The Formation Practice

Ella R. Thompson, PhD
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement

A podcast for people navigating leadership responsibilities, work, relationships, and everyday life. Each episode offers thoughtful, practical conversations on personal growth, self-awareness, decision-making, and the experiences that shape who we become and how we lead. Grounded in scholarship and real-world experience, The Formation Practice explores what it means to lead with clarity, character, and responsibility.

  1. 2d ago

    Before We Begin

    Who are you becoming, and how much of that process are you choosing for yourself? Personal growth begins with understanding who you are, what has shaped you, and how your experiences influence the decisions you make every day. Welcome to The Formation Practice, a podcast about self-awareness, personal development, purpose, leadership, and the ongoing journey of becoming. In this introductory episode, Dr. Ella R. Thompson explores what it means to grow intentionally, recognize the patterns shaping your life, and begin examining the relationship between who you are, what you value, and how you live. Whether you're navigating a life transition, developing as a leader, reconsidering your priorities, or simply seeking greater clarity about yourself, this podcast offers thoughtful conversations and practical insights to support your personal growth. You don't have to have everything figured out to begin. You simply have to be willing to look more closely at the person you're becoming. Enjoying The Formation Practice? Help Us Keep Growing! If these conversations are helping you lead better, think differently, and grow with intention, consider becoming a monthly supporter. Your support helps us reach and equip more listeners worldwide. ❤️ Become a Monthly Supporter Your support is appreciated. Keep growing. Keep becoming. If an episode resonates with you, please feel free to connect with me! Support the show Connect with Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD: Message: Ella Thompson Website: ellarthompson.com | www.ilfr.org | www.vcc.edu Instagram: @ellarthompsonphd Threads: @ellarthompsonphd LinkedIn: Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD YouTube: Ella R. Thompson, PhD Subscribe to The Formation Practice so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with a leader in your life who is carrying weight they were never meant to carry alone. The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella Thompson, PhD is a production of Coherence Richardson Press. All rights reserved.

  2. 5d ago

    How to Manage Your Emotions Under Pressure | Emotional Intelligence for Leaders

    Pressure doesn't just test your leadership. It reveals how you manage yourself when things get difficult. Have you ever reacted to a situation and later wished you'd handled it differently? Whether you're leading a team, managing competing responsibilities, or navigating everyday challenges, learning to manage your emotions is essential to personal growth and effective leadership. In Season 2, Episode 2 of The Formation Practice, we explore emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and emotional regulation under pressure. You'll discover: Why pressure can make us more reactive, defensive, or emotionally overwhelmed.The difference between managing your emotions and suppressing them.How to recognize emotional triggers without allowing them to control your decisions.Three practical steps—Recognize, Regulate, Respond—to navigate difficult situations with greater confidence and clarity.How emotional maturity strengthens relationships, decision-making, and leadership effectiveness.You can feel deeply and still lead wisely. Whether you're an entrepreneur, educator, executive, emerging leader, or someone committed to personal development, this conversation offers practical insights for leading yourself and others with greater intention. 🎙️ The Formation Practice | Season 2: Leading Under Pressure Listen, follow, and share this episode with someone who's learning to grow through life's pressures. Keep growing. Keep becoming. Enjoying The Formation Practice? Help Us Keep Growing! If these conversations are helping you lead better, think differently, and grow with intention, consider becoming a monthly supporter. Your support helps us reach and equip more listeners worldwide. ❤️ Become a Monthly Supporter Your support is appreciated. Keep growing. Keep becoming. If an episode resonates with you, please feel free to connect with me! Support the show Connect with Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD: Message: Ella Thompson Website: ellarthompson.com | www.ilfr.org | www.vcc.edu Instagram: @ellarthompsonphd Threads: @ellarthompsonphd LinkedIn: Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD YouTube: Ella R. Thompson, PhD Subscribe to The Formation Practice so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with a leader in your life who is carrying weight they were never meant to carry alone. The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella Thompson, PhD is a production of Coherence Richardson Press. All rights reserved.

