Today's Balanced Leader with Caroline Baird

Caroline Baird
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Today's Balanced Leader with Caroline Baird

Are you ready to become the kind of leader who’s not just in control, but aligned with your purpose—no excuses? Welcome to Today's Balanced Leader, the podcast that cuts through the fluff and gives you the real strategies you need to lead, transform, and thrive. I’m your host, guide and coach, Caroline Baird, and I’m here to show you how to ditch the excuses and embrace bold, unapologetic change. We’re not just talking about balance—we’re living it. We’re challenging outdated norms, tackling tough conversations, and arming you with the tools to break free from limits you’ve placed on yourself. This isn't about quick fixes or feel-good sound bites. It's about raw, real growth that sticks. Every month, I bring in experts and thought leaders to help you discover what it truly means to lead with confidence, compassion, and continuous growth. But this isn’t just about leadership—it's about your entire life. We’ll dive into how you can stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit, even when life is chaotic. From burnout to overwhelm, we’re here to give you straight-up solutions to help you lead with resilience, balance, and power. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this podcast will push you to rethink what’s possible. So, if you're ready to stop playing small and start leading with clarity and purpose, you’re in the right place. Let’s get to work. The life you deserve is waiting. Be sure to follow, and ring that bell to keep up to date on new episodes every other week! And if you love an episode, leave a rating and review, as I value your input. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroline_baird_coaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092229123713 Website: https://www.carolinebaird.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carolinebaird1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarolineBairdCoaching

  1. Ep 38 Lead with Clarity and Courage: The Power of Boundaries

    MAR 26

    Ep 38 Lead with Clarity and Courage: The Power of Boundaries

    Are you exhausted from holding everything together—at work, at home, in your head—and still feeling like it’s not enough? You’re not alone. So many high-achievers are secretly overwhelmed, constantly on, and silently wondering, “Is this really what leadership is supposed to feel like?” In this powerful episode of Today’s Balanced Leader, I take you on a 90-minute journey to shift that narrative. You’ll learn how setting boundaries isn’t about pushing people away—it’s about reclaiming your time, your energy, and your voice. We’ll unpack the myths that keep you stuck in overwork, explore the neuroscience of stress and over-functioning, and walk through a 4-step boundary framework that transforms how you live and lead. I’ll share real client stories, personal truths, and tools you can implement immediately—including your very own Personal Boundary Map. 02:17 The Myth of Overworking 03:46 The Neuroscience of Stress 04:37 Redefining Commitment 05:58 Invitation to Virtual Retreat 06:55 Hustle Culture and Success 08:13 Stories of Resilience 10:43 High Achievers and Boundaries 19:25 Rewiring the Brain for Boundaries 20:50 Strategic Leadership Accelerator Program 21:54 The Importance of Boundaries 24:56 Four-Step Framework for Setting Boundaries 31:09 Real-Life Examples of Boundary-Led Leadership 34:17 Creating Your Personal Boundary Map Want more from Caroline? Time to Reset Virtual Retreats (Feb, Mar & Apr) Free Leadership Level-Up call   Strategic Leadership Accelerator Program Got any burning questions you want answered, or a topic to cover?  Email me at caroline@carolinebaird.com.   Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram

    45 min
  2. Ep 37: The New Definition of Inclusive Leadership: Leading with Impact with Caroline Baird

    MAR 4

    Ep 37: The New Definition of Inclusive Leadership: Leading with Impact with Caroline Baird

    Leadership is evolving. The old model—where leaders hold all the power, control every decision, and push for results at any cost—is broken. Today’s most successful leaders don’t just manage—they inspire, empower, and create lasting impact. In this episode of Today's Balanced Leader, we explore the new definition of inclusive leadership and how to lead with impact. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why traditional leadership models are failing—and what’s replacing themThe 4 Pillars of High-Impact Leadership that every leader must master:Lead with Curiosity: Unlock new ideas and create a culture of learningElevate Unheard Voices: Drive engagement and innovation by amplifying diverse perspectivesBuild a Culture of Shared Ownership: Empower your team to take accountability and lead with confidenceExpand Your Inner Circle: Seek out fresh perspectives to eliminate blind spots and make better decisions We'll provide Real-world examples from leaders at Salesforce, LinkedIn, Ford, PepsiCo, and more, and talk about how inclusive leadership isn’t just about diversity—it’s about business success 🔥 Are You Ready to Lead with Impact? This episode will challenge you to rethink how you lead, help you integrate these leadership shifts into your daily work, and give you practical strategies to create a workplace where people thrive. 🎧 Listen now and start leading with curiosity, inclusion, and impact. 👉 If this episode resonates with you, share it with a fellow leader and leave us a review! Your support helps us continue bringing leadership insights to you every week. 02:13 Redefining Leadership for Impact 03:25 Pillar 1: Leading with Curiosity 08:10 Pillar 2: Elevating Unheard Voices 12:03 Invitation to Virtual Retreat 12:57 Pillar 3: Building a Culture of Shared Ownership 17:09 Pillar 4: Expanding Your Inner Circle 22:35 Strategic Leadership Accelerator Program 23:34 Conclusion and Recap Want more from Caroline? Time to Reset Virtual Retreats (Feb, Mar & Apr) Free Leadership Level-Up call   Strategic Leadership Accelerator Program Got any burning questions you want answered, or a topic to cover?  Email me at caroline@carolinebaird.com.   Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram

    28 min
  3. Ep 36 How to Build a High-Trust Workplace & Transform Your Culture with Tim McCleary

    FEB 18

    Ep 36 How to Build a High-Trust Workplace & Transform Your Culture with Tim McCleary

    Are you facing disengaged employees, struggling with organizational change, or trying to create a high-performance culture in your workplace? In this episode of Today's Balanced Leader, I sit down with Tim McCleary, an expert in culture activation and founder of The Involvement Practice. With 20+ years at NBC, Warner Bros., and GE, Tim shares actionable strategies for unlocking employee potential, increasing trust, and adapting to AI-driven leadership changes. 🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The hidden drivers of disengagement & how to fix them ✔️ The neuroscience behind trust & high-performance leadership ✔️ How to navigate layoffs & major organizational changes ✔️ Strategies for measuring and improving employee engagement ✔️ The impact of AI & remote work on workplace culture With references to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s stages of grief and insights from Dr. Paul Zak, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking conversations. Don't miss out on mastering the next evolution of involvement culture and building a high-trust workplace environment. 02:22 Hidden Drivers of Disengagement 03:52 The Importance of Third-Party Insights 09:00 Recognizing Silent Warning Signs 14:20 Generational Differences in the Workplace 19:12 Navigating Large-Scale Layoffs 20:41 The Human Side of Organizational Change 26:32 The Role of Neuroscience in Building Trust 41:17 Introduction to Leadership Challenges 44:40 Building Strong Team Cultures 50:55 Transparency and Trust in Leadership 57:25 Navigating Remote Work and AI in the Workplace 01:06:15 Measuring Trust and Productivity 01:09:44 Immediate Actions for Leaders 💡 About Tim McCleary: Tim McCleary is a leading expert in culture change activation and the founder of The Involvement Practice, a firm dedicated to transforming organizations through immersive employee engagement strategies. With a career spanning two decades at NBC, Warner Bros., and GE, Tim pioneered Involvement Culture™, a model designed to drive trust, engagement, and measurable business success. 📩 Want to build a high-trust, high-performance culture in your organization? 👉 Connect with Tim McCleary at https://www.theinvolvementpractice.com Instagram: @involvement_practice LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/the-involvement-practice-llc http://linkedin.com/in/timmccleary Want more from Caroline? Website: https//:www.carolinebaird.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Caroline-Baird-Coaching/100092229123713/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinebaird1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroline_baird_coaching/ Offers: Time to Reset Virtual Retreats (Feb, Mar, Apr) https://carolinebaird.com/virtual-retreat Free Leadership Level-Up Call https://calendly.com/carolinebaird/1-hour-free-strategic-leadership-level-up-call Strategic Leadership Accelerator Program https://carolinebaird.com/strategic-leadership-accelerator Got any burning questions you want answered, or a topic to cover? Email me at caroline@carolinebaird.com.

    1h 17m
  4. Ep 35 BONUS: Navigating Uncertainty: Leadership with an Empowered Edge with Caroline Baird

    FEB 6

    Ep 35 BONUS: Navigating Uncertainty: Leadership with an Empowered Edge with Caroline Baird

    Feeling the weight of uncertainty? Economic shifts, trade tensions, rising costs, and workforce concerns are hitting leaders across industries. If you’re responsible for a business, a team, or simply trying to keep things afloat, this episode is for you. You don’t have to let uncertainty paralyze you—you can lead through it with confidence, clarity, and resilience. In this episode of Today’s Balanced Leader, I’ll walk you through: 🔹 [0:46] Why uncertainty isn’t just about external chaos—it’s about how you lead through it with heart-centered leadership. 🔹 [7:31] How to focus on what you can control—scenario planning, financial resilience, and operational agility. 🔹 [13:34] Leading with stability and confidence—creating psychological safety and keeping your team engaged. 🔹 [16:51] Lessons from history’s greatest leaders: Franklin D. Roosevelt and his fireside chats that reassured a nation during the Great Depression and WWII.Angela Merkel’s calm, data-driven leadership through the European financial crisis.Howard Schultz’s ability to rebuild Starbucks’ mission and employee trust after the 2008 crash. 🔹 [19:05] Your next steps—how to join me for a free Leadership Level-Up Call and my upcoming virtual retreat to help you reclaim your energy and focus. Uncertainty isn’t going away—but how you show up as a leader will define your success. You don’t have to do it alone. If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with another leader who needs it. And if you’re ready to step into your next level of leadership, book a call with me today at https://calendly.com/carolinebaird/1-hour-free-strategic-leadership-level-up-call. Let’s navigate this together—because resilient leaders don’t just react, they rise. 00:33 Navigating Leadership Through Uncertainty 03:33 Understanding and Managing Uncertainty 07:31 Controlling What You Can Control 13:34 Leading People with Stability and Confidence 16:51 Historical Leadership Examples in Times of Crisis 19:05 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Want more from Caroline? Time to Reset Virtual Retreats (Feb, Mar & Apr): Free Leadership Level-Up call   Strategic Leadership Accelerator Program Got any burning questions you want answered, or a topic to cover?  Email me at caroline@carolinebaird.com.   Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram

    21 min
  5. Ep 34 Master Leadership Communication & Emotional Regulation with Jayna Swan

    FEB 4

    Ep 34 Master Leadership Communication & Emotional Regulation with Jayna Swan

    Imagine having the confidence to communicate with clarity, the emotional regulation to navigate challenges with ease, and the alignment to ensure every goal you set fuels both your success and fulfillment. What if the key to thriving as a leader wasn’t about doing more, but about being more intentional with your time, energy, and values? Join me in this episode, as I welcome Jayna Swan, a dynamic speaker and coach dedicated to empowering women in business. Together, we dive into key strategies for thriving as a leader and entrepreneur, including: Effective Communication TechniquesAligning Goals with Core ValuesThe Power of Emotional RegulationUsing Technology to Create BalanceCultivating Meaningful ConnectionsHarmonizing Professional Growth with Family LifeThe Healthy Emotional Regulation App (Free Resource) Jayna shares her groundbreaking approach to emotional regulation through movement, meditation, and mindfulness—helping leaders navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. We also explore the realities of balancing career growth with personal life, offering practical boundary-setting strategies and actionable tips to create harmony. Key Takeaways:✔ How to align your goals with your values for greater fulfillment ✔ The role of AI in streamlining tasks and reducing mental load ✔ Simple ways to stay present in conversations and relationships ✔ How to lead with clarity while maintaining balance Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with real-world strategies to elevate your leadership and well-being! 02:02 Key Communication Techniques for Leaders 19:18 Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency 27:30 Emotional Regulation and Leadership Performance 35:35 Empathy and Curiosity in Leadership 39:40 The Importance of Follow-Up in Human Connection 41:20 Balancing Professional Growth and Family Life 43:52 Setting Boundaries for Work-Life Harmony 46:07 The Big Three: Prioritizing Daily Tasks 51:13 Introducing the Healthy Emotional Regulation App 52:08 The Five M's for Emotional Well-being Want to follow Jayna Swan: Website Instagram Healthy Emotional Regulation FREE - Healthy Emotional Regulation App - https://www.healthyemotionalregulation.com/app Want more from Caroline? Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Time to Reset Virtual Retreats (Feb, Mar & Apr): Free Leadership Level-Up call   a...

    1h 4m

  6. JAN 21

    Ep 33: Why Your Goals Fail and How To Achieve Success: Neuroscience-Backed Strategies

    Hey there, it's Caroline, your friend and guide to balanced leadership. In this episode, we're diving into why most of us struggle with goal-setting and how to reframe it for lasting success. If you've ever felt the frustration of New Year's resolutions slipping away, this episode is for you. We'll explore the psychology behind why traditional goal setting sets us up for burnout and how to create small, frequent wins that keep your motivation high. Learn to shift your focus from external outcomes to internal alignment and embody the success you desire. Whether it's tackling personal goals or aligning business KPIs with your values, we'll cover practical strategies to ensure you're making meaningful progress. Ready to recalibrate your approach to goals? Let's dive in and create the balanced life you deserve. 03:18 The Psychology Behind Goal Setting 08:57 Internal vs External Factors 13:50 The Progress Principle and Micro Wins 15:04 Identity-Based Goals 17:40 Live Goal Setting Exercise 21:18 Aligning Business Goals with Values 28:35 Recap and Final Thoughts Come Join me on Social! Website Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Free Resources I'm opening up 5 spots for a Strategic Leadership Level-Up Calls (my gift to you), Grab One Here. It's time to change how you lead!  Stressed and overwhelmed? Reset and Recharge at my Virtual Retreats happening February, March, and April. Get on the Waitlist to Secure Your Spot and learn about my bundle offer! Check out Harvard's article on Progress Principle. And remember to Share, Like and Comment so others hear about what I do.  Have a topic or challenge you'd like me to cover, just email me at caroline@carolinebaird.com.

