Elevate with Grace

Claire Cornfield & Miranda Mikrou
  • 0.0 (0)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Elevate with Grace: Cultivating Success in the New World of WorkElevate with Grace is back in 2025 after a 3 year break with our career and personal development podcast incorporating a mix of inspirational storytelling, expert insights, and actionable advice. It’s designed for ambitious women looking for ideas to help them thrive at work and life.The Elevate with Grace podcast blends elements of:   1. Career Growth & Mentorship: Navigating the evolving workplace. 2. Mindset & Smart Risk-Taking: Cultivating confidence, resilience and decision making.3. Future-Led Learning: Building adaptive skills for long-term success. 4. Leading in the New World of Work: Engaging and supporting others. 

  1. 11/27/2025

    S3 Ep 8 From Creativity to Self Expression for FULL ALIVENESS with Myke Dixon (Part 2)

    In this conversation, Myke Dixon invites us back to the heart of who we are before the noise of the world pulls us away. We explore creativity as self-expression, kindness as a form of cultural leadership, and why learning to trust our inner impulses might be the most future proof skill we have. Together we unpack how small, human acts can change the way we show up at work, at home and within ourselves. It is warm, grounding, and quietly transformative. Links The very exciting invitation to join the WILD UNDERGROUND with Myke Dixon:  LINK Everyday Creative: https://www.mykeldixon.com/book Key Takeaways Creativity is less about talent and more about trusting the quiet impulses within us.Self-expression is a powerful antidote to a noisy, numbed world.In an age of AI and sameness, our humanity becomes our greatest value.Kindness, generosity and presence are not soft skills. They are differentiators.Rituals matter, but presence matters more. Routine only works when we stay connected to why it exists.Creativity expands when we stop treating it like a performance and start experiencing it like a walk or a song.Community deepens when we show even a small spark of our true selves. Like attracts like.We future proof our careers and our lives by being more human, not less.Key Quotes “You feel this tiny whispering impulse that something wants to be born and you trust it and act on it. The universe takes 500 steps toward you.”“Your relevance in the world will amplify when you bring more kindness, creativity and generosity into how you show up.”“We can build a new world by being this way. Even if the world cannot see it yet.”“Creativity is not about arriving anywhere. It is about being in the experience.”“Once you get a taste of presence, you start getting hungry for more.” Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

    32 min

  2. 11/19/2025

    From Creativity to Self-Expression: The Unlearning We All Need with Myke Dixon (Part 1 of 2)

    In this episode I pick up from our last ep the Creative Cure & had the absolute joy of riffing with Myke Dixon for a conversation that felt less like an interview and more like a part self-expression part creative awakening or ALIVE'ING. If you’ve ever felt the tension between who you are and who you’ve been conditioned to be this episode is truly for you, I am so sure you are going to love it! In this episode we unpacked the real work of reclaiming our aliveness, trusting our instincts, and bringing more humanity back into the places we lead, work and create. This is part one, the second half of this interview will drop Thursday 27th November. Because we know you are going to want more  Mykel Dixon click here for the:  website You can also check out his book here: Everyday Creative by Mykel Dixon - Available on Audio (with Myke narrating which is awesome) or Book form! Audio book (with Myke narrating, its a terrific listen): link  Real Book or eBook: click this link Key Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Creativity is not something you do, it can help us find who we really are.  Creaivity is not a rare artistic skill, its energy, aliveness & self-expression.  We don't learn creativity we rediscover it! 2. Fear and judgement get in the way - we need to reconsider the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and question why we think we need to do this for others, creativity and self-expression is food for your soul. 3. Modern life has created a great numbinng - watch out for those Matrix references 4. Self Expression is a lot broader than art - think about the journey and the freedom to create more than the outcome.  5. Reclaim your workplace and think about the opportunity to create meaning with your co-workers and teams, try to break down some of the process and to allow the Artisian approach to venture into the workplace.   What you still have to look forward to: In the second half of this interview we will talk about how to bring Aliveness back into your work and life, some simple creative practices that can help transform your day and how to trust your gut more and say yes to those impulses that are calling us to ACTION.  Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

