The Dips of Doubt

What do you do when the energy in a meeting suddenly shifts and tension begins to rise? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the Leadership Cycle, a practical framework shared by Ray White that helps leaders slow down, read the room, and respond with intention rather than rushing to fix the problem. They walk through six steps: notice, diagnose, choose, lead, reflect, and practice. Along the w...

Are you addressing the root of workplace tension or just treating what you see on the surface? In this episode, Susan and Tessa use a surprising comparison to pest control to explore how leaders can respond when fatigue, frustration, and slipping professionalism begin to affect team culture. They discuss looking beyond the behavior to understand what motivates people, what they fear, and what may...

How quickly do you assume the worst when someone’s behavior catches you off guard? In this episode, Susan and Tessa turn an unexpected honk in traffic into a leadership lesson about the stories we tell ourselves and how quickly embarrassment can shift into anger and judgment. They explore the power of noticing your reactions, separating facts from assumptions, and choosing compassion when you do n...

When someone challenges your leadership, is your first instinct to defend yourself or get curious? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore what it means to be a detective , not a defender, when criticism or accusations catch you off guard. They discuss pausing before reacting, recognizing the difference between intent and impact, and asking questions that help you understand another person’s expe...

Whose contributions might you be overlooking because they happen quietly behind the scenes? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the invisible contributions that strengthen schools and workplaces, reminding leaders to look beyond measurable results and public recognition to notice the people who make a difference every day. They discuss the importance of knowing every member of your team, reco...

What is it like to be on the other side of you as a leader? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore relational intelligence and why strong leadership depends on more than expertise, authority, or having the right answer. They discuss owning your emotions, recognizing the impact of your energy, having honest conversations, and creating the psychological safety people need to ask for help, take ris...

What if your to do list had a “not today” section? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore how leaders can ease overwhelm by intentionally deciding what does not need their attention right now. They discuss the value of creating a Not Today list, not to lower standards or avoid responsibilities, but to protect your limited time and energy for the priorities that truly matter. It is a reminder tha...

What if October did not have to feel like a scramble? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore how leaders can survive and thrive during “Shocktober,” when priorities stack up, energy runs low, and the pressure to finish the year strong begins to build. They discuss the power of radical clarity, focusing on what truly moves the needle, and treating the final 90 days of the year as an opportunity r...

Are your team members watching what you say or what you consistently allow? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the cost of inconsistent leadership and why culture is shaped less by stated expectations than by the standards leaders actually uphold. They discuss how follow through, fair accountability, and attention to what matters communicate that people’s work is valued. It is a reminder tha...

What are you missing about your own leadership? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore leadership blind spots and why even well intentioned leaders need trusted people who can help them see what they cannot see on their own. They discuss the courage it takes to ask for honest feedback, the discomfort that comes when it stings, and the importance of listening without becoming defensive. It is a r...

When someone brings you a challenge, do you make space for them or quickly fill the silence with advice, stories, and solutions? To kick off your week, Susan and Tessa explore why leaders often jump into problem solving mode and how that instinct can unintentionally take the focus away from the person who needs support. They discuss the value of pausing, listening with curiosity, and asking what s...

What do you do when the pressure is high and everyone is looking to you for direction? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the importance of leading with grace under fire and staying calm when things do not go as planned. They discuss the power of pausing before reacting, regulating your emotions, and remembering that you do not need to have every answer in the moment. It is a reminder that l...

What small traditions help your team feel connected? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the power of shared rituals and how consistent moments of fun, celebration, and connection can strengthen a team’s sense of belonging. They discuss simple ideas such as birthday traditions, team mascots, meeting icebreakers, and celebrating weekly wins. It is a reminder that rituals are more than extra ac...

Have you ever replayed a leadership moment and thought, “I should have done that differently”? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the self doubt that can come from second guessing past decisions and why leaders need to give themselves the same compassion they offer others. They discuss how to turn regret into reflection by recognizing that you made the best decision you could with the inform...

What do you do after you finally reach the finish line? To kick the week off, Susan and Tessa explore the Rest First Rule and why leaders need to pause before jumping into the next project, goal, or challenge. They discuss the importance of celebrating wins, creating space for reflection, and choosing a form of rest that helps you reset. It is a reminder that meaningful leadership is not just abou...

Do your teams need to agree with every decision, or do they need to understand it and move forward together? In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the difference between agreement and alignment and why chasing consensus can sometimes weaken clear leadership. They discuss how leaders can build alignment by explaining the why, genuinely hearing input before a decision is made, and providing a clea...

What keeps you going when the excitement fades? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the difference between passion and purpose and why leaders cannot rely on motivation alone to sustain meaningful work. They discuss how passion can be energizing but temporary, while purpose provides the commitment and direction needed to move through the difficult middle of any goal. It is a reminder to stop...

What if one simple question could strengthen your entire team culture? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the power of asking, “How can I help?” and how that mindset can create more connected, supportive workplaces. They discuss modeling helpfulness as a leader, naming it as a team value, celebrating people who step in to support others, and letting go of the fear of overstepping. It is a re...

Have you become too comfortable in your leadership? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the idea of meaningful discomfort and why growth often requires us to stretch beyond what feels safe or familiar. They discuss how leaders can raise the bar with clarity, challenge themselves and their teams without pushing too far, pair growth with the right support, and normalize the discomfort that come...

How many open tabs are running in your mind right now? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the mental clutter leaders carry every day, from unfinished tasks and follow ups to meetings, evaluations, and decisions that keep replaying long after the workday ends. They share practical ways to close the loop, including writing things down, creating reliable reminder systems, setting priorities, an...

What does clarity look like in your leadership? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore why clarity is one of the most important ways leaders can reduce stress and set their teams up for success. From onboarding new employees to introducing a new process or sharing a vision, they discuss how vague directions can create confusion and frustration. The conversation focuses on being specific, adaptin...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore a question every busy leader should consider: Are the people you love getting the best of you, or just the leftovers? They talk about the reality of coming home depleted after giving so much energy to work and how small, intentional moments can help families feel seen and valued. The conversation is not about guilt or trying to be a superhero in every area...

Who is ready to lead if you are unavailable? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore why every leader needs a strong backup plan and why developing the next level of leadership matters long before there is an emergency. They discuss succession planning, giving emerging leaders access to important conversations, and creating opportunities for team members to test out new responsibilities. The conv...

In this week's Wednesday episode, Susan and Tessa talk about “keyboard bandits,” those public email callouts and reply all messages that create a gotcha environment and damage trust. They explain why these moments usually come from unmet expectations and why private, human conversation works better than public escalation. Their advice is simple: acknowledge the message, take it offline, and respon...

How do you stay centered when leadership pulls you between empathy and accountability? In this episode, Susan and Tessa use the balance beam as a metaphor for holding tension, staying grounded, and not collapsing too far to either side. They discuss creative tension, the importance of seeing the human while still maintaining clear expectations, and why curiosity can help leaders troubleshoot perfo...