The Dips of Doubt

Have you ever wondered how far a simple “I see you” can carry a tired team member? In this New Year episode, Susan and Tessa revisit the power of everyday recognition and explain why gratitude cannot be confined to a single month or appreciation day. They connect appreciation to “happy chemicals” in the brain, stronger motivation, and a deeper sense of belonging, then share practical ways leaders...

Have you ever walked out of a meeting and realized no one is actually sure who is doing what next? In this episode, Susan and Tessa shine a light on the simple but often skipped step that turns good conversations into real progress: clear ownership. They explore how unassigned tasks lead to duplicated efforts, missed deadlines, and frustrated teams, and offer practical ways to build accountability...

Have you ever noticed how some people shine brightly at work while others seem to flicker or fade? In this episode, Susan and Tessa use the simple image of a flashlight to explore what it really looks like to help team members keep their “light” on and strong. They share stories about matching roles to strengths, honoring different learning styles, and noticing when someone’s energy is low instead...

Have you ever known something needed to change but felt stuck in the chaos between awareness and action? To kick off the new year, Susan and Tessa unpack why change so often feels messy and disruptive, even when it is exactly what is needed. They explore the difference between noticing a problem and actually building a plan, including how to clarify the “why,” create realistic steps, and check pro...

What do you do when the words “I am disappointed in your leadership” are aimed directly at you? In this episode, Susan and Tessa walk through a raw and honest story about painful feedback and how it became a turning point instead of a dead end. They introduce a simple “feedback filter” that helps leaders pause instead of defend, get curious, and sort what they hear into what fits for growth and wh...

Have you ever shared a “clear” idea only to realize no one else was seeing what you saw in your head? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore what it really takes to build understanding, not just deliver information. They talk about how leaders often carry fully baked ideas around for days, then share them in a few quick sentences and expect everyone to catch up instantly. Listeners will learn pr...

What if the spiciest thing at the holiday table is not the food but the conversation? In this episode, Susan and Tessa use the phrase “pass the gravy” as a playful doorway into handling uncomfortable topics that bubble up at family gatherings, staff parties, and social events. They share practical phrases for setting gentle boundaries, ideas for regulating before you respond, and ways to stay curi...

Have you ever been so tired you decided the bug gets to win today? In this episode, Susan and Tessa share a hilarious “bathroom cockroach” story that becomes a surprising metaphor for leadership, limits, and self compassion. They explore those days when you simply do not have it in you to fix one more thing, and why it is sometimes wise to walk away, regroup, and save your energy for what really m...

Who is quietly watching you lead and wondering if they could ever do what you do? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore what it really means to grow future leaders instead of just hoping they appear when a role opens up. They reflect on their own journeys from insecure, “do it all myself” leaders to mentors who share decisions, power, and opportunities so others can stretch and shine. Listeners...

What if the story everyone is repeating is not even true, but still shaping your culture? In this important episode, Susan and Tessa wade into the messy world of rumors and workplace gossip, where half told truths and anxious assumptions can quietly erode trust. Through honest reflection and real examples, they show how easily leaders and teams get swept into dramatic narratives that confirm old b...

What if your most valuable leadership tool is simply the questions you ask after something happens? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into After Action Reviews as a practical way to turn both wins and missteps into real learning and momentum. They walk through how a few focused questions about what was intended, what actually occurred, and why it unfolded that way can shift a team from blame t...

Have you ever sent an email that felt helpful to you but landed as snarky to someone else? In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the hidden tone behind everyday phrases like “I am just circling back” and “Not sure you saw my last message,” and how those words can sound passive aggressive depending on the relationship and timing. They explore why intention, context, and connection matter just as...

What happens to a hard conversation when your face says one thing and your words say another? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore how a single expression can either calm a situation or send someone into emotional quicksand, especially when emotions are already running high. Through a powerful story about a scared child and a high stakes leadership meeting, they show how a grounded, soft face...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa introduce the F.O.R.D. method as a simple but powerful framework to turn small talk into real connection. Using stories from their own experiences as reluctant minglers and thoughtful leaders, they show how asking about Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Dreams can ease awkward moments and open meaningful conversations. Listeners will hear practical ideas for stay...

Is your tank of energy feeling low as a leader? In this episode, Susan and Tessa use a simple trip to the gas station to spark a deeper conversation about energy, time, and how leaders care for themselves. Through a memorable travel story and an honest look at running on fumes, they invite you to notice your own “gas gauge” and what drains or refills it. You will hear practical ideas for quick ref...

What if you could untangle stressful choices and quiet your mind with just a few minutes of pen on paper each morning? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the world of decision fatigue and unlock a simple tool for finding clarity. Inspired by Julia Cameron’s transformative book The Artist’s Way, and Amanda Reill’s article A Simple Way to Make Better Decisions, they introduce the morning pages...

Step into the spaces where energy fades, clarity slips away, and frustration takes center stage. In this episode, Susan and Tessa peel back the layers of burnout and overwhelm to reveal what truly helps leaders find their way back to balance. You will hear relatable confessions and practical resets, from writing things down when everything feels tangled to pausing for a brief walk or a grateful th...

Do you ever question if you are really up to the challenge? In this open and honest episode, Susan and Tessa explore the universal experience of self-doubt and reveal why it is a sign of caring and growth, not weakness. They invite listeners to name their doubt, embrace it as a moment in time, and replace harsh self-judgment with grace. Through stories, practical reflection, and warm encouragement...

How many emails have you sent that missed the mark entirely? In this playful and thought-provoking episode, Susan and Tessa reveal the hidden habits and honest blunders that happen behind every “send” button. Through stories about emoji-overload, missed messages, and the struggle to find brevity when every word feels important, they invite listeners to rethink how they communicate with others. The...

What keeps leaders from burning out when the pressure never lets up? In this episode, Susan and Tessa flip the script on traditional leadership advice by exploring what it truly means to make your work sustainable. Instead of pushing harder, they share stories about planning for busy seasons, showing compassion to yourself when things get messy, and learning to let go of what no longer serves you....

Are you running on empty or refueling for success? In this episode, Susan and Tessa ask leaders to confront a common blind spot by exploring the secret ingredient that unlocks better decisions, stronger relationships, and sharper thinking. Through candid stories about missing sleep for deadlines, life’s unexpected crises, and the myth of playing catch-up on weekends, the conversation blends scienc...

This episode delivers a memorable lesson on the power of restraint and thoughtful leadership. Susan and Tessa reflect on moments both big and small, starting with a real-life story at the airport, where choosing connection over convenience made a lasting impact. They highlight how true leadership means slowing down and walking beside others, even when it would be easier to race ahead. Through pers...

As the clock ticks down on the year, Susan and Tessa challenge listeners to stop playing the waiting game. This episode is all about harnessing the final stretch, reflecting on routines and habits, and deciding what to keep, refine, or leave behind before a new year arrives. Through memorable stories and a football comeback metaphor, you will find encouragement to make changes now instead of delay...

Imagine stepping into a world where technology helps lighten your leadership load one click at a time. In this episode, Susan and Tessa invite you to dip your toes into the future, exploring how artificial intelligence can transform the way you work. Whether you are using AI to draft your first letters, analyze mountains of data, or simply take care of the small details, you will find practical wi...

Not all leaders are cut from the same cloth. In this thought-provoking episode, Susan and Tessa pull back the curtain on the world of leadership to reveal the difference between truly inspiring action and simply playing the part. They invite listeners to step out of the spotlight and into authentic leadership, where accountability, follow-through, and real connection count far more than good optic...