    37 min

  3. 10/22/2025

    The Creative Cure, Why Cultivating Creative Expression fuels Success

    In The Creative Cure: Why Cultivating Creative Expression Fuels Success, we explore how creativity isn’t just for artists, it’s an important leadership and wellbeing tool. We unpack the neuroscience behind creative expression, its power to lower stress and boost problem-solving, and how leaders can cultivate creativity to enhance empathy, resilience, and innovation. Key Takeaways Creativity is a core leadership skill: It strengthens cognitive flexibility and resilience like a workout for your brain. A regular creative practice builds better problem-solving capacity and adaptability.Stress relief through creative flow:  Creative acts lower cortisol levels, providing a reset that helps manage stress.Creativity drives innovation:  Great companies like Pixar, intentionally design cultures that allow experimentation, candor, and play.  AI can enhance, not replace, creativity:  When used mindfully, generative AI can help spark ideas and expand our imaginative reach, while human judgment and our ability to think creatively remains essential.Reclaiming “creative confidence”:  Over 90% of adults believe they’re “not creative” due to old “art scars” it’s time to reclaim creativity as a human, everyday skill that improves wellbeing and leadership giving a “whole-of-life advantage.”Standout Quotes “Creativity is not about waiting for inspiration, it’s about making space for it to show up.” Myke Dixon, The Everyday Creative“Creativity isn’t optional. It’s essential. It’s how we reconnect with ourselves, with others, and with bigger possibilities.”  Claire“Engaging in creative acts rewires the brain and creates new neural pathways. It’s not just a feel — it’s backed in fact.” Miranda“Create before you consume.” Claire“Leadership isn’t like art, it is an art.” Michael O’Malley, Harvard Business ReviewReferences & Resources Books:Everyday Creative - Mykel DixonYour Brain on Art - Susan Magsamen & Ivy RossBig Magic - Elizabeth GilbertCreativity, Inc. - Ed CatmullArticles:How Generative AI Can Augment Human Creativity - Harvard Business ReviewEvery Leader Is an Artist - Michael O’Malley, Harvard Business ReviewCreativity and the Role of the Leader - Teresa Amabile, Harvard Business SchoolPodcasts:WorkLife with Adam Grant - “How to Love Criticism”Action Challenge Over the next week, build a small creative ritual into your day.  Reframe creativity as an energy-replenishing habit that strengthens your wellbeing and leadership.   It doesn’t need to be art, just something that challenges your creativity try journaling, mindful cooking, sketching, dancing, gardening, or even rearranging your workspace. Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

    32 min

  4. 09/23/2025

    The Smart Guide to Surging Ahead (& knowing when to Tilt)

    Episode Introduction In this conversation Claire and Miranda bust the myth that success requires operating at peak performance 24/7.  Surge. Tilt. Succeed: This episode offers your Blueprint for Sustainable Energy as they introduce the powerful concepts of surging (those intentional high-energy periods where you harness momentum) and tilting (the conscious pauses and adjustments that keep you aligned, healthy and creative). Learn how to plan both phases so you can thrive in work and life without burning out or going into overdrive. Key Takeaways Strategic surging beats reactive busyness: Choose when to surge and channel your energy into the few projects that create the greatest impact.Tilt to sustain your success: Micro-tilts (like a mindful lunch walk or device-free commute) and bigger tilts (like saying no to a project, booking in active planning breaks or real downtime) to replenish energy and spark creativity.Watch for the three risks of unchecked surging: burnout, disconnection and overdrive.Energy management is a form of time management: Track what energises or drains you and ditch or delegate “energy vampires.”Communicate Surge or Tilt mode: Let teammates and also family (as this tip isn't just for work life) know when you’re in surge or tilt mode to avoid misunderstandings and to model healthy boundaries.Active reflection is non-negotiable: Pausing to ask “What is this surge creating for my long-term goals?” helps you steer the wave, not just ride it, or show up as "busy, busy, busy".Key Quotes “Surges don’t happen forever and they shouldn’t, otherwise we have burnout" – Miranda“Tilt is where our judgment, empathy and values come in; it’s choosing to move more meaningfully, not just fast.”  Claire“Action doesn’t need to be grand—small, brave choices compound into the life that you want.” Maria Baltazzi, Take a Shot at Happiness “Imagination is not an indulgence. It’s embedded in every function of thinking, planning, remembering, and connecting.” Adam Zenman, The Shape of Things Unseen References & Resources Books:The Shape of Things Unseen – Adam ZenmanTake a Shot at Happiness – Maria BaltazziThe Art of Happiness – The Dalai Lama & Howard CutlerConcepts & Articles:“Ambitious Stagnation” – Harvard Business Review“Upper Limit Problem” – from The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks (mentioned in discussion)Your Action Challenge Plan your next strategic surge before year-end: Identify the 2–3 projects that will create the biggest impact in the next three months.Schedule mini-tilts before, during and after that surge & protect them like any critical meeting or poject critical work.Share how you’re harmonising surging and tilting with us on Instagram or LinkedIn, or email elevatewithgrace@gmail.com Music by Claire's daughter Hannah. Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