  3. Oct 28

    Why Pressure Changes How You Think, Feel, and Respond

    Have you ever reacted to a situation and immediately wished you had handled it differently? Maybe you spoke too quickly, got defensive, agreed to something you couldn't carry, or withdrew from a conversation you needed to have. Why does pressure sometimes change the way we think, feel, and respond—even when we know better? Welcome to Season 2 of The Formation Practice, where we explore what happens to our personal growth, self-awareness, and leadership when life gets demanding. In this episode, Dr. Ella Thompson examines how stress, expectations, and competing responsibilities influence our emotions, decisions, and everyday behavior. Through a warm, thought-provoking conversation, we explore: Why pressure changes our responses: How stress and mental overload can affect our patience, attention, and decision-making.What pressure reveals about our habits: Recognizing patterns such as people-pleasing, defensiveness, withdrawal, and the need for control.The difference between reacting and responding: How emotional awareness helps us make more intentional choices.How to become steadier under pressure: Understanding our limitations, managing expectations, and recognizing when something needs to change.This conversation isn't about becoming someone who never feels frustrated, overwhelmed, or uncertain. It's about recognizing what's happening within us before those feelings start directing our decisions. This week's Formation Practice: When you find yourself under pressure, ask yourself three questions: What am I feeling right now?What is this pressure making me want to do?What response would best reflect the person I'm trying to become?Whether you're navigating workplace stress, leadership challenges, family responsibilities, difficult relationships, or personal change, this episode offers practical insights into emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and intentional living. The goal of formation isn't to become someone who never feels pressure. It's to become someone who recognizes what pressure is doing before it decides what happens next. Keep growing. Keep becoming. Enjoying The Formation Practice? Help Us Keep Growing! If these conversations are helping you lead better, think differently, and grow with intention, consider becoming a monthly supporter. Your support helps us reach and equip more listeners around the world. ❤️ Become a Monthly Supporter Your support is appreciated. Keep growing. Keep becoming. If an episode resonates with you, please feel free to connect with me! Support the show Connect with Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD: Message: Ella Thompson Website: ellarthompson.com | www.ilfr.org | www.vcc.edu Instagram: @ellarthompsonphd Threads: @ellarthompsonphd LinkedIn: Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD YouTube: Ella R. Thompson, PhD Subscribe to The Formation Practice so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with a leader in your life who is carrying weight they were never meant to carry alone. The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella Thompson, PhD is a production of Coherence Richardson Press. All rights reserved.

  4. Oct 20

    How Great Leaders Communicate, Make Decisions, and Build Trust

    What makes a leader someone others can genuinely trust? Is it the ability to make difficult decisions, communicate confidently, or manage people effectively? While these skills matter, responsible leadership requires something deeper: character, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and sound judgment. Having the authority to make a decision doesn't always mean we have the wisdom to make it well. In Episode 12 of The Formation Practice, Dr. Ella R. Thompson explores how great leaders communicate, make decisions, build trust, and exercise authority responsibly. Leadership isn't simply about having a title or being in charge. It's about how your values, character, and personal development influence the people who depend on your decisions. In this episode, you'll explore three important leadership practices: Communicating with confidence and respect: How effective leaders use clarity, humility, emotional intelligence, and discernment without dominating others.Making responsible decisions: Why ethical leadership requires knowing when to exercise authority, when to show restraint, and why compliance doesn't always mean genuine agreement.Knowing when to let go: How effective leaders distinguish responsible stewardship from control and prepare others to carry responsibility.Dr. Thompson also examines why self-awareness and personal growth matter for leadership effectiveness. What you do within yourself eventually shows up in your communication, relationships, decisions, and how you treat others. This week's practical reflection: At the end of each day, consider where you exercised influence or authority. What guided your decisions? Did your actions reflect your values? Did you respect the people affected by your choices? Whether you're an executive, emerging leader, educator, community leader, or someone seeking to strengthen your leadership skills, this conversation offers practical insights into ethical leadership, emotional intelligence, effective communication, and responsible decision-making. Leadership is not simply about what you have the authority to do. It's about the character and judgment you show when you exercise that authority. Listen to The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella Thompson for thoughtful conversations about personal growth, leadership development, self-awareness, and becoming a more intentional and trustworthy leader. Enjoying The Formation Practice? Help Us Keep Growing! If these conversations are helping you lead better, think differently, and grow with intention, consider becoming a monthly supporter. Your support helps us reach and equip more listeners worldwide. ❤️ Become a Monthly Supporter Your support is appreciated. Keep growing. Keep becoming. If an episode resonates with you, please feel free to connect with me! Support the show Connect with Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD: Message: Ella Thompson Website: ellarthompson.com | www.ilfr.org | www.vcc.edu Instagram: @ellarthompsonphd Threads: @ellarthompsonphd LinkedIn: Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD YouTube: Ella R. Thompson, PhD Subscribe to The Formation Practice so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with a leader in your life who is carrying weight they were never meant to carry alone. The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella Thompson, PhD is a production of Coherence Richardson Press. All rights reserved.

