The Rooted Leader - Minisodes for Leaders on the Go

Kathleen Wisemandle, Scientist, Experienced Leader, Leadership Coach

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The Rooted Leader Podcast is a the audio creation based on my monthly newsletter, The Root, which I began over three years ago to share meaningful, bite sized insights for leaders on the go. Each episode allows for micro learning moments to apply to your daily work with your own growth and the people you lead aspiretogrow.substack.com

Jun 26

Leader Journeys: Dr. Colleen Saringer - episode 26

Dr. Colleen Saringer on Suicide Prevention at Work, Blue-Collar Leadership, and Boundaries Trigger Alert: this podcast episode contains the topic of suicide prevention in the workplace. In this episode of the Rooted Leader Podcast’s “Leader Journey” series, the host speaks with Dr. Colleen Saringer, and her company Dr. Colleen Saringer Speaks who describes her mission to address suicide prevention in the workplace by focusing on how work risk factors—such as incivility, ostracism, and social undermining—can contribute to anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, especially in blue-collar industries like construction. She shares how her blue-collar background and her father’s work-driven suicidal crisis shaped her purpose, and discusses audience responses to her talks and the resistance leaders may have when workplace culture is identified as part of the problem. Dr. Saringer also recounts leaving corporate life after earning her PhD, navigating doubt and rejection in speaking, and maintaining strong boundaries through daily fitness, early mornings, and consistent rest, while finding joy in travel, especially Spain. Favorite podcast: A little bit Culty00:00 Leader Journeys: Dr. Colleen Saringer - a PhD00:46 Welcome01:25 Dr. Colleen and her Pivot to Save Lives04:30 The Importance of Kindness05:53 Blue Collar Wrapped in a PhD Package09:53 Few Women Keynote Speakers14:18 The Resistance to Talk About Suicide Prevention in the Workplace15:47 Her Pivot20:34 The Fears and Doubts 22:59 The Importance of boundaries for her own well-being24:32 Her Advice to Others Seeking a Change26:43 Living Part of the Year in Spain Get full access to The Rooted Leader at aspiretogrow.substack.com/subscribe
Jun 15

Leader Journeys: From Head of HR to Future Therapist with Christina McLoughlin- episode 25

From HR Leader to Counseling Student: Christina McLaughlin on Identity Shifts, Balance, and Joy Today, I share my conversation with a new friend, and fellow life-long learner and career counseling enthusiast, Christina McLoughlin. Kathleen welcomes Christina McLaughlin, an Ottawa-based bilingual senior HR leader and consultant (HR with Christina) who left her full-time role as head of HR for a large Canadian union to pursue an online master’s in counseling psychology while rebuilding her career through part-time HR consulting. Christina describes the identity opportunity of moving from expert to beginner, the grief and refocusing that followed her mother’s passing, and the role her daughter (a therapist) and husband (a later-life PhD student) played in inspiring her pivot. They discuss patience, empathy, embracing uncertainty, multicultural awareness, and the “gray” in coaching and counseling, along with fears, imposter syndrome, and the practical realities of starting a business. Christina shares advice to act before motivation, say yes to moments, set boundaries, and prioritize joy, nature, learning, and balance. Christina's favorite podcast: Talk about Talk with Dr. Andrea Wojnicki 00:00 Leader Journeys: Christina McLouglin From Head if HR to Counseling & Therapy Graduate Student01:02 Welcome01:39 Introduction: From Head of HR to Future Therapist02:51 Going back to school mid-life, mid-career04:43 A Gift from her Mother07:21 Not Taking anything for Granted08:19 Patience with12:47 No Longer Holding ourselves back as Women16:13 Flexibility and Freedom17:01 Inspired by her Adult Daughter and Husband20:16 "Never lose your joy for living" Get full access to The Rooted Leader at aspiretogrow.substack.com/subscribe
May 29

Leader Journeys: Suzanne Summers, PhD - episode 24

Suzanne Summers spent her higher education career in highly diverse institutions in Texas, Indiana, and Maryland serving as a faculty member, academic dean, Assistant Vice President for Teaching and Learning, and Chief Academic Officer. Having begun her own college career as a community college transfer student, she is deeply committed to building resilient and thriving communities by expanding educational access and completion. She is a Fellow at the Gardner Institute, a national nonprofit committed to ensuring that all students succeed. She writes regularly about organizational change in higher education and is the founder of Collective Impact by Design, a consulting and coaching firm. On our podcast episode, we discuss the impact of the Northwestern University Designing for Organizational Effectiveness Certificate (DOEC, we refer to it a lot), and how the human-centered design approach is so effective for creating efficiencies, problem-solving and innovation. Get full access to The Rooted Leader at aspiretogrow.substack.com/subscribe
May 18