    45 min

  5. 08/18/2025

    The Leaders AI Can't Replace

    Season 3, Episode 4  The True Value of Human Skills in Leadership In an era quickly changing & obsessing over AI tools and automation, this episode emphasizes that our most valuable career asset continues to be fundamentally human.  Claire and Miranda remind us of the human advantage: the leadership skills that no algorithm can replace. From emotional intelligence and empathy to clarity and courage, this conversation is a call to elevate our HI (human intelligence) alongside our AI. Through stories, frameworks, and practical insights, they explore what it takes to lead smarter, not harder and why future-ready leadership is less about mastering tech and more about mastering yourself and your people. Whether you’re a leader navigating AI disruption, or someone aspiring to build stronger, more resilient teams, this episode will help you double down on what makes us human. Key Takeaways AI is a tool, not the answer. Leaders must balance speed and efficiency with discernment, clarity, and emotional intelligence.Soft skills aren’t soft they are hard and essential. Empathy, feedback, and human judgment are the real competitive edge.Clarity is kindness. Clear communication, even when hard truths are involved, builds trust and long-term resilience.Empowered teams outperform managed teams. Concepts like “teamship” and walking beside (not above) your people create ownership and better results.Slow down to speed up. Great leadership often means pausing, reflecting, and interrogating assumptions before acting.Key Quotes “It always tickles me when we call these humanistic leadership capabilities ‘soft skills.’ If we’re doing them well, they’re anything but soft they’re deliberate, and they’re hard.” Claire“Empathy + emotional intelligence + authentic leadership = stronger, more resilient teams.”  Miranda“Clarity is kindness. Even when people don’t want to hear the message, honest communication builds trust.” Claire“Our role as leaders hasn’t changed: it’s always been to create the conditions for others to excel.” MirandaEpisode Run-Down Opening reflections on AI vs HI (human intelligence)Why humanistic leadership matters more than everLessons from Deloitte & Gallup 2025 reportsEmpathy, clarity, and emotional regulation under pressureGen Z’s challenge to traditional management & “conscious un-bossing”Real-world leadership lessons from crisis situationsThe “teamship” model and how to empower teams effectivelyHow AI should free up time for more human leadershipAction Challenge  Pick one human leadership skill each week and put it into practice References & Resources Deloitte Human Capital Trends Report 2025Gallup State of the Workplace Report 2025Essential by Chrissy Smith & Kelly MonaghanForbes 2024 article on Conscious Un-bossing & Gen Z leadership trendsWinging It by Emma IsaacsTeamship model by Keith FerrazziHow to Decide by Annie DukeThinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanTune in now to discover why the future of leadership is still deeply human. Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

    35 min

  6. 07/21/2025

    AI Inspiration for Career Women

    Season 3, Episode 3 In this episode of Elevate with Grace, Claire and Miranda tackle a topic that’s been buzzing in every inbox, newsfeed, and team meeting: AI. Not from a tech-guru angle, but from a grounded, thoughtful perspective on how it can actually help us live and work better. Whether you’re dabbling, avoiding, or already deep in AI experimentation, this conversation will help you find clarity, confidence and a human-first mindset in this new landscape. We’re here to explore: How AI can be a career multiplierWhy your human skills are your superpowerThe ethics of using AI intentionally, and what it means to stay in the driver’s seatKey Takeaways & Quotes AI is a mindset shift, expect trial and error, and delayed gratification before the magic happensStart with one prompt a day, build AI into your workflow graduallyEmpathy, leadership and critical thinking are more valuable than everYou are still the author, AI can support, but never replace, your unique voiceEthics matter so know where your data is going and how your outputs reflect your values“AI can be our co-pilot, but it's not our script writer. We are still the author of our lives.” – Miranda “AI doesn’t make someone feel truly seen. That’s our edge. That’s our job.” – Claire “Just because it reduces labour doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.” – Miranda Run List 00.00 Introduction 02.00 Action Challenge Recap 05.10 AI as a Career Multiplier 15.02 Human Skills are still your superpower 24.00 The ethics of using AI intentionally 30.44 Action Challenge & Closing points Key Resources Mentioned Tools:  ChatGPT, Descript, Canva, Copilot, Notion, PerplexityCourses: Allie Miller – AI for Everyone  & Tomer Cohen – AI + Product Thinking (LinkedIn Learning)Newsletters: The Rundown AI, The Neuron & Simple AIPodcasts:   How I Work by Amantha ImberBooks & Articles:Competing in the Age of AI by Karim R. LakhaniForbes: Gen Z and AIHBR: Workplace Loneliness and AIDisney/Universal v Midjourney (AI + IP Law) Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

    34 min
  7. Season 3, Episode 2: Success Redefined - Let's Do This!

