Psychological safety is the secret ingredient of the most successful teams. It’s what allows people to speak up, take risks, challenge ideas, and truly contribute—without fear of judgment or punishment. In this episode, Greg Shamie and I dive deep into what psychological safety is, why it’s essential for workplace success, and how it impacts performance, trust, and innovation. If you’ve ever wondered how to create a culture where your team thrives, this episode is for you.🚀 What you’ll learn: ✔️ The four stages of psychological safety (Timothy Clark’s model) ✔️ How Google’s Project Aristotle proved its impact on team performance ✔️ The hidden ways fear-based leadership holds teams back ✔️ A personal story of when I (unintentionally) shut down psychological safety—and what I learned from it 🎧 Listen now and check out our new infographic to see six practical ways to foster psychological safety in your workplace!

RECAST:  Psychological Safety: The Game Changer for High-Performing Teams

In this episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, host Christine Courtney sits down with Amanda Meeson, Executive Director of the Sterling Community Center, to dive deep into the art of communication in leadership. Amanda, a dynamic leader who has transformed organizations through strategic growth and innovation, shares powerful insights on how leaders can build trust, ensure clarity, and navigate difficult conversations with confidence. Together, Christine and Amanda explore: ✅ The role of authenticity in leadership and why you can’t fake it ✅ How building trust starts with clear, consistent communication ✅ The power of feedback—giving it, receiving it, and creating a culture where it thrives ✅ Practical strategies to handle tough conversations while maintaining strong relationships ✅ How great leaders adapt communication styles to their teams for maximum impact With engaging stories, practical takeaways, and real-world leadership lessons, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their communication skills—whether you’re leading a team, managing up, or simply wanting to foster better relationships at work. 🎧 Tune in now and step into your leadership with confidence!

Communicating with Impact: Trust, Clarity & Tough Conversations 

In this episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, host Christine Courtney and producer Tatiana Dominguez take a deep dive into Situational Leadership—one of the most powerful leadership models for managers and rising leaders. Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. The Situational Leadership Model helps leaders adapt their style based on their team's competence and commitment levels. But how do you actually put it into practice?💡 In this episode, we discuss:✅ How to assess where your employees are in the leadership model✅ Why coaching (not just directing) is essential for success✅ The biggest mistakes leaders make—like delegating too soon or micromanaging✅ How check-ins &amp; trust-building prevent leadership breakdowns✅ A real-world framework for applying adaptive leadership stylesThis episode is packed with practical techniques that will help you build stronger, more effective teams—whether you're leading one person or an entire organization.🔗 Resources &amp; Links Mentioned:🎙️ Missed Part 1?<a href="https://shows.acast.com/stepping-into-your-leadership/episodes/empowering-employees-a-guide-to-situational-leadership-and-c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> [Listen Here]</a>📌 Explore the Leadership Learning Lab – An 8-week online bootcamp for managers &amp; rising leaders! <a href="https://ledevpartners.com/leadership-learning-lab" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[Join the next cohort] </a>🔎 Related Episode:<a href="https://shows.acast.com/stepping-into-your-leadership/episodes/trust-building-techniques-for-leaders-creating-safe-and-prod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Building Trust as a Leader </a>👉 Did this episode help you?Share your takeaways on LinkedIn or Instagram and tag us! #SituationalLeadership #SteppingIntoYourLeadership📢 Subscribe &amp; Leave a Review!If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube!

