Stepping Into your Leadership

Right People, Right Moment: How Beth Ward Studios Uses Working Genius to Lead Better

What happens when a founder with Wonder and Invention leads a growing team — and finally names what's actually going on? Christine sits down with Beth Ward (Founder & CEO) and Marjolein Westerbeek (COO) of Beth Ward Studios to talk about how Working Genius transformed their leadership dynamic, their hiring process, and the way their whole team communicates. What does it look like when a real company actually puts Working Genius into practice — not just once, but across multiple cycles, with their full team? In this episode, Christine sits down with two powerhouse leaders from Beth Ward Studios — a women-run jewelry design and private label consultancy based in New York City — to talk about how Working Genius changed the way they lead, hire, communicate, and grow. Beth Ward, Founder and CEO, brings Wonder and Invention to everything she touches. Marjolein Westerbeek, COO, leads with Wonder and Discernment. Together, they've built something rare: a leadership partnership grounded in self-awareness, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to creating space for the people around them. In this conversation, you'll hear: * Why Beth and Marjolein came back to Working Genius after their first cycle during COVID — and what made this round more impactful * How naming Beth's Wonder + Invention genius took the pressure off her team (and off Beth herself) * What Marjolein's Discernment brings to the partnership — and why "slower" doesn't mean wrong * How Beth Ward Studios now uses Working Genius in hiring, performance reviews, and day-to-day team decisions * What it looks like when a company full of Enablers tries to have harder conversations — and why "clarity is kindness" * Why burnout isn't always about hating your job — it's about how your day is built This episode is for leaders who want to stop doing it all, build teams that complement each other, and create a workplace where people feel genuinely seen. Resources Mentioned: * The Six Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni [https://www.workinggenius.com/] * Beth Ward Studios: bwstudios.com [http://bwstudios.com] * Evry Jewels: evry.com [http://evry.com] * The 9/11 Memorial Serenity Sky Collection [https://store.911memorial.org/collections/jewelry-accessories] (in partnership with Anne-Marie Principe)

Meetings Are Broken. Let’s Fix Them.

Meetings before meetings. Meetings that run over. Meetings where no one knows why they’re there. Sound familiar? Christine Courtney and Tom Armstrong take on one of the biggest frustrations in today’s workplace—ineffective meetings—and begin a practical, no-nonsense series on how to change them. Together, they explore what’s actually going wrong, from lack of clarity and leadership to overstuffed agendas and disengaged participants. But this isn’t just a vent session. It’s a playbook. Expect real strategies you can use immediately to: * Lead meetings with clarity and purpose * Keep conversations focused and on track * Engage every voice in the room * Build psychological safety without losing momentum If you lead meetings—or sit in too many of them—this episode will change how you show up starting today.

Human Connection in AI Buzz Everywhere

What happens when efficiency goes up… but connection starts to slip? In this episode, Christine sits down with Erica Petrelli-Bayh4 to explore one of the biggest tensions leaders are navigating right now: how to embrace AI and remote work without losing the human connection that actually drives trust, engagement, and performance. They unpack what great leaders are doing differently in hybrid and AI-powered environments—and why connection can’t be left to chance anymore. From simple habits that strengthen relationships over screens, to the hidden risks of over-relying on AI in your communication, this conversation is both timely and deeply practical. You’ll hear: * Why connection now requires intention—not proximity * The small habits that make a big difference in remote and hybrid teams * How overusing AI can quietly erode trust and credibility * What leaders can do to help their teams feel seen, heard, and valued * Why the future of leadership is less about output—and more about presence If you’re leading in a world that’s moving faster than ever, this episode is a reminder: the more advanced our tools become, the more human our leadership needs to be.

Stop Reading Slides, Start Moving People

Most leaders spend hours perfecting their slides… and almost no time practicing how they show up. In this episode, Christine sits down with Greg Shamie, communications expert and Senior Director of People Development at Leadership Development Partners, to unpack what actually makes someone compelling in front of a room. Because here’s the truth: You can have the best content in the world and still lose your audience in the first 15 seconds. Together, they explore what separates forgettable presentations from ones that truly move people, from energy and presence to connection and authenticity. You’ll learn: * Why the first 10–15 seconds determine everything * The real reason nerves derail even experienced leaders * How to shift from “delivering content” to creating an experience * Simple techniques to build connection before you even start speaking * The three qualities every great speaker embodies: commitment, connection, and authenticity Christine and Greg also share real, unfiltered moments, from presentation mishaps to powerful recoveries, that prove you don’t need to be perfect to be impactful. If you lead meetings, present ideas, or want to influence more effectively, this episode will change how you think about showing up. Because leadership isn’t just what you say. It’s how people feel when you say it.

What Great Leaders Do When Average Thinking Takes Over

What does it take to stand out as a leader when everyone has access to the same tools, the same information, and now, the same AI? In this episode, Christine sits down with Scott Goodson, founder and chairman of Strawberry Frog, to explore how leaders build momentum, challenge average thinking, and create real differentiation inside organizations. Scott shares the story behind his work in movement thinking and why the leaders who thrive are the ones willing to step outside their comfort zone, question groupthink, and speak with courage. Together, he and Christine unpack what it means to be a contrarian in the best sense, how to create cultures where bold ideas are welcomed, and why leadership today requires more than competence, it requires visibility, conviction, and a point of view. This conversation is full of sharp insights for leaders who want to grow, influence culture, and avoid disappearing into sameness. In this episode, you’ll hear about: * Why differentiation matters more than ever * How leaders can challenge groupthink without creating chaos * What psychological safety looks like in real life * Why discomfort is often the doorway to growth * How to delegate, let go, and help others rise * What it means to be a peacock, not a duck