    06/16/2025

    Season 3, Episode 2: Success Redefined - Let's Do This!

    In this episode of Elevate with Grace, we explore how the evolving landscape of Workforce 2.0 demands a fresh take on success, resilience, and wellbeing. We dive into the power of brave conversations during times of change, the importance of protecting your energy, and how to lead with intention. We talk about tips to seize the opportunities that come with change, and the future 4 framework to help listeners build more balance and clarity into daily life. You’ll hear why reimagining success goes beyond the job title it includes community engagement, boundaries that serve your wellbeing, and taking small steps that shape a better future. Key Takeaways: Why courageous conversations matter now more than everHow to build a “rejection muscle” and grow resilienceMorning habits that energize your dayStrategies for leading in today’s dynamic work environmentsThe value of hobbies and meaningful community involvementJournaling prompts to track progress and fuel clarityEpisode Breakdown: 00:00 –  Introduction 00:46 – Reflecting on Workforce 2.0 02:51 – Personal Growth and Success Redefined 06:54 – The 5:00 AM Club and Daily Routines 08:23 – Embracing Brave Conversations 15:47 – Building Resilience and the Rejection Muscle 26:40 – Leadership in Workplace 2.0 34:32 – Community and Personal Hobbies 40:32 – Closing Reflections & Call to Action Key References The 5:00 AM Club, Robin Sharma Supercommunicator, Charles Duhigg Fierce Conversations, Susan Scott The Art of Resilience, Ross Edgley High Performance Habits, Brendon Burchard "Future 4" framework focusing on: Self (energy, mindset, wellbeing)Social (relationships)Skills (learning, growth)Service (impact, contribution)The Power of Healthy Relationships at Work, Harvard Business Review. Brian & Maggie (2025, 2 part tv movie) Option B, Adam Grant & Sheryl Sandberg Having a “panic button” gives people psychological safety, increasing confidence to face challenges, even if the button is rarely used. Key Quotes “It’s time to be brave.” “Courage, connection, and communication are key, fundamental pillars as we build out a reimagined future.” “Stress is a byproduct of our reaction to the situation, not the situation itself.”  – From The Art of Resilience “We are equipped with an unyielding spirit. It’s just a matter of what we choose to do with it.” “Clarity is kindness.”  – Brene Brown,  “We don’t have to have every conversation be a duel to the death.” “Success for me is about what sustains me and brings me joy.” “Kids shouldn’t have all the fun.” “Are we the panic button for our team?” - Adam Grant “We used to have community. Now we have stuff.” - Brian and Maggie (2025 film documentary) Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

    43 min

  8. 05/19/2025

    Season 3, Ep 1 Thriving in our new Workplace 2.0

    Elevate With Grace: Navigating the New World of Work | Season 3 Launch Welcome to the first episode of Season 3 of Elevate With Grace! Join Claire and Miranda as they reflect on the journey since 2021, discussing significant changes in the workplace and the evolving concept of success. This episode dives into topics such as the impact of remote work, the importance of mental health, effective leadership, and communication strategies in the modern work environment. Tune in for insights, actionable tips, and a fresh perspective on creating a successful career and life on your own terms. Don’t miss out on their reflections, challenges, and book recommendations tailored to help you thrive in 2025 and beyond. Season 1 - Summaries https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FmCKbt1vQV-Rx65tWDp-clvTIFRlg6iaLNe8h1aN_xU/edit?usp=sharing Season 2 - Summaries - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NI8RFXPsLI7bL6y54gAzMU1JEovSmEKhpwThELPlutY/edit?usp=sharing 00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Elevate With Grace 00:26 Reflecting on Past Seasons and Changes 01:19 Exploring Success in 2025 and Beyond 02:00 Adapting to New Work Environments 09:10 The Importance of Effective Communication 22:10 Embracing Change and Finding Balance 31:35 Action Challenge and Conclusion Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah

    34 min
See All (30)

Trailer

About

Elevate with Grace: Cultivating Success in the New World of WorkElevate with Grace is back in 2025 after a 3 year break with our career and personal development podcast incorporating a mix of inspirational storytelling, expert insights, and actionable advice. It’s designed for ambitious women looking for ideas to help them thrive at work and life.The Elevate with Grace podcast blends elements of:   1. Career Growth & Mentorship: Navigating the evolving workplace. 2. Mindset & Smart Risk-Taking: Cultivating confidence, resilience and decision making.3. Future-Led Learning: Building adaptive skills for long-term success. 4. Leading in the New World of Work: Engaging and supporting others. 

Information

  • Creator
    Claire Cornfield & Miranda Mikrou
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Elevate with Grace
  • Show Website
    Elevate with Grace