    35 min
  7. Navigating Change: Managing Transitions, Listening to Your Team, and Preventing Turnover with Lisa Rigoli

    JAN 7

    Navigating Change: Managing Transitions, Listening to Your Team, and Preventing Turnover with Lisa Rigoli

    Feeling overwhelmed by the constant changes in your organization? Struggling to keep your team motivated and reduce turnover?  Hey, it’s Caroline, your guide to mastering balance in leadership! This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change and turnover within their organization. My guest, Lisa Rigoli, founder of Element of Change, dives deep into practical strategies for leading with resilience, fostering trust, and maintaining team morale during transitions. We discuss why empathy and clear communication are crucial during reorganizations, and Lisa shares her personal experience of handling unexpected job loss, offering invaluable advice for leaders. Whether you're facing a leadership change or a shift in business direction, you'll walk away with actionable insights to keep your team engaged and thriving. Tune in for tips on building resilient teams, creating a culture of belonging, and preparing for change before it hits. Mentioned in this episode are thought leaders Patrick Lentioni and Brené Brown, whose frameworks on trust and vulnerability are integral to Lisa’s approach.   04:32 Navigating Change and Resistance 06:31 Practical Examples of Managing Change 15:37 Building Resilience and Trust 21:05 Common Mistakes in Change Management 23:41 Understanding Hidden Conversations 23:55 The Importance of Senior Leadership Alignment 24:59 Addressing Turnover and Disengagement 26:57 Creating a Sense of Belonging During Vision Changes 30:43 Strategies for Identifying and Retaining Top Talent 34:31 Balancing Metrics and Team Morale 39:16 Rebuilding Trust During High Turnover   More about Lisa: WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn And check out Lisa's offers for us. What's happening at Caroline Baird Coaching? Book your free Strategic Leadership Level-Up Call - my GIFT TO YOU! Ready to Level-Up?  Check out The Strategic Leadership Accelerator Program Come and heal at our Soulful Healing membership program Join the Virtual and In-Person Retreat Waitlist now!   Got a hot topic or issue you want to hear me talk about on the podcast?  Drop me a line at caroline@carolinebaird.com!   Connect with me: InstagramFacebookLinkedIna href="mailto:caroline@carolinebaird.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    49 min
  8. The Gift of Slowing Down: Reflect, Recalibrate, and Lead with Purpose in 2025

    12/23/2024

    The Gift of Slowing Down: Reflect, Recalibrate, and Lead with Purpose in 2025

    In this special holiday edition of 'Today's Balanced Leader,' I am joining you as we explore the transformative Power & Gift of Slowing Down allowing for reflection, recalibration and leading with purpose.   We'll look at strategies for leading with confidence, resilience, and preventing burnout, reflecting on our journeys, and realigning with our values to close the year intentionally and joyfully. Personal anecdotes, practical tools, and a special holiday gift from me—I'm offering 10 free strategic leadership level-up call spots—all to help you prepare for the new year.  Tune in to celebrate your growth and embrace a balanced life. Happy Holidays from all of us at Today's Balanced Leader and Caroline Baird Coaching!   00:48 The Gift of Slowing Down  01:39 The Power of Reflection 02:43 Personal Journey and Insights 03:39 Embracing Freedom and Joy 05:29 Practical Tools for Reflection 05:44 Special Holiday Gift for Leaders 09:59 Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes   Come Join me on Social! Website Facebook Instagram To grab your spot for a FREE Strategic Leadership Level-Up Call: Book Now

    12 min
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Trailer

About

Are you ready to become the kind of leader who’s not just in control, but aligned with your purpose—no excuses? Welcome to Today's Balanced Leader, the podcast that cuts through the fluff and gives you the real strategies you need to lead, transform, and thrive. I’m your host, guide and coach, Caroline Baird, and I’m here to show you how to ditch the excuses and embrace bold, unapologetic change. We’re not just talking about balance—we’re living it. We’re challenging outdated norms, tackling tough conversations, and arming you with the tools to break free from limits you’ve placed on yourself. This isn't about quick fixes or feel-good sound bites. It's about raw, real growth that sticks. Every month, I bring in experts and thought leaders to help you discover what it truly means to lead with confidence, compassion, and continuous growth. But this isn’t just about leadership—it's about your entire life. We’ll dive into how you can stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit, even when life is chaotic. From burnout to overwhelm, we’re here to give you straight-up solutions to help you lead with resilience, balance, and power. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this podcast will push you to rethink what’s possible. So, if you're ready to stop playing small and start leading with clarity and purpose, you’re in the right place. Let’s get to work. The life you deserve is waiting. Be sure to follow, and ring that bell to keep up to date on new episodes every other week! And if you love an episode, leave a rating and review, as I value your input. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroline_baird_coaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092229123713 Website: https://www.carolinebaird.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carolinebaird1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarolineBairdCoaching

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