The Leader in You

Connect your people; transform you culture. With Dr. Lola Gershfeld
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Society & Culture

The Leader in You podcast is brought to you by EmC Leaders, helping companies to master the art of relationships so they can spend less time on people issues and more time accomplishing their most important goals.  We combine the science of attachment and emotional connection with insight from the last 20 years to overcome workplace conflict issues, build strong team relationships, and create a connected culture.Your hosts, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina Marian.

  1. 3d ago

    95. Why You Hate Making Decisions at Work (And What It's Really About)

    At the ATD Conference, we noticed a common theme: many leaders and learning professionals were excited about innovation and AI, yet hesitant when it came to navigating emotions, vulnerability, and human connection in the workplace. That tension inspired this conversation on emotional ambivalence—the experience of feeling pulled in two directions at the same time.  In this episode, Lola and Polina explore why people often struggle to make decisions, speak up, take risks, or embrace change. Together, they unpack the fears that drive emotional ambivalence, including the fear of making the wrong choice, being judged, appearing incompetent, experiencing rejection, or exposing vulnerability.  You’ll learn:  What emotional ambivalence is and why it shows up in leadership, teamwork, and everyday life  How psychological safety and secure relationships influence confidence and decision-making  Why vulnerability is often the pathway to growth rather than a sign of weakness  How shame, fear, and disconnection keep people stuck  Why suppressing difficult emotions also limits positive emotions, engagement, and connection  A practical framework called VERSE for helping leaders and teams navigate emotional uncertainty with greater clarity and confidence Whether you're a leader, manager, coach, HR professional, or simply someone facing a difficult decision, this episode offers a powerful perspective on how emotional safety helps people move from fear and hesitation to confidence, connection, and action. Because sometimes the problem isn't that we don't know what to do—it’s that we don’t feel safe enough to do it. The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive. Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.  CONNECT: EmC Leaders Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Channel RESOURCES: TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM CONTACT US Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld: LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld Instagram: @drlolaemc Connect with Polina Marian: LinkedIn: Polina Marian Instagram: @livewithfivekids Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...

    33 min

  2. May 27

    94. AI Was Everywhere at ATD… But This Is What Stood Out

    After returning from the ATD Conference, one thing kept staying with us. Yes, AI was everywhere. It was in sessions, at booths, and woven into conversations about the future of work. But what stood out most wasn't technology at all. It was people. In this episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld reconnects with Niamh Hannan and Aoife O'Brien to reflect on their experience after ATD and discuss what they discovered beneath the surface of all the AI conversations. Together, they explore: Why attendees felt relieved to talk about emotions, relationships, and human connection The passion that drives L&D professionals to keep showing up and helping others grow Why workplace conflict often has less to do with the issue itself and more to do with emotional triggers How negative cycles quietly shape our teams and relationships Why connection doesn't happen automatically—it must be intentionally prioritized What organizations risk losing if technology replaces human touchpointsIf the future of work is changing, one important question remains: How do we make sure we don't lose the relationships that help people thrive? Join us for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, emotional safety, learning and development, and what truly stood out after ATD. Connect with us on LinkedIn Niamh Hannan  Aoife O'Brien The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive. Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.  CONNECT: EmC Leaders Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Channel RESOURCES: TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM CONTACT US Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld: LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld Instagram: @drlolaemc Connect with Polina Marian: LinkedIn: Polina Marian Instagram: @livewithfivekids Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...

    51 min

  3. May 20

    93. Live from ATD: Thriving Talent in the Age of AI with Aoife O'Brien

    In this special live episode from the ATD Conference in Los Angeles, Dr. Lola Gershfeld welcomes returning guest Aoife O'Brien, author of Thriving Talent and host of the Happier at Work Podcast, for a thought-provoking conversation about one of the biggest questions leaders face today: As AI becomes more integrated into the workplace, what happens to the human connections that help people feel safe, valued, and able to thrive? Drawing from her U.S. book tour and conversations with leaders across organizations, Aoife shares insights on what organizations may gain through technology—and what they risk losing if human relationships are replaced by efficiency alone. Together, Lola and Aoife explore: • Why AI can support our work but cannot replace human connection • The small moments and "bids for connection" that strengthen workplace relationships • Why people may feel increasingly disconnected and lonely at work • The difference between psychological safety and emotional safety • Why feedback can feel threatening when relationships feel insecure • How fixed and growth mindsets influence our ability to learn and change • Why people and teams do not have to stay stuck This conversation reminds us that thriving at work is about more than performance, productivity, and technology. People grow, learn, and do their best work when they feel emotionally safe, supported, and connected. Because thriving talent isn't created by AI alone—it is created through human relationships. Connect with Aoife O'Brien: • Aoife O'Brien on LinkedIn • Thriving Talent • Happier at Work Podcast The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive. Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.  CONNECT: EmC Leaders Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Channel RESOURCES: TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM CONTACT US Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld: LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld Instagram: @drlolaemc Connect with Polina Marian: LinkedIn: Polina Marian Instagram: @livewithfivekids Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...

