning w/Dr. JBT

Dr. Jamie Brownlee-Turgeon

Welcome to the Leadership and Learning podcast with Dr. JBT, where we dive deep into the art of leadership for emerging and advancing leaders. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, this podcast is your go-to resource. We'll explore real-world scenarios, actionable solutions, and expert advice, with insights drawn from Jamie's own experiences and interviews with seasoned leaders. If you're serious about growing as a leader, you've come to the right place.

  1. FEB 5

    Episode 40: Anatomy of Change

    In this episode of Leadership & Learning with Dr. JBT, Dr. Jamie Brownlee-Turgeon reflects on an early leadership experience that reshaped how she understands change. What began as a seemingly simple workflow adjustment—changing how a team managed a shared email inbox—quickly unraveled into confusion, frustration, and resistance. The logic of the change was sound, but the outcome was not. Why? Because change doesn't fail at implementation. It fails when leaders underestimate readiness. Drawing on the Anatomy of Change model, this episode explores the human side of change leadership and why even small shifts can provoke big emotional responses. Listeners are guided through five foundational conditions that must be present for change to succeed—not as a checklist, but as lived experiences that shape how people respond to uncertainty. In this episode, you'll explore: Why all change, big or small, creates emotional disruption How confusion, anxiety, frustration, and false starts signal missing readiness The five conditions people need to move through change successfully: A clear sense of direction Confidence in their ability to succeed Understanding the personal benefits of the change Adequate support and resources A clear, shared path forward Why readiness is relational, not procedural How leaders can prepare people for change rather than pushing change onto them Key takeaway: Successful change is not something leaders announce. It's something they prepare people for—intentionally, patiently, and humanely. This episode is a follow-up to conversations on leading change and offers a critical reminder: the pace of change is set not by strategy, but by people. Reflection question for leaders: Before launching your next change initiative, ask yourself: Am I assuming readiness because I feel ready or have I truly prepared my people for what's coming?

    8 min
  2. JAN 20

    Episode 38: Interview with Sharon Ayala - Leading Change Part 1

    Leading Change Through Listening: Building Trust, Buy-In, and Collaboration Special Guest: Sharon Ayala, Vice President for Marketing, Abilene Christian University Change rarely fails because of strategy. It fails because of misalignment, lack of trust, and leaders moving too fast without truly listening. In this episode of Leadership & Learning, Dr. JBT sits down with Sharon Ayala, Vice President for Marketing at Abilene Christian University, to explore what it really takes to lead meaningful change, especially when that change extends beyond your own department. Sharon brings deep experience leading teams through disruption and transformation, reimagining marketing not simply as a service function, but as a driver of institutional momentum, influence, and growth. Throughout the conversation, she shares how clarity of vision, intentional listening, and cross-functional collaboration become essential leadership tools when the path forward is still emerging. Together, they unpack what it looks like to: Gain buy-in from stakeholders outside your direct authority by building shared understanding rather than pushing agendas Create a collaborative mindset across departments with competing priorities Build trust with your own team by listening deeply both to what is said and what remains unspoken Identify the root problem before jumping to solutions, especially in moments of tension or resistance Lead change with confidence, even when outcomes are not yet fully defined This episode is a powerful reminder that listening is not passive; it is one of the most strategic acts of leadership. When leaders slow down to listen well, they create clarity, alignment, and the conditions for others to move forward with confidence. Whether you are leading a department, stepping into a new role, or navigating institutional change that requires influence across boundaries, this conversation offers practical insight and grounded wisdom for leading change that lasts. 🎧 Listen in and reflect: How often do you pause to truly listen before you lead?

    24 min
  3. JAN 13

    Episode 37: The Habits that Hold Leaders Back

    Book Recommendation: What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith In this episode of Leadership & Learning with Dr. JBT, I explore key insights from What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith—a powerful reminder that the behaviors that helped us rise as leaders can quietly limit our impact at the next level. Rather than focusing on competence or credentials, this conversation centers on behavioral awareness, relational impact, and the discipline of leadership growth. A Few Behaviors That Often Hold Leaders Back Below highlights a few of the 20 behaviors that frequently surface at senior levels: Winning too much – when collaboration turns into competition Adding too much value – unintentionally shutting down others by always jumping in first Failing to listen – listening to respond instead of listening to understand Withholding recognition – assuming appreciation is implied rather than expressed Refusing to apologize – protecting ego at the expense of trust These behaviors are rarely intentional—and often invisible to the leader—but they have a cumulative effect on culture, engagement, and trust. A Simple Framework for Reflection and Growth Awareness alone is not enough. In this episode, I introduce a practical framework leaders can use to move from insight to action: Notice the pattern – identify when and where the behavior shows up Understand the cost – shift from intent to impact Choose one behavior to work on – focus creates momentum Replace, don't just remove – intentionally practice a new behavior Leadership growth at this level is not about adding more skills; it's about letting go of habits that no longer serve. Reflection Question What is one behavior that once helped you succeed but may now be limiting your leadership impact?