Leader Journeys: the Trailer

When I started The Rooted Leader Podcast, my eventual hope was to share stories of professionals who were reconsidering what their careers looked like. Most are mid-career, led successful careers that served them and their families well, until they didn’t. And, as I was navigating my own journey away from a 30-year corporate career (one that I was VERY grateful for), I found these stories comforting. I no longer felt alone in this desire to do more, to make an impact, and to live more into my values. And, none of us are done yet! We all want to learn, create or connect. I interview these guests, my friends, to share their journeys. From the initial tug to do something different, to exploring and experimenting. So, if you might be feeling these same things, join us. I hope that you see others exploring this phase of life with more meaning and purpose. As part of The Rooted Leader podcast series, the Leader Journeys shares these interviews with amazing career shifters making the world a better place. I'm lucky to call them my friends. Join us on Substack, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or where you find your favorite podcasts! Get full access to The Rooted Leader at aspiretogrow.substack.com/subscribe
May 8

Leader Journeys: E.J. Reedy - From the Federal Reserve to Creating Catalytic Communities

E.J. Reedy on Intentional Gravity: Fellowships, Ecosystem Building, and Nonlinear Careers in Midwest Innovation Kathleen hosts E.J. Reedy, founder and CEO of Intentional Gravity and director of platform at Pace Healthcare Capital, to discuss his nonlinear career and community-building work across Midwest tech and life sciences. E.J. describes himself as a connector focused on creating “resonance” and helping people and ecosystems grow through meaningful relationships, drawing on experience across the Fed, philanthropy, VC, and startups. He shares why he left full-time employment to gain independence, move faster, and pursue creative, impact-driven work after frustration affected his health. EJ explains Intentional Gravity as creating momentum that draws people together, and outlines his cohort-based fellowships, including Beyond the Bench and AI for Leaders, plus an iterated Chicago program now called Chicago Kaleidoscope. He reflects on experimentation, accepting one’s gifts, and finding joy in his son’s volleyball season. 00:00 Leader Journeys: Combining Innovation, Tech and Art for more Meaningful Connections 01:10 Welcome: Getting to Know E.J. 10:47 The Why Behind Intentional Gravity 17:08 Exploration and Iteration 22:12 Advice for Younger Self 25:01 Joy 26:09 Lightning Round Questions 27:24 Non-negotiable & Rest Ritual Get full access to The Rooted Leader at aspiretogrow.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 24

Leader Journeys: From Sales Executive to Chaplain with Amanda Byrd

In this episode of Leader Journeys, I talk with Amanda Byrd, a former corporate sales executive turned interfaith minister, executive coach, and hospice chaplain. She offers executive coaching and counseling with a spiritual lens. Amanda shares her "non-linear" journey toward a career of more meaning and truth. She shares her experiences, her continued education to lean more into what was driving her from within, after a very successful career in sales. We talk about the doubt that surfaces as we move into a new career not defined by title nor salary. We have a little fun talking about birds, the beach and a desire to read more fun books. 00:45 Welcome 01:59 Amanda Byrd, the Experimenter 03:53 Leaving Corporate Life 08:03 Taking care to replenish 10:33 Spirituality & Chaplaincy 13:11 Finding New Support Systems 14:41 Following a Long Career of Really Hard Work 15:28 Self-doubt & Identity 19:30 Advice to Others 23:47 Experimenting to find your path Get full access to The Rooted Leader at aspiretogrow.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 10

