Episodes
Sept. 10, 2025
How is the Weather?
In this interesting episode, Susan and Tessa use the metaphor of weather to navigate the ups and downs of team dynamics. Drawing on classics like forming, storming, norming, and performing, they bring each stage to life, such...
Sept. 8, 2025
Wanna switch?
In this Monday episode, Susan and Tessa explore the surprising power of asking for what you want. Inspired by a moment on an airplane, they discuss why so many people hesitate to “shoot their shot” and how self-doubt, fear of...
Sept. 3, 2025
Try Water
In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the simple but powerful habit of staying hydrated and why it matters for leaders. They share personal stories, from forgotten water bottles to dramatic lessons about dehydration’s im...
Sept. 1, 2025
Remember to Pause!
In this episode, Susan and Tessa talk about why taking a purposeful pause is the secret to productive, mindful leadership. They share real-life stories about juggling busy schedules, the pressure to keep moving, and the momen...
Aug. 27, 2025
Do You Keep an Open Mind and Ask Questions?
In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the real power of curiosity in leadership. They discuss how thoughtful questioning, such as “tell me more” or “what ideas do you have?”, can shift the focus from quick fixes to deeper ...
Aug. 25, 2025
Be The First to Say Hello
A single “hello” can change the tone of an entire day. In this episode, Susan and Tessa uncover the quiet but powerful impact of being the first to greet others. From a smile in the hallway to a quick check-in that shows genu...
Aug. 20, 2025
Has Fatigue Already Robbed Your Team's Energy?
Feeling drained before the day even begins? In this episode, Susan and Tessa tackle what happens when fatigue steals away the spark that leaders and teams need to do their best work. Susan shares a game-changing meeting ritua...
Aug. 18, 2025
Are You a Fair Leader?
Fairness in leadership isn’t about keeping score or handing out identical treatment—it’s about building trust in the unseen moments and setting a standard your team can believe in. In this episode of Dips of Doubt , Susan and...
Aug. 13, 2025
Ferris Wheels, Merry Go Rounds and Spinning Tops
Some leadership challenges feel less like a straight path and more like an amusement park ride you didn’t choose—spinning, looping, and returning to the same spot over and over. In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the exh...
Aug. 11, 2025
Leadership and Courage
In this episode of Dips of Doubt, Susan and Tessa explore what it really means to lead with courage. They discuss the challenges of speaking the truth, having difficult conversations, and creating a culture of clarity and res...
Aug. 6, 2025
Sitting with Discomfort
Some days, leadership feels like climbing a hill that keeps getting steeper—your legs burn, the air thins, and you wonder if you’re ever going to reach the top. In this vulnerable and energizing episode, Susan and Tessa talk ...
Aug. 4, 2025
How Do You Start and End Your Day?
In this honest episode of Dips of Doubt, Susan and Tessa share transparent reflections on the routines that shape their mornings and evenings as leaders. Susan explains how early morning exercise and a quiet start set her up ...
July 30, 2025
What's Your Impact?
On this episode of Dips of Doubt, Susan and Tessa explore the difference between what you intend as a leader and how your actions are actually experienced by your team. With honest stories, including a lesson learned from fee...
July 28, 2025
Culture and Change
Imagine this: the principal's office is empty. The nameplate is gone, the atmosphere feels lighter, and whispers of "finally" float down the hall. But just as the door closed on one chapter, a new one opens—and in walks you ....
July 23, 2025
It's Not About Titles
In this episode, Susan and Tessa challenge the idea that leadership is defined by position. They explore how true leadership is rooted in humility, collaboration, and the willingness to put ego aside. A title doesn’t automati...
July 21, 2025
Tips to Avoid Communication Breakdowns
Susan and Tessa dive into one of the most overlooked but critical leadership skills—clear communication. Using Warren Buffett’s quote, “The most important investment you can make is in yourself. And one of the best ways to do...
July 16, 2025
Onboarding and Reboarding with Purpose
Ever notice how flight attendants never skip the safety briefing, even if most passengers have flown dozens of times? That’s because when it comes to crucial information, repetition matters. In this episode, Susan and Tessa d...
July 14, 2025
Sitting With Silence When No One Is Applauding
Applause is wonderful. But what happens when the crowd is silent? In this reflective episode, Susan and Tessa unpack an article that explores how we must teach our children to be proud of themselves, not just rely on external...
July 9, 2025
Are You Leading with Heart?
In the hustle of meetings, emails, and endless to-do lists, it's easy to lead with your head down and your heart tucked away. In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore what it truly means to lead with heart—not through grand g...
July 7, 2025
Negative People
What do you do when you’re surrounded by negativity? In this thoughtful episode, Susan and Tessa explore how to lead with intention when faced with negative voices in your school or workplace. They challenge the common reacti...
July 2, 2025
People Will Always Try to Push Your Buttons
Ever feel like someone is deliberately trying to get under your skin? In this eye-opening episode, Susan and Tessa explore the emotional landmines of leadership—those moments when students, staff, or parents seem to poke at e...
June 30, 2025
The Hidden Grief of Leadership
No one really talks about the quiet grief that comes with stepping into leadership—until now. In this reflective and deeply human episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the often-unspoken losses that accompany a leadership title. On...
June 25, 2025
Do You Have Bullies in the Workplace?
Sometimes the school hallways aren’t the only places where bullying happens. In this honest and vulnerable episode, Susan and Tessa recount personal experiences where they were made to feel small—times they were belittled, ca...
June 23, 2025
To Notice or Not to Notice
Do we truly see what’s right in front of us? In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack a common leadership tendency—focusing on what’s broken instead of what’s blooming. When we're constantly scanning for problems to solve, we ...