Situational Leadership (Part 2): Moving from Theory to Practice

In this episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, host Christine Courtney brings back an old friend and former colleague, Ray Vicencio, to dive deep into the analytical personality type in the workplace. As a former CFO and controller, Ray embodies the traits of an analytical thinker—detail-oriented, logical, and driven by accuracy. Together, they discuss how analytical individuals approach work, their biggest pet peeves, and how to effectively communicate and collaborate with them. Christine and Ray explore strategies for managing deadlines, giving constructive feedback, and helping analytical team members make decisions with confidence. Plus, they share tips for analytical thinkers on how to work effectively with more spontaneous or expressive colleagues. If you've ever struggled to understand the meticulous, data-driven mind of an analytical coworker—or if you are that person—this episode is packed with insights to help you build stronger, more productive relationships in the workplace. Tune in for practical advice, real-life workplace stories, and a few laughs along the way!🎧 Listen now and learn how to work better with the analytical minds around you! <h4>📌 Personality Assessments &amp; Work Styles</h4>Understanding different personality assessments can help leaders and teams communicate and collaborate more effectively. Here are some key ones we mentioned:<ul><li><a href="https://www.discprofile.com/what-is-disc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DISC Personality Test</a> – A widely used tool that categorizes personalities into four types: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C). Analytical personalities align with the "C" (Conscientious) type.</li><li><a href="https://www.tracomcorp.com/social-style/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Social Styles Model</a> – A behavioral model categorizing individuals into four types: Analytical, Driver, Amiable, and Expressive. Ray represents the Analytical type.</li><li><a href="https://www.zeroriskhr.com/achiever-personality-test/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Achiever Personality Quotient (APQ)</a> – A tool used in hiring and leadership development to assess personality traits and work habits.</li><li><a href="https://www.workinggenius.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Working Genius Assessment</a> – Created by Patrick Lencioni, this model helps teams identify their natural strengths in the workplace.</li></ul><h4> </h4><h3>💡 Stay Connected</h3>If you enjoyed this episode and want to dive deeper into leadership and team dynamics, subscribe to Stepping Into Your Leadership and follow us on <a href="https://chatgpt.com/g/g-p-67aa5e0d57c0819191a9699b21a8d0c6-stepping-into-leadership-podcast/c/67c74898-0e08-8002-83bb-c5a2fd12e5e6#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> or <a href="https://chatgpt.com/g/g-p-67aa5e0d57c0819191a9699b21a8d0c6-stepping-into-leadership-podcast/c/67c74898-0e08-8002-83bb-c5a2fd12e5e6#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for more insights!

Decoding the Analytical Mind: How to Work with Detail-Oriented Thinkers

AI is changing the game in business, and it’s happening fast! In this episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, host Christine Courtney sits down with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-wadhwani/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vince W.,</a> founder of Econify, to discuss how AI is transforming workflows, productivity, and business strategy.Vince shares his experiences leading groundbreaking projects—from helping develop Wi-Fi at Apple to working with top media companies like NBC and Bloomberg. He breaks down how AI tools are already reshaping industries and how business leaders can leverage AI effectively rather than fear it.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ AI-Powered Productivity Hacks – Tools like ChatGPT Tasks, Otter.AI, and Summate that help streamline work✅ AI in Business Operations – Using Notebook LLM (Google) to create interactive employee handbooks and match talent to projects✅ The Future of AI in Organizations – How to go beyond just “sprinkling AI” and strategically integrate it into workflows✅ Leadership Lessons from Apple &amp; Beyond – Why choosing the right boss over job can define your career🚀 Whether you're an AI skeptic or enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to stay ahead in an AI-driven world.📌 All resources mentioned in this episode are listed in the show notes below. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform! <h3>AI Productivity &amp; Business Tools</h3><ul><li><a href="https://openai.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ChatGPT Tasks</a> – Set up recurring AI-generated insights, reminders, or industry news updates</li><li><a href="Summate.io" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Summate.io</a>– AI-powered tool that summarizes newsletters &amp; YouTube transcripts</li><li><a href="https://otter.ai/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Otter.AI</a> – Real-time transcription and meeting summary tool</li><li><a href="https://fireflies.ai/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Firefly</a> – AI-powered meeting assistant for automatic notes &amp; action items</li></ul><h3>AI for Business &amp; Team Efficiency</h3><ul><li>Notebook LLM (Google) – Upload internal documents (like employee handbooks) for instant AI-powered responses</li><li>Vercel V0 – AI-assisted website builder that allows you to generate custom sites with simple prompts</li></ul><h3>Other Mentions in the Episode</h3><ul><li>Wi-Fi Development at Apple – Learn more about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11b-1999" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">802.11b Wi-Fi standard</a>, which Vince helped develop</li><li>Econify – Check out <a href="https://econify.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Econify</a>, the software development firm founded by Vince Waduwani</li><li>Leadership Insight: “Don’t pick your job, pick your boss.”</li></ul>