S2, Ep 2 Leader Journeys: Sarah Brown, PhD

Kathleen Wisemandle interviews Sarah Brown, PhD, as the first guest on The Leader Journeys podcast, sharing how they met through a former community for leaders ready for a new chapter. Sarah, a school psychologist with a PhD and a two-time (soon three-time) author, describes her current threefold work: writing, speaking, and partnering closely with schools to improve outcomes by strengthening systems and supporting teachers, with a focus on ensuring all children learn to read. Her best-selling books are: * Effective Universal Instruction * MTSS for Reading Improvement She contrasts this with her prior role in educational technology and assessment, and explains her pivot was driven by valuing time differently after her father’s death, Zoom-heavy workdays, a desire for flexibility, and the need to write a book. They discuss fears about perception and steady work, boundary-setting, motivators like problem-solving and planning, inspirations and mentors, advice to treat experiences as building blocks, and Sarah’s “lightning round” preferences and non-negotiables. Get full access to The Rooted Leader at aspiretogrow.substack.com/subscribe
Mar 27

Leading with Curiosity and Empathy

Leading with Empathy and Curiosity: Human-Centered Design for a VUCA WorldKathleen Wisemandle discusses empathy as a core leadership skill and explains how human-centered design thinking—rooted in empathy and curiosity—can be applied beyond product development to process design, leadership, development conversations, and networking. She highlights IDEO and the Kelly brothers’ concept of “creative confidence,” the Stanford d.school mission, and the iterative design thinking cycle of empathizing, defining the problem, ideating, prototyping, and testing with users. In a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, curiosity helps leaders challenge assumptions and understand stakeholders’ needs, desires, and motivations, illustrated by her leadership during COVID in pharma. She shares a “seesaw” approach to connection from the “Think Fast, Talk Smart” podcast: Choose Connection Over Perfection —asking curious questions and actively listening. We end with your own personal mini coaching session with three takeaways and reflection questions to build trust, psychological safety, and stronger relationships.00:00 Design Thinking in Leadership: Leading with Empathy and Curiosity01:01 Welcome01:31 Human Centered Design Thinking03:38 Design Thinking06:55 Design Thinking in Leadership11:46 Three Takeaways:13:16 Reflection14:56 Closure15:35 Resources and Community The Rooted Leader Podcast Substack Get full access to The Rooted Leader at aspiretogrow.substack.com/subscribe

Trailer

The Rooted Leader Podcast, Trailer

We’re all moving at the speed of light in our personal and professional lives, and that’s why I wanted to create the Rooted Leader, minisodes of Leadership Insights for Leaders on the Go. Welcome. I’m Kathleen Wisemandle. I’m a biochemist and former senior leader for 30 years turned organizational psychologist and leadership coach. As a leader and scientist working in the life sciences industry, I always knew I loved working with and leading people, collaborating with others to solve problems while maintaining a sense of humor and humanity. It wasn’t until I learned more about the research side of leadership that I realized many leaders don’t have access to. Mid-career. I began my journey into organizational leadership and psychology during graduate school. I knew the MBA wasn’t the path for me. For me, it was about the people and how to lead them through challenge and change. After decades in the fast-paced world of drug development, I’ve had the privilege of leading teams, supporting growing organizations, and navigating the intensity and uncertainty that come with high priority work. And along the way, I learned something important. For me, leadership isn’t just about strategy and timelines. It’s about the people and how to help them. This podcast is for leaders who want to stay grounded on navigating complexity. Leaders who care about their teams and their mission, and leaders who want to keep growing personally while developing their people Each episode pulls a topic from my Leadership newsletter, the Root, where I summarize key leadership insights of real challenges I’m seeing with my clients. With insights from organizational psychology and authentic leadership. Because leaders are busy, you’ll get simple, practical takeaways and micro actions you can use right away in your next meeting, your next conversation, or your next decision. If you value clarity, empathy, and real world leadership that actually works, you are in the right place. So whether you are on a walk, on your commute, or waiting for your child’s extracurricular activity, I want to bring you new insights to grow and practice new skills. This is the Rooted Leader where grounded leadership is anchored in empathy and authenticity. Get full access to The Rooted Leader at aspiretogrow.substack.com/subscribe

5

out of 5

5 Ratings

The Rooted Leader Podcast is a the audio creation based on my monthly newsletter, The Root, which I began over three years ago to share meaningful, bite sized insights for leaders on the go. Each episode allows for micro learning moments to apply to your daily work with your own growth and the people you lead aspiretogrow.substack.com

Creator

Kathleen Wisemandle, Scientist, Experienced Leader, Leadership Coach
Years Active

2026
Episodes

22
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Kathleen Wisemandle
Show Website

The Rooted Leader - Minisodes for Leaders on the Go