  5. Oct 9

    Personal Growth and Leadership: Where Do You Begin?

    What does it really take to grow as a person, become a better leader, and live with greater self-awareness? Personal growth isn't just about achieving more, working harder, or becoming more successful. It's about understanding who you are, recognizing what has shaped you, and making intentional choices about the person you're becoming. But where do you begin? In this episode of The Formation Practice, Dr. Ella R. Thompson brings together the most important lessons from the podcast's first ten episodes, offering an accessible introduction to personal development, self-awareness, leadership, and the inner work of meaningful change. Whether you're discovering the podcast for the first time or have been listening from the beginning, this conversation helps connect the ideas that shape how we understand ourselves, manage responsibilities, and develop as leaders. In this episode, you'll explore: Personal growth and self-awareness: Why understanding yourself is essential to becoming the person you want to bePerformance versus personal development: Why achievement and productivity don't always equal meaningful growthThe influence of your past: How early experiences and expectations shape your identity and behaviorThe hidden cost of being strong: Why capable, dependable people sometimes carry more than they can sustainHealthy boundaries and responsibility: Why being able to do something doesn't mean you're obligated to do itIntentional personal growth: How self-reflection, honest communication, and supportive relationships help you changeAuthentic leadership: Why credibility, character, and integrity matter more than titles or positionsDr. Thompson also introduces the relationship between your calling, your capacity, and the personal cost of your responsibilities—an important foundation for developing leadership that is both effective and sustainable. This isn't simply a summary of previous conversations. It's an opportunity to consider how these ideas connect to your own life. You don't have to accomplish more to begin growing. Sometimes the most important work starts with understanding who you've already become. Whether you're navigating a life transition, developing your leadership skills, seeking greater purpose, or simply trying to understand yourself better, this episode offers a thoughtful starting point. Listen to The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella R. Thompson for conversations about personal growth, self-awareness, leadership development, emotional well-being, and intentional living. Enjoying The Formation Practice? Help Us Keep Growing! If these conversations are helping you lead better, think differently, and grow with intention, consider becoming a monthly supporter. Your support helps us reach and equip more listeners worldwide. ❤️ Become a Monthly Supporter Your support is appreciated. Keep growing. Keep becoming. If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, share it with someone beginning their personal growth journey, or message Dr. Thompson. If an episode resonates with you, please feel free to connect with me! Support the show Connect with Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD: Message: Ella Thompson Website: ellarthompson.com | www.ilfr.org | www.vcc.edu Instagram: @ellarthompsonphd Threads: @ellarthompsonphd LinkedIn: Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD YouTube: Ella R. Thompson, PhD Subscribe to The Formation Practice so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with a leader in your life who is carrying weight they were never meant to carry alone. The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella Thompson, PhD is a production of Coherence Richardson Press. All rights reserved.