How AI Can Supercharge Your Work & Business

<h3>https://ledevpartners.com/the-power-of-storytelling-in-sales</h3><h3>Podcast Episode Description: The Power of Storytelling in Sales 🎙️✨</h3>In this episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, we dive deep into how storytelling can transform sales conversations and client presentations. Research shows that stories are 22 times more memorable than facts alone—so why aren’t more sales professionals using them to their advantage?Join Christine as she breaks down:✅ The neuroscience behind storytelling and why it builds trust and engagement.✅ The top storytelling frameworks—including the Hero’s Journey, Before-After-Bridge, and STAR Method.✅ How to handle objections using customer success stories instead of data alone.✅ Practical exercises to help you refine and shorten your sales stories for maximum impact. We also discuss the Storytelling Playbook for Sales and Client Presentations, a resource packed with tips, exercises, and templates to help you integrate storytelling into your sales strategy. Want a copy?<a href="https://ledevpartners.com/the-power-of-storytelling-in-sales" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Download it now using the link in the show notes! </a> 📢 Tune in and start using storytelling to boost sales, engage clients, and make your pitches unforgettable! 🚀

The Power of Storytelling in Sales 

Confidence and communication are the keys to leadership success, but how do you develop them when self-doubt creeps in? In this episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, host Christine Courtney is joined by the dynamic Blonka Winkfield to kick off a new mini-series on communication.🌟 What You'll Learn:✔️ The critical role of communication in leadership (and the surprising stats that prove it)✔️ How to build confidence in professional settings—even when you feel like an imposter✔️ Why body language, self-talk, and active listening are game-changers in meetings✔️ Practical tips to boost your presence, speak up, and own the room💡 Actionable Takeaway: You belong in every room you step into—someone invited you there for a reason!Tune in now to learn how to project confidence, communicate effectively, and elevate your leadership game. 🎧✨<h3>Resources &amp; Key Takeaways for Show Notes:</h3>📌 Key Discussion Points:<ul><li>The importance of communication in leadership (91% of employees believe leaders lack communication skills, and poor communication is a key reason for project failure).</li><li>Building professional confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome.</li><li>The role of self-talk and mental coaching in strengthening confidence.</li><li>Tips for speaking up in meetings and using body language effectively.</li><li>The concept of "appearing weak when strong, and strong when weak" from The Art of War.</li><li>The power of active listening and how it builds trust.</li></ul>📌 Practical Tips from the Episode:✔️ Speak up in meetings – Say your name and company at least once.✔️ Celebrate successes – Recognize and acknowledge your wins.✔️ Use body language – Mirror confident postures to project presence.✔️ Challenge negative self-talk – Replace doubts with affirmations.✔️ Be your own mental coach – Reflect on strengths and logical achievements.✔️ Practice active listening – Nod, lean in, and engage with speakers.📌 Additional Mentions:<ul><li>The Art of War by Sun Tzu (concept of appearing weak when strong and vice versa).</li><li>Marcus Buckingham’s quote: “The brain is Velcro for negative and Teflon for positive.”</li><li>Encouragement to use mentors, friends, or "wingpeople" in social and professional settings to build confidence.</li></ul>📌 Actionable Affirmation:"You belong in every room you step into. Someone invited you there for a reason!"