    15 min
  4. JAN 6

    Episode 36: Reflecting Forward: Who I Was and Who I Am Becoming

    As leaders, we often measure growth by outcomes - titles, achievements, and wins we can point to. But real leadership growth rarely feels linear. More often, it happens in the uncomfortable space between who we were and who we are becoming. In this reflective year-end episode, Dr. JBT introduces the practice of reflecting forward—looking back with honesty, not to dwell, but to learn and lead with greater intention. Drawing from a year shaped by personal loss, professional headwinds, and meaningful leadership lessons, she explores how vulnerability, trust, and discomfort can become catalysts for growth rather than signs of failure. This episode invites you to pause, reflect, and consider how the experiences of the past year are shaping the leader you are becoming next. Reflecting Forward: A Leadership Framework Use these questions to guide your own year-end reflection or to prompt conversation with your team: Who was I as a leader at the beginning of this year? What strengths did I rely on the most? What moments stretched me the most—and what did they reveal about my leadership? Where did discomfort signal growth rather than failure? What leadership habits or instincts no longer serve me? Who am I becoming as a leader—and what behaviors must align with that future? Whether you're closing out a challenging year or preparing for a season of change ahead, this episode will help you reflect with purpose and move forward with clarity. Reflection Question: Who are you becoming as a leader and are your daily choices aligned with that future?

    12 min
  5. 12/16/2025

    Episode 35: The Courage to Curate Curiosity - Transformational Leadership Part 2

    In this episode of Leadership & Learning with Dr. JBT, we unpack one of the four "I's" of transformational leadership: Intellectual Stimulation. This practice isn't about proving you're the smartest person in the room; it's about creating the environment where the best thinking can emerge. When leaders dominate conversations or rush to provide answers, teams quickly retreat. Ideas fade. Innovation slows. And people stop taking ownership because they assume the leader already has the "right" solution. But when leaders shift from "I must know" to "We will figure this out together," everything changes: engagement rises, confidence grows, and teams begin to think more boldly. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to cultivate curiosity, welcome experimentation, and normalize learning through trial and error. You'll hear real stories of team members developing their own solutions, discovering better processes, and gaining clarity not because they were told what to do but because they were empowered to think. We discuss how leaders can: Ask better questions that unlock deeper thinking Invite ideas early, rather than after decisions are made Celebrate effort and experimentation, not just perfect outcomes Model curiosity by admitting you don't have all the answers Respond to new ideas in ways that encourage more of them These small shifts create psychological safety and help build a culture where people are willing to try, refine, and grow. Intellectual Stimulation isn't about expertise — it's about empowerment. It's about strengthening the thinkers on your team, not just the doers. Reflection Question: When was the last time you said, "That's a great idea — let's try it"? If it's been a while, this episode will help you reignite curiosity and multiply the intelligence around you. If today's message resonated, share the episode with a colleague or someone you mentor. Let's keep building leaders who create environments where curiosity thrives and excellence follows. Leadership & Learning with Dr. JBT

    11 min
  6. 12/12/2025

    Episode 34: The Four Forces of Transformational Leadership

    In this episode of Leadership & Learning with Dr. JBT, we explore one of the most powerful frameworks for elevating leadership beyond task management — The Four I's of Transformational Leadership: Idealized Influence, Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation, and Individualized Consideration. If you've ever wondered how to inspire deeper commitment, strengthen culture, or fuel real change, these Four I's offer a practical roadmap for doing just that. What We Cover How Idealized Influence helps leaders model the behaviors they want to see Why Inspirational Motivation connects everyday work to purpose, hope, and shared vision How Intellectual Stimulation builds a culture of curiosity, innovation, and safe experimentation Why Individualized Consideration is essential for coaching, developing, and caring for people as individuals Key Takeaway Transformational leadership isn't about doing more; it's about leading with intention. When leaders model their values, share the "why," encourage new ideas, and invest in people, they create meaningful culture shifts that last. Your Leadership Challenge This Week Choose one of the Four I's to intentionally practice: Model → Inspire → Stretch → Care If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague or someone you mentor. Let's keep growing leaders who lead with purpose and create impact that endures. Subscribe, review, and stay connected — Leadership & Learning with Dr. JBT.

    9 min

About

Welcome to the Leadership and Learning podcast with Dr. JBT, where we dive deep into the art of leadership for emerging and advancing leaders. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, this podcast is your go-to resource. We'll explore real-world scenarios, actionable solutions, and expert advice, with insights drawn from Jamie's own experiences and interviews with seasoned leaders. If you're serious about growing as a leader, you've come to the right place.