    19 min

  4. May 19

    92. Live from ATD: Disengaged Teams Don’t Happen by Accident

    What really causes disengagement at work? Is it a lack of motivation, poor communication, or something deeper? Broadcasting live from the ATD Conference in Los Angeles, Dr. Lola Gershfeld, Polina Marian, and Niamh Hannan explore the hidden emotional patterns that shape workplace relationships and team performance. Together, they unpack new research showing the powerful impact managers have on employee engagement and reveal why disengagement is often a symptom of something happening beneath the surface. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why disengaged managers create disengaged teams  • The surprising cost of disengagement on collaboration, productivity, and well-being  • The common pursue-withdraw cycle that keeps people stuck in workplace conflict  • Why the problem isn't the person — it's the pattern  • How emotional awareness helps leaders stay Accessible, Responsive, and Engaged (A.R.E.) during difficult conversations  • How changing emotional patterns can transform team dynamics and connection Conflict isn't simply a communication problem or a skills problem. When emotions drive reactions, logic alone rarely fixes it. The key is learning how to recognize the cycle and create emotional safety that allows people to reconnect. Join us for this special live ATD conversation as we explore what becomes possible when leaders learn to create stronger emotional bonds at work.  The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive. Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.  CONNECT: EmC Leaders Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Channel RESOURCES: TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM CONTACT US Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld: LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld Instagram: @drlolaemc Connect with Polina Marian: LinkedIn: Polina Marian Instagram: @livewithfivekids Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...

    18 min

  5. May 14

    91. Why Workplace Conflict Feels So Personal: The Attachment Patterns Behind Leadership & Team Dynamics

    In this deeply personal and insightful episode of The Leader in You Podcast, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina Marian explore why workplace relationships can feel so emotionally intense—and why conflict at work often has roots far deeper than communication skills alone. Drawing from attachment science, emotional connection research, and real workplace examples, they unpack how the patterns we learned with our parents and caregivers can unconsciously shape the way we respond to managers, feedback, promotions, rejection, conflict, and emotional disconnection at work. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why managers often become “key attachment figures” in the workplaceHow childhood attachment patterns replay themselves in leadership and team relationshipsWhy fear—not lack of skills—is often driving workplace conflictThe hidden emotional meaning behind defensiveness, withdrawal, silence, and “I don’t want to talk about it”How emotionally responsive leadership creates stronger performance, engagement, resilience, and trustWhy emotional safety is essential for teams to thriveHow the EmC Process helps people recognize and restructure unhealthy relational patternsDr. Lola also shares powerful research on attachment and leadership, including studies showing how emotionally responsive leaders improve performance, stress management, and team connection. This episode is a reminder that leadership is not just about strategy, accountability, or communication techniques—it’s about creating a secure emotional connection where people feel safe enough to grow, contribute, take risks, and succeed together. If you’ve ever wondered why certain workplace interactions trigger such strong emotional reactions… this conversation may change the way you see leadership forever. The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive. Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.  CONNECT: EmC Leaders Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Channel RESOURCES: TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM CONTACT US Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld: LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld Instagram: @drlolaemc Connect with Polina Marian: LinkedIn: Polina Marian Instagram: @livewithfivekids Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...

