Jaze in PODgress

Jaze Gutierrez

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Jaze in PODgress is a leadership and growth podcast where I share real-life workplace experiences while growing in Learning and Development. From emotional intelligence and supervisory skills to soft skills and mindset shifts, this podcast blends practical leadership insights with honest reflections from the journey. This isn’t about having it all figured out — it’s about learning, leading, and growing in real time.

May 17

Boundaries in Leadership: You Can Be Kind Without Losing Authority | Ep 8

In this episode of Jaze in PODgress, we talk about one of the most difficult, yet most important parts of leadership: boundaries. How do you stay warm and approachable without losing authority? How do you care for people without carrying everything emotionally? As young leaders grow into bigger responsibilities, relationship dynamics begin to change. What once felt casual and easy can suddenly become complicated when expectations, accountability, and leadership enter the picture. Through personal reflections and relatable workplace realities, Jaze unpacks the difference between kindness and people-pleasing, why boundaries are necessary for sustainable leadership, and how protecting your peace does not make you less compassionate. Because leadership is not about choosing between warmth and authority. It’s learning how to balance both. Topics Covered • Why boundaries are important in leadership • The struggle of young leaders with authority and relationships • Kindness vs people-pleasing • Professional boundaries and emotional sustainability • Why saying “no” is sometimes necessary • Creating healthy workplace dynamics

8 min
Apr 26

Giving Feedback Without Breaking People: Hard Conversations Done Right | Ep 7

In this episode of Jaze in PODgress, we talk about one of the most challenging parts of leadership — giving feedback. Why does feedback often feel personal? Why do some conversations motivate us, while others make us doubt ourselves? Jaze shares a personal story from his early career believing in the idea that “feedback is the breakfast of champions,” yet struggling to receive it without taking it as an attack. Through reflection and experience in leadership training, he unpacks how both delivery and intention shape how feedback is received. Because the truth is, feedback is not just about what you say. It’s about how you make people feel while hearing it. If you’re a leader, supervisor, or someone growing in your career, this episode will help you handle feedback conversations with more clarity, empathy, and impact. Topics Covered • Why feedback feels personal • Personal experience with receiving feedback • Common mistakes in giving feedback • The sandwich method explained simply • Feedback vs criticism • Creating safe and constructive conversations

7 min
Apr 19

Psychological Safety: The Leadership Skill That Changes Everything | Ep 6

In this episode of Jaze in PODgress, we talk about a leadership factor that is often overlooked but can make or break teams: psychological safety. Why do some people stay silent in meetings? Why do others choose to leave their jobs not because of workload, but because they don’t feel safe? Through real conversations, personal experiences, and insights from high-performing teams like Google, Jaze unpacks how the environment leaders create directly impacts how people show up, speak up, and grow. This episode also gets personal because of sharing the realities behind onboarding 150+ employees for a pre-opening team, navigating self-doubt, anxiety, and the quiet pressure that comes with growth. Because leadership is not just about managing tasks. It’s about creating spaces where people feel safe to be heard, to make mistakes, and to become better. Topics Covered What psychological safety really means Why employees leave due to unsafe environments Lessons from high-performing teams Leadership pressure and internal struggles Creating safe spaces for growth and expression Small leadership actions that build trust

8 min
Apr 5

You cannot give what you do not have: Self-Awareness & Growth | Ep 5

In this episode of Jaze in PODgress, we explore one of the most important foundations of leadership — self-awareness. Recorded on Easter Sunday, this episode reflects not only on leadership growth, but also on the idea of renewal, letting go of old habits, mindsets, and reactions to become a more intentional version of yourself. Through personal reflections and real-life stories, including insights from global leaders and everyday experiences, Jaze shares how understanding your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can transform the way you lead and connect with others. Because before you lead others… You must first understand yourself. Topics: • What self-awareness really means in leadership • Why perception shapes reality • Leadership lessons from real-life and global stories • The role of reflection in personal growth • Unconscious patterns and biases • Growth as a process of renewal

