Love and Leadership

Kristen Brun Sharkey and Mike Sharkey
  • 5.0 (14)
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The Love and Leadership podcast is hosted by Kristen Brun Sharkey and Mike Sharkey - a couple of leadership nerds who also happen to be a couple. Kristen is a leadership coach and facilitator and Mike is a senior living and hospitality executive. This podcast weaves together the hosts' past and present experiences, analysis of leadership books, and thought-provoking guest interviews with inspiring leaders and experts. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, Love and Leadership will help you lead with both your head and your heart - plus a bit of humor. 

  1. We’re Back: Reflections on Newborn Parenting and Leadership

    OCT 23

    We’re Back: Reflections on Newborn Parenting and Leadership

    After a hiatus, Kristen and Mike return to Love and Leadership with a new tiny co-host in tow. They pull back the curtain on what the past few months have really been like—from an unplanned C-section to navigating the gaps in U.S. parental leave policies. They share what they've learned about partnership under pressure, why their pre-baby work on fighting better has paid off, and how they're managing to show up for each other when sleep is scarce and stress is high. If you've ever wondered what leadership actually looks like when the stakes are personal and the challenges are right in front of you, this conversation offers a real-world test case. Plus, they explain what to expect from the podcast going forward and why there will be more "love" in Love and Leadership from here on out. Highlights: Kristen and Mike share their experience becoming new parents, including Kristen's unplanned C-section at 37 weeks and the challenges of the early postpartum periodThey discuss the broken state of parental leave and maternal support in the United States, including limited time off and a healthcare system that often fails new mothersMike explains what he learned about infant brain development and nervous system regulation, including why the "cry it out" method isn't supported by neuroscienceThe couple opens up about how becoming parents has tested their partnership and why their pre-baby work on communication (including reading Fight Right by the Gottmans) has been essentialThey share practical strategies for managing the transition to parenthood as a team, including not competing over who has it harder and actively supporting each other through rest and childcareKristen highlights the value of mom support groups and community during the postpartum periodMike discusses the importance of long-term thinking in business, drawing parallels between supporting families and retaining institutional knowledge in organizationsThey announce the podcast will continue on a biweekly schedule for now, with fewer guest episodes until they establish a more consistent routine with their sonLinks & Resources Mentioned: Fight Right: How Successful Couples Turn Conflict into Connection by John Gottman and Julie GottmanLa Vie En Doula (Kristen & Mike’s postpartum night doula)Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com Instagram: @loveleaderpod Follow us on LinkedIn! Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/ Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/ Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

    38 min

  2. JUL 2 · BONUS

    We're Taking a Baby Break - But We'll Be Back

    A brief update: we're taking a hiatus through the end of summer to welcome our newborn son. While we had hoped to have new content during parental leave, life had other plans. We want to reassure you that we're committed to the podcast and will return with fresh episodes soon enough. In the meantime, there are 43 episodes to explore, and we welcome content suggestions at loveandleadershippod@gmail.com. Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com Instagram: @loveleaderpod Follow us on LinkedIn! Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/ Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/ Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

    2 min
  3. Leadership Book Club: The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier

    JUN 27

    Leadership Book Club: The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier

    Mike and Kristen dive deep into Michael Bungay Stanier's The Advice Trap, exploring why our natural instinct to give advice actually makes us worse leaders. This episode reveals the uncomfortable truth: your advice isn't as good as you think it is, and constantly offering solutions is damaging your team and overwhelming your schedule. The hosts get painfully honest about their own advice-giving habits while breaking down the three personas of the "advice monster" - Tell It, Save It, and Control It. They explore the psychological rewards we get from playing rescuer (#winsnotwins) and share practical strategies for staying curious longer instead of rushing to solutions. If you've ever wondered why your team keeps coming to you with problems instead of solutions, or why you feel like the only person holding everything together, this episode will help you understand the hidden costs of advice-giving and show you a better way forward. Highlights: Why advice damages organizations by demotivating receivers, overwhelming givers, and limiting team potentialThe three advice monster personas (Tell It, Save It, Control It) and their shared DNA belief: "I'm better than the other person"Understanding #winsnotwins - the short-term rewards that keep you stuck in advice-giving patterns and why recognizing these prizes is key to changeWhy taming your advice monster requires battling between present you and future you (the adult marshmallow test)The TERA framework for psychological safety using Tribe, Expectation, Rank, and Autonomy to create safer conversationsSix "foggy-fiers" that derail problem-solving, from "twirling" (first problem isn't the real problem) to "yarning" (too much storytelling)Moving beyond single questions to strategic coaching combos that uncover real challengesSpecific language patterns for interrupting conversations without damaging relationshipsHow your background affects when and how you should give away power as a leaderMaking coaching a regular interaction instead of formal compliance meetingsLinks & Resources Mentioned: The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay StanierThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierDownload Additional Book Resources from MBS Love & Leadership Episode #9: The Coaching HabitWhat Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall GoldsmithThe First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com Instagram: @loveleaderpod Follow us on LinkedIn! Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/ Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/ Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