  6. Oct 6

    How to Become a Leader People Trust and Respect

    What makes people trust and respect a leader—even when that leader doesn't have an impressive title or position? Is it confidence? Experience? Charisma? Or is there something deeper that makes certain leaders stand out? The truth is, holding a leadership position and becoming someone people genuinely trust aren't necessarily the same. In this episode of The Formation Practice, Dr. Ella R. Thompson explores what makes an effective leader and why authentic leadership begins long before someone receives a title, promotion, or formal authority. Leadership credibility isn't built through appearances alone. It develops through character, integrity, self-awareness, sound judgment, and the willingness to take responsibility for the impact of your decisions. But another important dimension matters: the relationship between what you're called to do, what you can sustain, and what that responsibility costs you. Dr. Thompson introduces the concept of formed authority—leadership influence that develops when a person consistently aligns their values, capabilities, decisions, and responsibilities. In this episode, you'll explore: Why leadership is about more than having a title or positionHow to build credibility and earn the trust of othersThe difference between positional authority and authentic leadershipWhy self-awareness and personal growth are essential leadership skillsHow integrity and sound judgment shape leadership effectivenessWhat happens when leaders face pressure, difficult decisions, and competing responsibilitiesWhy responsible leadership requires understanding both your capacity and your limitationsDrawing from leadership research, professional experience, and the principles of intentional formation, Dr. Thompson explains why genuine authority is developed through sustained responsibility rather than manufactured through performance or personality. This episode also examines how personal growth affects the people we lead. Your inner work can shape how others experience your leadership, how you respond under pressure, and how responsibly you exercise authority. A leadership title may give you a position. It doesn't automatically give you the trust, credibility, or judgment to lead well. Whether you're an executive, emerging leader, entrepreneur, educator, or professional seeking to strengthen your leadership skills, this conversation offers a deeper perspective on what it means to become a leader others can genuinely trust. Listen to The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella R. Thompson for thoughtful conversations about leadership development, personal growth, self-awareness, integrity, and responsible leadership. Enjoying The Formation Practice? Help Us Keep Growing! If these conversations are helping you lead better, think differently, and grow with intention, consider becoming a monthly supporter. Your support helps us reach and equip more listeners worldwide. ❤️ Become a Monthly Supporter Your support is appreciated. Keep growing. Keep becoming. If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, share it with someone developing their leadership, or message Dr. Thompson. If an episode resonates with you, please feel free to connect with me! Support the show Connect with Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD: Message: Ella Thompson Website: ellarthompson.com | www.ilfr.org | www.vcc.edu Instagram: @ellarthompsonphd Threads: @ellarthompsonphd LinkedIn: Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD YouTube: Ella R. Thompson, PhD Subscribe to The Formation Practice so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with a leader in your life who is carrying weight they were never meant to carry alone. The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella Thompson, PhD is a production of Coherence Richardson Press. All rights reserved.

  7. Oct 6

    Why You Need People Who Will Tell You the Truth

    Do you have people in your life who will tell you the truth—even when it's something you don't want to hear? We all need encouragement, support, and people who believe in us. But meaningful personal growth also requires something much harder to find: relationships where people care enough to be honest. The truth is, you can't always see your own blind spots. In this episode of The Formation Practice, Dr. Ella R. Thompson explores why honest relationships, accountability, and constructive feedback are essential for personal growth, self-awareness, and effective leadership. You can reflect on your behavior, examine your motivations, and become more aware of your habits. But you may never fully recognize how you communicate, make decisions, and affect others without another person's perspective. That's why personal growth doesn't happen entirely in isolation. In this episode, you'll explore: Why self-awareness alone isn't enough for lasting personal growthHow trusted relationships help us recognize our blind spotsThe difference between genuine accountability and criticism or controlWhy capable people and leaders sometimes resist honest feedbackHow to recognize relationships that encourage growth rather than affirm your choicesWhy vulnerability, trust, and honest communication are essential for personal developmentHow to become more open to constructive feedback without losing your sense of selfDr. Thompson introduces accountable community as a practice of intentional growth—building relationships with people who know you well enough to recognize your patterns, respect you enough to tell you the truth, and care enough to support your development. This isn't about surrounding yourself with people who constantly correct you. It's about creating space for honest conversations, mutual responsibility, and perspectives beyond your own. Sometimes the perspective you need most is one you cannot give yourself. Whether you're navigating leadership, personal relationships, professional growth, or an important life transition, this episode invites you to consider who has permission to speak honestly into your life. Listen to The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella R. Thompson for conversations about personal growth, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, healthy relationships, and intentional leadership. Enjoying The Formation Practice? Help Us Keep Growing! If these conversations are helping you lead better, think differently, and grow with intention, consider becoming a monthly supporter. Your support helps us reach and equip more listeners worldwide. ❤️ Become a Monthly Supporter Your support is appreciated. Keep growing. Keep becoming. If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, share it with someone who values meaningful growth, or send Dr. Thompson a message. If an episode resonates with you, please feel free to connect with me! Support the show Connect with Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD: Message: Ella Thompson Website: ellarthompson.com | www.ilfr.org | www.vcc.edu Instagram: @ellarthompsonphd Threads: @ellarthompsonphd LinkedIn: Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD YouTube: Ella R. Thompson, PhD Subscribe to The Formation Practice so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with a leader in your life who is carrying weight they were never meant to carry alone. The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella Thompson, PhD is a production of Coherence Richardson Press. All rights reserved.