11 min
Mar 20

Soft Skills Are Not Soft: The Real Power Behind Effective Leaders | Ep 4

In this episode of Jaze in PODgress, we talk about something often underestimated in the workplace — soft skills. After a weekend of facilitating a team building session and observing real team dynamics, Jaze reflects on how leadership is not just about technical skills, but how you communicate, respond, and connect with people. Because the truth is, most workplace challenges are not about lack of skill, but lack of understanding, communication, and emotional intelligence. If you’re growing into leadership or currently managing people, this episode will help you rethink what truly makes a leader effective. Topics Covered Why soft skills are not “soft” Leadership insights from real team dynamics Communication and emotional intelligence in the workplace Technical skills vs people skills Why human behavior is the real challenge in leadership Building trust through everyday interactions

11 min
Mar 8

Becoming the Leader You’re Not Yet: Navigating the Awkward Middle | Ep 3

In this episode of Jaze in PODgress, we talk about a phase of growth that many professionals experience but rarely discuss, the awkward middle of leadership. It’s that moment when your role begins to change. People start expecting more from you. But internally, you’re still adjusting to the identity of being a leader. In this episode, Jaze reflects on the reality of transitioning from team member to supervisor or middle manager, the pressure of balancing expectations from both leadership and your team, and the internal identity shift that comes with growth. Because sometimes the hardest part of leadership is not the skills — it’s becoming the person the role requires you to be. If you’ve ever felt like you’re still figuring things out while leading others, this conversation is for you. Topics: The “awkward middle” of leadership growth Transitioning from peer to supervisor The identity gap between role and self-perception Responsibility vs authority in leadership Why discomfort is part of professional growth Practicing leadership before feeling fully confident

8 min
Mar 1

Impostor Phenomenon in Leadership: When Growth Feels Like Fraud | Ep 2

Ever felt like you don’t belong in the room even when you’re prepared? In this episode, I will share a real-time leadership experience that triggered impostor feelings during a supervisory training session with a foreign national participant. From internal doubt to emotional intelligence, this conversation explores how growth can sometimes feel like fraud. We also unpack why experts now prefer the term “impostor phenomenon” instead of “impostor syndrome” , and why that shift in language matters for leaders. If you’ve ever questioned your readiness, your voice, or your place at the table, this episode is for you. Topics Covered: Impostor syndrome vs impostor phenomenon Leadership insecurity in professional spaces Navigating English confidence in global settings Emotional intelligence in real time Growth discomfort vs incompetence Building confidence through evidence

9 min
Feb 22

Why I’m Starting Before I Feel Ready | Ep. 1

In this first official episode of Jaze in PODgress, I share why I chose to start this podcast before feeling completely ready. As an L&D practitioner and certified trainer, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t wait for confidence — confidence follows action. In this episode, I reflect on impostor feelings, stepping into leadership while still growing, and the mindset shift from waiting to becoming. If you’re building your emotional intelligence, preparing for supervisory roles, or learning to lead with intention, this episode is for you. Stay intentional. Stay reflective. Stay in PODgress. Topics: leadership development, emotional intelligence, supervisory skills, L&D growth, impostor syndrome, professional development.

6 min
Feb 19

Welcome to Jaze in PODgress | Trailer

Welcome to Jaze in PODgress — a leadership and growth podcast documenting my journey in Learning and Development. In this show, I share real-life workplace stories, reflections on emotional intelligence, supervisory skills, and the lessons I’m learning while growing into leadership. If you’re building your confidence, developing your people management skills, or preparing for bigger responsibilities, this podcast is for you. Stay intentional. Stay reflective. Stay in PODgress.

1 min

9 Episodes

Jaze in PODgress is a leadership and growth podcast where I share real-life workplace experiences while growing in Learning and Development. From emotional intelligence and supervisory skills to soft skills and mindset shifts, this podcast blends practical leadership insights with honest reflections from the journey. This isn’t about having it all figured out — it’s about learning, leading, and growing in real time.

Creator

Jaze Gutierrez
Years Active

2K
Episodes

9
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Jaze Gutierrez
Show Website

Jaze in PODgress