    1h 23m
  4. Leadership Book Club: The Go-Giver Leader by Bob Burg and John David Mann

    MAY 29

    Leadership Book Club: The Go-Giver Leader by Bob Burg and John David Mann

    Kristen and Mike explore The Go-Giver Leader by Bob Burg and John David Mann, a parable that flips traditional command-and-control leadership on its head. Through the story of Ben, an ambitious M&A executive who discovers that true influence comes from yielding rather than forcing, listeners will learn why the best leaders don't take leadership - they give it away. Mike brings his signature tangents, while Kristen keeps things grounded with practical insights. If you've ever wondered why some leaders inspire fierce loyalty while others barely get compliance, this episode reveals the five keys that separate legendary leaders from mere managers. Fair warning: there's some serious cheese in this book, but the lessons underneath are pure gold. Highlights: Using "I," "me," and "my" repeatedly sends the wrong message - leadership isn't about making everything about youAnyone can create a vision, but the real challenge is holding fast to it when everyone else loses sight during difficult timesInfluence pulls people toward you like gravity, while convincing pushes and overcomes by argument - completely different approachesLike heating wood to reveal beautiful colors, applying belief (not pressure) brings out the best in peopleWhile competence is baseline, people need to trust your character - what happens when life scratches your soul matters more than your resumeGiving away power actually increases your influence, though this advice doesn't apply equally to all leaders in all situationsThe book uniquely addresses how tragedy and loss leave authentic marks that show up in business and leadershipThe best way to increase influence is to give it away - great leadership is never about the leaderLinks & Resources Mentioned: The Go-Giver Leader by Bob Burg and John David MannThe Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David MannExtreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko WillinkThe Advice Trap by Michael Bungay StanierWhat Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall GoldsmithGood to Great by Jim CollinsUnreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com Instagram: @loveleaderpod Follow us on LinkedIn! Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/ Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/ Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

    1h 12m
  5. Leadership vs Management: Why You Need Both

    MAY 14

    Leadership vs Management: Why You Need Both

    You've probably heard "leadership versus management" debates many times, but Kristen and Mike break it down in a way that actually makes sense. This isn't about which one is better - spoiler alert: you need both. Instead, they explore how these distinct skill sets work together and why understanding the difference can transform your career. From Confucius to Navy SEALs, they share practical insights on when to lead people versus manage systems, common myths that trip up even experienced professionals, and why the best leaders toggle between both modes throughout their day. If you've ever wondered whether you're managing when you should be leading (or vice versa), this episode will give you the clarity to know which hat to wear when. Highlights: The Core Distinction: Leadership = vision and inspiration ("why" and "what"). Management = operations and execution ("how")Kotter's Framework: Leadership establishes direction, aligns people, motivates. Management plans/budgets, organizes/staffs, controls/problem-solvesWhy Both Matter: Successful leaders toggle between both modes throughout their dayLeadership can be learned through study and practice - you're not born with itCommon Myths Debunked: Leadership isn't higher status than management, you can lead from any role, both require ongoing developmentThe Coaching Approach: Keeps you focused on vision and mentorship while avoiding micromanagementManaging Systems, Leading People: Manage processes, lead and inspire the people within themContinuous Growth: Leadership development is lifelong, requiring constant learning and self-reflectionLinks & Resources Mentioned: Start With Why by Simon SinekGood to Great by Jim CollinsTurn the Ship Around by Captain L. David MarquetThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierExtreme Ownership by Jocko WillinkUnreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraPodcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com Instagram: @loveleaderpod Follow us on LinkedIn! Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/ Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/ Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

    40 min
  6. Buzzword Breakdown: Psychological Safety

    MAY 7

    Buzzword Breakdown: Psychological Safety

    Kristen and Mike kick off their new Buzzword Breakdown series by tackling psychological safety, a term often referenced in leadership discussions without clear explanation. Created by Harvard professor Amy Edmondson, psychological safety is the belief that you won't be punished for speaking up with ideas, questions, or concerns. Research shows it's the #1 predictor of high-performing teams - more important than who's on the team. Despite its importance, many misconceptions exist around what psychological safety actually means and how to create it. Whether you lead a team or are part of one, understanding this concept can transform your workplace relationships and help everyone do their best work. Highlights: Introduction of the new Buzzword Breakdown series formatAmy Edmondson coined "psychological safety" in 1999 while researching hospital teamsPsychological safety is a team concept that predicts high performance (Google's Project Aristotle)Myth: It's about being nice (Reality: It's about candor with respect)Myth: You can declare a space "safe" (Reality: Actions create it)Myth: It's a luxury (Reality: It's essential for effective teams)Signs of low safety: silence in meetings, blame culture, fear of failureSigns of high safety: challenging ideas without fear, open discussion of mistakesLeaders create it through: admitting uncertainty, sharing lessons from mistakes, thanking people for speaking upLinks & Resources Mentioned: The Fearless Organization by Amy EdmondsonAmy Edmondson on LinkedInHBR: What Is Psychological Safety?HBR: What People Get Wrong About Psychological SafetyMcKinsey: What is Psychological Safety?Previous Love and Leadership episodes:#37 Workplace Buzzwords #31 Motivating Employees#38 How to Win Friends and Influence People#17 Interview with Rebecca YangPodcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com Instagram: @loveleaderpod Follow us on LinkedIn! Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/ Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/ Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

