Stepping Into your Leadership

n this special episode of our Storytelling Summer Series, Christine Courtney unpacks one of the most underestimated leadership tools: the power of story. From a high-stakes Department of Education pitch to team-building icebreakers that actually work, Christine shares why storytelling isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic skill every leader should master.You’ll learn:Why storytelling is 22x more effective than data aloneThe four elements every impactful story needsHow to bring stories into retreats, team meetings, and strategy sessionsEasy ways to get started, even if you don’t think you’re “a storyteller”Whether you’re planning a retreat or looking for fresh ways to deepen engagement, this episode will help you turn everyday moments into memorable leadership tools.👉 Want to go deeper? Read our companion article on how to choose a retreat theme and thread story throughout.

Planning a retreat or offsite? This episode kicks off our special series on how to design experiences that actually shift your team’s energy, connection, and clarity. Christine is joined by Greg Shamie to unpack the real ROI of offsites—what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the time (and money) worth it.🔗 Want more? We’ve bundled the full retreat series—including companion articles from Christine, Tatiana, and Greg—into one powerful resource:👉 Read the full Retreat Issue at ledevpartners.com/the-retreat-issue

Culture by Design, Not Default: Leadership Lessons with Delise Simmons📄 Episode Show Notes:What if your culture isn’t just an HR buzzword—but your organization’s most powerful performance lever?In this conversation, I sit down with Delise Simmons—keynote speaker, culture strategist, and founder of Culture Think Tank—for a candid, energizing talk about the real drivers of great culture. From her early days shaping the Southwest Airlines ethos to launching JetBlue and building data-driven tools that measure emotional ROI, Delise brings the receipts.And yes, she really did say:👉 “You can’t spell culture without cult, baby.”We explore:Why chasing employee happiness is a trap—and what to focus on insteadHow to measure culture as a behavioral phenomenon, not just vibesThe top 3 things employees are begging leaders to do more ofHow Gen Z’s relationship with anxiety is changing leadership foreverWhy your values mean nothing without defined behaviorsWhether you lead a team of 3 or 3000, this episode is a masterclass in intentional leadership.🔗 Resources & Mentions:Learn more about Culture Think TankConnect with Delise Simmons on LinkedInCheck out our full Culture Series at ledevpartners.com/podcast📣 Call to Action:If you’re designing your offsite or planning your culture strategy—this episode is your blueprint.💌 Subscribe for weekly insights and upcoming episodes that build on this conversation.

What does it mean to feel invisible—and how do we reclaim our voice when it happens?In this powerful conversation, I welcome back listener favorite Erika Petrelli-Bayh to explore a topic that resonates with so many women: visibility. From the “messy middle” of life—menopause, caregiving, career shifts—to early career anxiety and even the later legacy years, we talk about what causes women to feel unseen, and how to shift the story.Erika shares insights from her visibility workshops, including the emotional and practical tools women of all ages can use to reconnect with themselves, their voices, and their power. We talk about:The silent stories we carry—and how to rewrite themWhy shedding outdated beliefs is key to personal growthSimple practices to increase visibility and confidence at workHow hormones and neurobiology impact leadershipPower poses, positive mantras, and the neuroscience of self-trustWhether you’re a seasoned leader, a new manager, or simply someone navigating your own reinvention, this episode is a reminder: You are not alone. And your voice matters—more than ever.🔗 Mentioned in this episode:The Female Brain and The Upgrade by Louann BrizendineErika’s Visibility Workshop SeriesAmy Cuddy’s TED Talk on PresenceListen in, reflect deeply, and try just one practice this week. Then let us know what opens up for you.

What do you do when a well-liked manager’s team is floundering—or when your executive leader is too swamped to move your project forward? In this live episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, Christine Courtney throws real-world scenarios at guests Greg Shamie and Tom Armstrong with zero prep and maximum honesty.You’ll hear:What to do when your manager avoids the “dirty work” of leadershipHow strong relationships can sometimes mask weak resultsTips for managing up when your boss cancels meetings (again)A refreshing reminder that leadership is about clarity, not controlWhether you’re managing others or navigating your own manager’s blind spots, this episode offers sharp insights and relatable moments that will help you lead with more clarity, courage, and connection.🎧 Don’t miss the unscripted wisdom—and a few laughs—that come from handling leadership challenges in real time

In this candid and constructive episode, Christine throws two real-life leadership dilemmas at Greg Shamie and Tom Armstrong—without any prep—and the results are both insightful and refreshingly real.First up: What do you do when a well-liked, competent manager has a team that’s drifting—confused, undercoached, and unclear on their goals? Christine, Tom, and Greg dive into the hidden traps of “nice but vague” leadership and offer powerful ways to coach managers toward clarity, accountability, and effectiveness—without crushing their spirit.Then, they tackle the classic challenge of managing up. When your executive is overloaded and unavailable, how do you keep your project moving? This segment is a masterclass in strategic communication, executive empathy, and what it means to lead from any seat in the org chart.Expect laughter, hard truths, and practical frameworks for tackling two of the most common leadership pain points.🔑 Topics Covered:Coaching “good” managers to become great leadersBalancing relationships with resultsManaging up when your boss is overwhelmedWhy clarity is contagious (and confusion is costly)How to get decisions fast—with minimal friction