The Reflective Professional

Chris Cahill
  • 5.0 (4)
  • CAREERS

This is The Reflective Professional — reflections on becoming better at work and in life.   I’m Chris Cahill. I’m a VP and head of sales in biotech — and like you, I’m still learning.   On this show, we move beyond résumés and roles. We ask probing questions:What helps us grow in our careers and as human beings?What can we learn from failure?And how do we build skills, networks, and cultures that last?   You’ll hear candid conversations with leaders, individual contributors, and practitioners across industries, and backgrounds — people who’ve wrestled with purpose, pressure, and the long game of a meaningful career and life.   If you’re here to think deeply, grow, and become better — you’re in the right place.   Welcome to The Reflective Professional.

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 2: The Power of the Hug and Punch in Leadership: How to Challenge and Care at the Same Time

    The Power of the Hug and Punch in Leadership: How to Challenge and Care at the Same Time Are you tired of walking the tightrope between supporting your team and holding high standards? Want to lead with authenticity that builds trust and drives growth? This episode is a bold exploration of a leadership style that might just change everything — the art of giving a hug and a punch in the stomach, all in one move. In this episode: Jill Schull’s unique leadership philosophy: support + accountability = trustThe real meaning behind a “hug and punch” approach, rooted in genuine careHow to deliver tough feedback without damaging relationshipsThe importance of tailored communication — no one-size-fits-allGender dynamics in leadership: how being a woman influences care and critiquePractical tips for preparing and delivering hard truths with graceHow to avoid misinterpretations and get alignment in tough conversationsOvercoming the fear of being “too soft” or “too harsh” — mastering emotional intelligenceWhen and how to shift gears if your approach isn’t landingWhy leaders should stop apologizing for success, ambition, and making movesTimestamps: 00:00 – The secret sauce: leading with both warmth and accountability03:31 – Rules of honesty: the foundation of authentic leadership06:21 – What does a ‘hug’ look like in real leadership?09:25 – Misunderstandings of the punch — clear, factual, and direct11:01 – Preparing for uncomfortable conversations — words matter!13:48 – Using your “superpower”: softening or stepping up in the moment15:02 – Balancing perception and intent — staying grounded17:02 – The art of closing conversations with clarity instead of confusion18:51 – Celebrating progress: how a tough message can truly foster growth22:37 – What leaders are working on next: clarity in the hardest moments24:21 – When the hug and punch aren’t enough — asking for help and pivoting26:23 – The leadership truth: authenticity, courage, and holding both in your hands Connect with Jill: linkedin.com/in/jill-thompson-shull Remember: Leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being real. Embrace the balance of care and challenge — that’s true power. Be bold, be authentic, and never apologize for your growth.

    26 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Episode 1: Performance Beyond Metrics: When Purpose Outperforms KPIs

    In this episode, Jill Donahue and I dissect the hidden power of purpose, the fallacy of KPIs as true motivators, and how authentic leadership ignites real engagement. If you're tired of numbers that don’t inspire and want to lead with heart—this is your wake-up call.   We discuss:   The transformative influence of purpose beyond profit Why KPIs alone fail to sustain motivation Connecting personal and organizational purpose like a three-legged stool Practical ways to build trust starting with your "why" Unlearning outdated myths about motivation and leadership How storytelling and vulnerability amplify influence The science behind motivating teams with autonomy, mastery, and purpose (Drive, Pink) The ripple effect of purpose on families, patients, and legacy Timestamps: 00:00 - The real power of purpose in leadership 02:16 - How personal loss shaped Jill’s impact-driven journey 03:24 - Moving from science to behavior — why we need behavioral science in pharma 04:20 - The moment that changed Jill’s leadership—and her team’s culture 05:53 - Why being approachable is more effective than being an expert 07:08 - The myth of KPIs controlling performance and what actually fuels it 08:36 - Key differences between KPIs and true purpose signals 09:53 - The danger of numbers without purpose—burnout and burnout’s hidden signs 11:12 - Defining purpose as a three-legged stool: personal, organizational, role-driven 12:43 - Connecting your work to a greater purpose that helps others 13:40 - When a team looks successful on paper but isn’t thriving internally 15:00 - The superficial bandaid versus deep-rooted purpose solutions 16:06 - How trust and purpose are intertwined within teams and externally 17:12 - Building trust by sharing "why"—start with authenticity 18:29 - How starting with purpose transforms relationships with healthcare professionals 20:10 - Leadership models that foster true engagement and alignment 22:17 - Measuring purpose through behavioral signs, not numbers 23:09 - Jill’s powerful purpose story rooted in effecting ripple change 25:00 - The legacy effect: impacting families, healthcare, and the world 26:24 - Helping your team discover their "why" and ignite passion 27:17 - Where to start if you’re unclear about your purpose 29:47 - Leadership myths to let go of: "Knowing equals doing" 31:39 - The science of motivation—stories, autonomy, and engagement 33:36 - Why doing the work that truly matters inspires others—and yourself   Resources & Links: Connect with Jill: linkedin.com/in/jillexcellerate https://excellerate.ca/freebook/ Drive by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1594484805 Simon Sinek’s Start With Why: https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/ Adam Grant: https://adamgrant.net/   Remember—behind every number is a human. Lead boldly, live purposefully. The impact you crave starts here. The Truth No One Tells You About Performance

    34 min

  3. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    The Reflective Professional Introduction

    Are you tired of surface-level advice? Want real insights that push you to grow — personally and professionally? I’m Chris Cahill, and I believe the journey to being better is ongoing, messy, and beautiful. Join me as we dig deep into what it really takes to level up in life and work.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

This is The Reflective Professional — reflections on becoming better at work and in life.   I’m Chris Cahill. I’m a VP and head of sales in biotech — and like you, I’m still learning.   On this show, we move beyond résumés and roles. We ask probing questions:What helps us grow in our careers and as human beings?What can we learn from failure?And how do we build skills, networks, and cultures that last?   You’ll hear candid conversations with leaders, individual contributors, and practitioners across industries, and backgrounds — people who’ve wrestled with purpose, pressure, and the long game of a meaningful career and life.   If you’re here to think deeply, grow, and become better — you’re in the right place.   Welcome to The Reflective Professional.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Cahill
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Chris Cahill