    29 min
  7. ENCORE: Leading Through Turbulent Times with Megan Romano, LMFT

    APR 30

    ENCORE: Leading Through Turbulent Times with Megan Romano, LMFT

    We originally aired this episode in October prior to the election, and are sharing it again today because we find it more relevant than ever!  Leaders today face a unique challenge: supporting their teams' mental wellness during a very high-stress period. In this episode, Kristen and Mike explore this timely topic with licensed therapist Megan Romano. They discuss how leaders can navigate the emotional minefield of turbulent political times, from recognizing their own triggers to creating a psychologically safe environment for their teams. Megan shares practical techniques for emotional regulation and emphasizes the importance of leaders modeling vulnerability and self-care. This episode offers invaluable insights on how to lead with empathy and resilience during turbulent times. About Megan: Megan Romano (M.S., LMFT) is a New York-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in trauma therapy. With extensive experience in inpatient rehabilitation and online therapy, she has treated clients globally and trained therapists in various settings. She is certified in treating disruptive behavioral disorders, crisis intervention, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral disorders. She provides therapy for individuals, families, and couples, addressing a wide range of challenges. She has received "The Best of Brooklyn Award for Counseling and Mental Health" for nine consecutive years. She is also the founder of Human Nation™, a mental health resource, and the inventor of a patent-pending trauma intervention that is 100% effective and substance-free. Highlights: The importance of leaders recognizing and regulating their own emotions before addressing their team's concerns.Techniques for emotional regulation, including breathing exercises and identifying physical signs of stress.The value of taking timeouts during tense meetings to allow for emotional processing.The role of vulnerability in leadership and how it can foster trust and psychological safety.The concept of "tend and befriend" as a positive stress response in the workplace.The importance of authentic check-ins with employees and listening to learn rather than to respond.Tips for finding the right therapist and normalizing mental health care in the workplace.The benefits of proactive therapy for leaders, even without a specific crisis or diagnosis.Links and Resources Mentioned: Human Nation™ websiteMegan Romano TherapyMegan’s LinkedIn profilePsychology Today ZocdocAmerican Association for Marriage and Family TherapyAmerican Academy of Experts in Traumatic StressPodcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com Instagram: @loveleaderpod Follow us on LinkedIn! Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/ Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/ Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

    54 min
  8. Leadership Book Club: How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

    APR 23

    Leadership Book Club: How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

    Kristen and Mike dive into Dale Carnegie's classic "How to Win Friends and Influence People" - a book that's approaching its 90th anniversary yet remains powerfully relevant. Mike reveals he's read (or rather, listened to) the book nearly 10 times, often before starting new jobs to ground himself in core leadership principles. The couple explores why this 1936 bestseller has sold over 30 million copies and continues to influence modern leadership thinking. Unlike most leadership books, Carnegie's approach focuses on genuine human connection rather than strategy or tactics. As you listen, you'll discover timeless principles that can transform not just your leadership approach, but all your relationships through small yet powerful changes in how you interact with others. Highlights: Carnegie's core message: Leadership is about making people want to do things, not forcing themPrinciple 1: Don't criticize, condemn, or complain - criticism puts people on defensivePrinciple 2: Give honest and sincere appreciation - not flatteryPrinciple 3: Arouse in the other person an eager want - talk about what they wantThe book emphasizes remembering names as "the sweetest sound" to any personGood listening is highlighted as more important than talking for effective communication"The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it" - a principle both hosts struggle withMike shares examples of seeing these principles successfully applied in hospitality leadershipCarnegie's focus on understanding others' perspectives aligns with the improv principles Kristen teachesLinks & Resources Mentioned: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieHow to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin It's Your Ship by Michael Abrashoff The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier How to Say It for Women by Phyllis Mindell Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com Instagram: @loveleaderpod Follow us on LinkedIn! Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/ Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/ Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

    1h 32m
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About

The Love and Leadership podcast is hosted by Kristen Brun Sharkey and Mike Sharkey - a couple of leadership nerds who also happen to be a couple. Kristen is a leadership coach and facilitator and Mike is a senior living and hospitality executive. This podcast weaves together the hosts' past and present experiences, analysis of leadership books, and thought-provoking guest interviews with inspiring leaders and experts. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, Love and Leadership will help you lead with both your head and your heart - plus a bit of humor. 

Information

  • Creator
    Kristen Brun Sharkey and Mike Sharkey
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Love and Leadership
  • Show Website
    Love and Leadership

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