Episodes
March 19, 2025
I Saw What You Did
In this powerful episode, Tessa kicks off the conversation with a story about a flight attendant who effortlessly blended playfulness, relationship-building, and firm expectations to create a positive experience for passenger...
March 17, 2025
Are You a Leader Others Want to Follow?
Leadership is tough, and every day presents new challenges. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into what it means to be a “diamond leader” by exploring the qualities that make leaders worth following. They discuss the impo...
March 12, 2025
Silence Is Golden
As a new leader, knowing when to speak up and when to stay silent can be a challenge. In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the struggles of stepping into leadership and the pressure to share ideas, give input, or voice ob...
March 10, 2025
Your Intentions Are Good But Your Timing of the Delivery is Bad
Have you ever given feedback at the wrong time and instantly regretted it? In this episode, Tessa shares a personal story about holding back her instinct to critique her daughter’s swim performance because sometimes timing is...
March 5, 2025
Are You Delegating as a Leader?
As leaders, we often feel the pressure to do it all, but should we? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the power of delegation, drawing insights from Chris Donnelly’s Step by Step newsletter. They explore a thought-pr...
March 3, 2025
Are You Really an Impartial Listener?
As leaders, are we truly listening or are we letting our biases choose a side before we hear the full story? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the importance of impartial listening when working with staff, students, an...
Feb. 26, 2025
Procrastination-We've All Been There!
As leaders, we have all asked the question, should I just do this tomorrow? Susan and Tessa dive into the all-too-relatable feeling of overwhelm when the "to-do list" keeps growing and motivation seems out of reach. They shar...
Feb. 24, 2025
Fortunately and Unfortunately
Tessa kicks off this episode with a storytelling game where each twist flips between "fortunately" and "unfortunately," challenging everyone listening to find the silver lining in every setback. This playful exercise reflects...
Feb. 19, 2025
Do You Let Fatigue Get the Better of You?
As a leader, you’re constantly moving from one challenge to the next, but are you taking care of yourself in the process? In this episode, Susan and Tessa ask the tough questions: Are you eating? Taking breaks? Breathing? Lea...
Feb. 17, 2025
Does it Stink to be a New Leader?
Stepping into leadership is exciting, but let’s be real, it can also be overwhelming, frustrating, and downright exhausting. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share their differing perspectives on what it feels like to be a ne...
Feb. 12, 2025
Thoughts About Helping Those Going Through a Tough Time!
As leaders, we are often the ones others turn to in times of crisis. But what do you say when a staff member is facing a personal tragedy? How do you offer support without overstepping? In this heartfelt conversation, Susan a...
Feb. 10, 2025
You Are Okay and You Don't Have to Be Perfect.
"I'm a recovering perfectionist and an aspiring good-enoughist." — Brené Brown Perfection is a heavy burden, especially for leaders. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the inner chatter that tells us we have to be the...
Feb. 5, 2025
What Is Your Feedback Style?
Is the traditional "Sandwich Model" of feedback—praise, critique, praise—really the best way to help your staff grow? In this important episode, Susan and Tessa dissect this well-known method, sharing why it might not be as e...
Feb. 3, 2025
It's about the journey!
What do leadership, waiting tables, and training orca whales have in common? More than you think! In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore how leadership mirrors the service mindset of a waiter or waitress—anticipating needs,...
Jan. 29, 2025
Who's to Blame?
When mistakes happen, do we instinctively look for someone to blame, or do we assume best intentions and focus on solutions? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the blame game mindset and how it can derail progress, mo...
Jan. 27, 2025
What Do You Do When You Have a Bad Day?
Bad days are inevitable, even for leaders. Like a crashing wave, they can knock us down, but the tide eventually recedes, giving us the chance to rise again. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share personal stories of struggle...
Jan. 22, 2025
What is Commitment?
In this episode, Susan and Tessa tackle the essence of commitment, sharing a powerful definition: Commitment is what we do long after the mood has left us. As the excitement of the new year fades and goals or resolutions star...
Jan. 20, 2025
What Brings You Joy?
In this reflective episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the idea of joy—both personal and professional. Inspired by a recent conference Susan attended, they discuss how the concept of joy didn’t initially resonate with her and ...
Jan. 15, 2025
What Do You DO When You Can't Sleep?
Sleepless nights happen to the best of us, especially during stressful seasons of leadership. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share personal stories of restless nights and how stress has impacted their ability to recharge. T...
Jan. 13, 2025
It's Really Not About You!
Do you ever feel like all eyes are on you or that people are saying unkind things behind your back? Susan and Tessa unpack this common leadership worry and offer a refreshing perspective: most people aren’t scrutinizing your ...
Jan. 8, 2025
Happy New Year Part 2: Did Your reflection Stop Already?
Susan and Tessa revisit the excitement of the new year and ask the big question: Have your resolutions, goals, or "one word" already taken a backseat? It's easy to lose momentum as the weeks roll on, but they’re here to remin...
Jan. 6, 2025
Are you an influencer as you lead with intention?
In this week's episode, "Are You an Influencer as You Lead with Intention?", Susan and Tessa explore what it means to inspire and empower those around you, while discussing the critical difference between simply being a boss ...
Jan. 2, 2025
What's Your Leadership Legacy?
"What's Your Leadership Legacy?" challenges you to consider the lasting impact you want to make as a leader. Susan and Tessa delve into the profound question of how we leave our mark, emphasizing the importance of intentional...
Dec. 30, 2024
New Year, New Opportunity
In the last episode of the year, "New Year, New Opportunity" invites you to hit pause and reflect on your leadership journey. Inspired by Mel Robbins’ quote, “You don’t know where you are going until you know where you have b...