Listen to Lead

Dr. Douglas Fry has spent over 40 years studying humanity through an anthropological and cross-cultural indigenous lens. His books — The Human Potential for Peace , Beyond War , and Nurturing Our Humanity — confidently dispel the pervasive myth that our dominant nature is war-like, offering profound insight into what we are capable of as a deeply collaborative and inventive species. Dr. Fry is Pro...

"How can I help?" This is what Penn State University Success Circle alum and Ukrainian citizen Dr. Roxanna Senyshyn (Assc Prof Applied Linguistics and Communication) asked when her country was attacked in 2022. She shares her journey to answering this question. Her book, "Voices of Courage and Vulnerability", is a compilation of stories from Ukrainian English language educators...

Erin was killing it as a global marketing executive when she lost motivation. At the same time, she was learning to box. What she learned in the ring fundamentally changed her approach to life and leadership. Today, she leads  Fight Co. Lab , training top executives to fight with intention, presence, confidence, and deep relationality towards a bigger "why". #Leadership #WomenInBusiness...

Jaime Klein, CEO of ⁠Inspire Human Resources⁠ ⁠, joins us for an energizing conversation about creating exceptional workplaces. Jaime shares her journey from playground mom to entrepreneur and discusses the evolution of workplace culture over two decades. We discuss: Best practices for return to office The changing role of HR as a growth partner rather than rule enforcer How to maintain profession...

There's gold in the conflict you're avoiding. Sarah Watson (advertising exec turned advisor and coach) shares her journey from conflict-avoidant leader to helping leaders discover critical insights at the heart of conflict. She shares how to transform the conversations that no one wants to have into the unlock that everyone is asking for. We talk about: Reframing difficult people as organi...

A vital conversation on reconnecting to our creativity—and humanity—as a revolutionary act against forces working to disconnect us. Melanie Hoopes is a writer, podcaster, filmmaker, storyteller, and coach and trainer with Next Level Leadership. Enjoy this conversation and share it with anyone seeking their spark. Learn more about Melanie: www.melaniehoopes.com For coaching and leadership developme...

In this episode, our guest David Rhode, author of "Passion Isn't Enough," offers practical strategies and game-changing perspectives for nonprofit leaders. We explore: Staying connected to your core mission Engaging board members effectively The nuts & bolts of strategic planning Building a strong organizational culture Fundraising as robust community building Leveraging your net...

Brilliant leadership requires mastering both leading AND following to dynamically share status. We explore how to shift from unconscious status games to the conscious status dance—holding your own while sharing the spotlight with others. This is essential for your connected leadership evolution. Learn more @ www.the-next-level.com

How switching from "doing" to "perceiving" transforms your leadership presence. We explore: The neuroscience behind observer mode Why "calm is power"  Practical techniques like "popcorn perspective" for conflict resolution How peripheral vision enhances decision-making  And why your presence changes everything Key takeaway: Your smallness is your bigness—whe...

Lucia shares what she’s learned in her part-time work as a preschool teacher to help you lead your team from conflict to resilience. Learn: The Three Core Principles: Connect empathically Assume positive intent Create space for redemption How to Expand Awareness Energy Management Strategies Four-Step Conflict Framework Acknowledge emotion Get curious about perspectives Identify shared goals Invite...

Most conference interactions are 2-3 minutes long, and most of them go no where. Be the outlier. Define your metric of success Know your ask/offer Honor your connection style Commit to a follow through plan And, most essentially: Prepare to be present. Book a one-on-one Strategic Webbing session: https://www.the-next-level.com/shop/strategic-webbing-training Book a consult to bring Strategic Webbi...

We train leaders to be dolphins—communication masters working within pods of positive reciprocity. But what happens when you're working with sharks—ruthless predators out for themselves?  Lucia shares her tips. Hit follow & review! Find your pod with Success Circles connected leadership programs: www.the-next-level.com ☀️ The Liberated Life: 6 Month Coaching Container ☀️ Align your life and ca...