Cultivating Professional Confidence & Presence

Dive into the world of leadership dynamics with Christine Courtney in our latest episode of "Stepping into your Leadership" as we explore the intricate maze of personality in the workplace. Join our esteemed guest, Erika Bayh, in an enlightening conversation on the power of the DISC assessment – a tool revolutionizing team synergy and communication. In this episode, titled "DISC," we unravel the four personality quadrants: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C), and delve into how they shape our interactions and leadership styles. Christine and Erika offer in-depth insights into how recognizing and embracing diverse personality profiles can lead to a robust and dynamic team. Embrace the transformation as we discuss the history of the DISC model, its evolution from Dr. William Moulton Marston's seminal work to the popular assessment by Wiley, and the significant benefits it brings to workplace productivity. As we navigate through the quadrants, you'll learn not just about the value DISC brings in understanding your team, but also the importance of adapting your leadership approach to foster an inclusive, efficient, and thriving environment. Discover the benefits of generating a personalized DISC report, fostering self-awareness, and how to leverage these insights to cultivate a harmonious and effective team. We'll also tackle common reservations about taking the assessment and the laughter that comes with recognizing oneself within these profiles. Tune in to "Stepping into your Leadership" and learn how to navigate the intricacies of your team's personalities to step firmly into your leadership role. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just stepping up, this episode is a critical resource for anyone looking to excel in leadership through the power of understanding and adaptation. Visit our website for more resources, and don't forget to share your DISC stories with us. Empower your leadership journey by mastering the art of personality dynamics today!

Navigating Personality Types with DISC in Leadership

In this episode of "Stepping into your Leadership," we're diving deep into something that's super important for every leader out there: trust. Christine Courtney sits down with leadership pro Greg Shamie, and together, they break down why trust is everything, whether you're dealing with colleagues, friends, or family.Christine and Greg chat about the key ingredients of trust, how it shapes our lives, and its huge impact at work. They sprinkle in some wisdom from Stephen Covey and his insights on trust being the secret sauce of successful relationships. Plus, Greg gets real with us, sharing personal stories about trust—both the good and the bad.The conversation hits on all sorts of gems, like why being open and honest can really help you bond with your team, and what to do when trust takes a hit. They talk about forgiveness, showing character and competence, and putting your values to work. It’s all about taking steps to build trust and keep it strong.Here’s what you’ll get from this episode:<ul><li>The lowdown on why trust is so crucial in leadership</li><li>Tips from Stephen Covey on making trust your superpower</li><li>Greg’s formula for trust: competence + character = credibility</li><li>Real-life stories that'll make you think about your own trust-building moments</li><li>How being open, making mistakes, and showing you care can really pay off</li><li>Practical advice on aligning your values with your team’s and why it’s a game changer</li><li>Simple but effective ways to create a trustworthy vibe at work</li></ul>Whether you're looking to up your game with your team or just want to be someone people can count on, this episode has you covered. So tune in, take some notes, and let's get real about trust. Key Points:<ul><li>Trust in leadership and life</li><li>Insights from Stephen Covey</li><li>The trust equation: competence + character</li><li>Personal trust stories from Greg</li><li>The power of vulnerability and honesty</li><li>Building trust at work and at home</li></ul> Subscribe to "Stepping into your Leadership" and catch Trust-Building Techniques for Leaders: Creating Safe and Productive Environments—you won't want to miss it!

Trust-Building Techniques for Leaders: Creating Safe and Productive Environments

Are you ready to step into leadership with clarity, confidence, and authentic impact? Stepping into Leadership is your go-to podcast for practical strategies, real-life insights, and inspiring stories that empower you to lead with intention. Hosted by leadership mentor Christine Courtney, each episode blends genuine warmth, relatable experiences, and actionable advice designed to help leaders navigate challenges and embrace growth.You’ll gain fresh perspectives, tools for real-world scenarios, and a supportive framework to turn bold ideas into tangible results—bridging vision and execution seamlessly. Whether you're an experienced leader or stepping up for the first time, this podcast equips you to drive meaningful change in your life, your team, and your organization.Subscribe now and step confidently into your next level of leadership!

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