  8. Oct 6

    How to Speak Up for Yourself and Stop Hiding What You Really Feel

    Have you ever known that something wasn't right but struggled to find the words to say it? Maybe you're carrying responsibilities that are exhausting you, navigating expectations that no longer feel sustainable, or recognizing that your outward success doesn't reflect what you're experiencing internally. You know what's happening. But acknowledging it to someone else feels much harder. In this episode of The Formation Practice, Dr. Ella R. Thompson explores why speaking honestly about our experiences, needs, and limitations is essential for personal growth, emotional well-being, and authentic leadership. Many capable people become skilled at managing how others perceive them. They maintain their composure, fulfill expectations, and continue performing their responsibilities—even when the personal cost is becoming difficult to ignore. But there's a difference between being appropriately private and concealing truths that need to be acknowledged. In this episode, you'll explore: Why recognizing your feelings doesn't automatically lead to changeHow to communicate honestly about your needs and limitationsThe difference between healthy discretion and hiding what mattersWhy capable people sometimes struggle to admit they're overwhelmedHow silence can reinforce unhealthy expectations and responsibilitiesWhy speaking the truth can feel uncomfortable or costlyHow honest communication creates opportunities for accountability and meaningful changeDr. Thompson introduces truthful language as an intentional practice that connects self-awareness with the choices, conversations, and relationships necessary for lasting personal growth. This isn't about sharing everything with everyone. It's about developing the courage and discernment to speak honestly when silence is keeping you in patterns that no longer serve you. You can recognize what needs to change, but until you're willing to name it, the people and circumstances around you may never know that anything needs to be different. Whether you're navigating leadership responsibilities, difficult conversations, personal boundaries, or a season of self-discovery, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on finding your voice and living with greater authenticity. Listen to The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella R. Thompson for conversations about self-awareness, personal growth, leadership, communication, and becoming more intentional about how you live. Enjoying The Formation Practice? Help Us Keep Growing! If these conversations are helping you lead better, think differently, and grow with intention, consider becoming a monthly supporter. Your support helps us reach and equip more listeners around the world. ❤️ Become a Monthly Supporter Your support is appreciated. Keep growing. Keep becoming. If an episode resonates with you, please feel free to connect with me! Support the show Connect with Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD: Message: Ella Thompson Website: ellarthompson.com | www.ilfr.org | www.vcc.edu Instagram: @ellarthompsonphd Threads: @ellarthompsonphd LinkedIn: Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD YouTube: Ella R. Thompson, PhD Subscribe to The Formation Practice so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with a leader in your life who is carrying weight they were never meant to carry alone. The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella Thompson, PhD is a production of Coherence Richardson Press. All rights reserved.

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About

A podcast for people navigating leadership responsibilities, work, relationships, and everyday life. Each episode offers thoughtful, practical conversations on personal growth, self-awareness, decision-making, and the experiences that shape who we become and how we lead. Grounded in scholarship and real-world experience, The Formation Practice explores what it means to lead with clarity, character, and responsibility.

Information

  • Creator
    Ella R. Thompson, PhD
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Formation Practice
  • Show Website
    The Formation Practice