    31 min

  6. May 7

    90. Beyond Culture: Why Human Connection Works Everywhere

    What if the biggest challenge in your workplace isn’t culture… but disconnection? In this episode, we explore a powerful insight from the recent SIOP Conference:  No matter where people come from—different countries, languages, or backgrounds—the way they respond to disconnection looks strikingly the same. Through real stories—from a multicultural workplace to a transformative meeting in South Korea—we reveal why:  Conflict isn’t a communication problem… it’s an emotional one  You don’t need a shared language to create connection  Validation, presence, and emotional safety transcend culture You’ll hear how one conversation—without a shared language—rebuilt trust, strengthened a global partnership, and changed the trajectory of a business relationship. We also unpack a critical leadership shift:  👉 Stop trying to change behavior  👉 Start sharing emotional impact Because when people feel seen, valued, and important, change happens naturally. This episode will challenge the way you think about feedback, culture, and communication—and give you a new roadmap for leading connected, high-performing teams anywhere in the world. 🔑 Key Takeaways  Disconnection triggers the same human responses across all cultures: pursue (anxious) or withdraw  Emotional connection is the true universal language—not words  You don’t need agreement to create connection—you need validation  Feedback without connection damages relationships; impact deepens them  When emotional safety is present, behavior change follows naturally 💬 Closing Thought Across every culture, every team, every language—  the question is always the same: “Do I matter to you?” And everything changes when the answer becomes a felt, undeniable yes. The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive. Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.  CONNECT: EmC Leaders Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Channel RESOURCES: TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM CONTACT US Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld: LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld Instagram: @drlolaemc Connect with Polina Marian: LinkedIn: Polina Marian Instagram: @livewithfivekids Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...

    26 min

  7. Apr 22

    89. Why You React the Way You Do at Work - Now vs. Later with Karen Thrall

    What really happens in those moments when emotions take over at work? In this episode of The Leader in You, we sit down with Karen Thrall, author of Don’t Lose Your Sh*t at Work, to explore the powerful patterns behind how we react under pressure—and why those reactions can either damage or deepen our relationships. Karen shares her deeply personal journey—from being a successful executive who struggled with emotional outbursts to developing a transformative framework that has helped thousands of leaders navigate conflict more effectively. We dive into her concept of “Nows” and “Laters”: Why some people feel the need to address conflict immediatelyWhy others need time and space to processAnd how these differences often create cycles of misunderstanding, frustration, and disconnectionYou’ll hear how: Emotional reactions are not flaws—but patterns shaped over timeTriggers are signals, not problems to suppressWhat feels like “losing control” is often a move into survival modeReal leadership is not about avoiding emotion—but learning how to work with itWe also connect Karen’s work to emotional connection and explore how these moments of conflict can become opportunities for deeper understanding, trust, and repair. This is an honest, relatable, and insightful conversation for anyone who has ever: Said something they regrettedStayed silent when they wanted to speakOr wondered, “Why do I react this way?”Because the goal isn’t to choose between “now” or “later”… It’s to learn how to stay connected—no matter what moment you’re in. 🔗 Connect with Karen Thrall: LinkedIn🌐 https://KarenThrall.com📱 @karenthrallincThe Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive. Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.  CONNECT: EmC Leaders Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Channel RESOURCES: TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM CONTACT US Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld: LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld Instagram: @drlolaemc Connect with Polina Marian: LinkedIn: Polina Marian Instagram: @livewithfivekids Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...

    54 min

  8. Apr 14

    88. From Space to the Heart: Why Connection Is What Brings Us Together

    What happens when you travel a million miles away from Earth… and discover what truly matters most? In this deeply moving episode, we reflect on the emotional return of the Artemis II astronauts—and what their experience reveals about the human need for connection, trust, and belonging. As the astronauts shared their journey, one message stood out above all: “We are bonded forever.” Their words weren’t just about space exploration—they were about something far more universal. The power of emotional connection. Together, we explore:  Why high-stakes teams depend on deep emotional bonds—not just skills  How fear, risk, and uncertainty actually strengthen connection when we don’t face them alone  What “secure attachment” looks like in action—even in the most extreme environments  Why disconnection at work can feel like being “a million miles away” from each other  How emotional safety unlocks clarity, resilience, and better decision-making This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we go, what we truly long for is connection. And when we feel seen, supported, and valued—we can accomplish extraordinary things together. Because at the end of the day…  It’s not just about the mission.  It’s about who we become—and who we’re connected to—along the way. 🎧 Listen now and rediscover what it means to be human, together. The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive. Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.  CONNECT: EmC Leaders Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Channel RESOURCES: TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM CONTACT US Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld: LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld Instagram: @drlolaemc Connect with Polina Marian: LinkedIn: Polina Marian Instagram: @livewithfivekids Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...

    25 min
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5
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About

The Leader in You podcast is brought to you by EmC Leaders, helping companies to master the art of relationships so they can spend less time on people issues and more time accomplishing their most important goals.  We combine the science of attachment and emotional connection with insight from the last 20 years to overcome workplace conflict issues, build strong team relationships, and create a connected culture.Your hosts, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina Marian.

Information

  • Creator
    Connect your people; transform you culture. With Dr. Lola Gershfeld
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Leader in You
  • Show Website
    The Leader in You