Lucia breaks down the A.C.T. model to move from stuckness to action. Grab a journal or take this on a quiet walk. 💗 Hit follow & review! ☀️ The Liberated Life: 6 Month Coaching Container ☀️ Align your life and career towards your most expansive, expressed, generous, and joyful self. This is for you if… ➡️ You're stuck in career indecision ➡️ What lit you up before no longer does ➡️ You are in...

This episode is an invitation to pause for the darkest day of the year. There's magic here. For individual and group connected leadership coaching & training, visit us at ⁠www.the-next-level.com⁠ Learn about 1-on-1 and group winter retreats in the Hudson Valley. Rate, review, and follow L2L to let it bloom.  #wintersolstice #wintering #reflection #journaling #intentions #2025 #vision

Weaving together voices from Next Level / Leaders on navigating loss, grief, death, and rebirth.  Visit us at www.the-next-level.com for the many ways we can support you and your organization to give as you grow in life and leadership. Rate, review, and follow L2L to let it bloom.  Dive deeper with our guests' full episodes. In order of speaking: Regan Stacy on Forest Therapy Dr. Surabhi Sahay on...

This is an essential conversation for a divided world. How to call all in to create a world we want to live in. 🌳🧠💭 Dr. Laura Cabrera is a Senior Research Associate in the Rock Ethics Institute, an Associate Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics, and Philosophy, and the Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Career Chair in Neuroethics at Penn State University. She is an alumni of Next L...

After 36 years of thinking something was wrong with her, Sarah Koestner now believes highly sensitive people are going to save the world. Roughly 30% of the population is highly sensitive. Sarah shares: How to identify where you fall on the sensitivity spectrum The challenges and gifts of high sensitivity How to build a life to thrive How to create inclusive cultures to foster the brilliance of hi...

Robert Adolph's a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel and U.N. Chief Security Advisor. Bob shares hard-earned wisdom on humility, kindness, and courage from a life of service.  To develop Next Level / Leadership, visit us @ www.the-next-level.com Learn more about Robert’s work @ www.robertbruceadolph.com Pick up his book “Surviving the United Nations” for a deeper dive. If this...

Shae Lambert is many things, including Miss District of Columbia for the America’s Most Beautiful System, a Senior Policy Analyst for Vulnerable Populations at an NGO, and the founder of  Allies Across America , supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. We discuss how she does it—and how to lead our own multifaceted lives of service. Learn more about Shae'...

Lucia Brizzi on the future of leadership. With guest host Evelyn Espinal. For all things connected leadership, visit us at www.the-next-level.com Hear Evelyn on L2L

Louisa shares practices to bring more "you" to your communication. Louisa's taught communication to STEM professionals, journalists, policymakers, and students. No matter the client, her work comes down to same question, "Who are  you , and how can  you  be the best possible communicator?" Follow Louisa on IG @BigShakyVoice For all things connected leadership, visit us @ ww...

A raw, real, and true conversation on creative co-creation with performance artist/ clown/ freak/ genius and a true love of mine, Claire Woolner! "If the performance artist Marina Abromovic were a clown” - The New York Times Learn more about connected leadership @ www.the-next-level.com Learn more about Claire's work @ www.clairewoolner.com

This conversation could not come at a better time or with a better guest.  Evelyn boasts a 35-year tenure working for equity in the Fortune 50. Having served as the Global Head of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Unilever, she’s recently launched IDEAS Global, a community for DEI leaders. We discuss the good, the bad, the ugly, and the aspirational for DEI today.   This is a real-real conve...

We're joined by cowgirl, poet, and Natural Leadership expert, Beth Anstandig for a conversation on coming back to ourselves time and time again and helping others do the same. Beth's a radical truthteller, and in this way—and so many more—she's a natural leader.  Learn more about Beth's work @ www.thecircleupexperience.com Learn about all things connected leadership @ www.the-next-...

Ooooweee, this is a special one. Clips from conversations with Next Level VISIONARY leaders. Join us Friday July 19th, 2024 for Next Level Vision, a workshop to step into connected, visionary leadership. Sign up @ www.the-next-level.com/shop/nextlevelvision Check out full episodes (in speaking order): Sally Helgesen, Forbes World Premier Expert on Women’s Leadership https://open.spotify.com/episod...