HEARTset Leadership Podcast

Ep 9: Intentional, Relational Leadership for Modern Organizations w/Matt Perry

WHAT IF YOUR LEADERSHIP COULD BE LESS ABOUT TRANSACTIONS—AND MORE ABOUT CONNECTION? Find show notes at: https://heartsetstudio.com/podcast [https://heartsetstudio.com/podcast] Are you struggling to move your organization from transactional management to genuine, heartfelt connection? Searching for actionable ways to elevate team morale, boost retention, and create real meaning at work? This episode delivers answers leaders are searching for in today’s rapidly changing world. Matt Perry, founder of The Other Consulting, draws from decades of experience in journalism, healthcare, and organizational coaching to reveal why the new rules of leadership are rooted in human-centered relationships, not just strategy and tactics. Discover the difference between transactional and relational leadership in this episode—and why making this shift can transform everything from healthcare organizations to tech startups. Episode highlights include: * The Shift to Heart-Centered Leadership: Learn how moving conversations “from the head to the heart” 05:32 instantly changes team dynamics, trust, and engagement. * The Power of Everyday Gratitude: Unlock the secret to improving organizational culture and personal resilience—by intentionally naming and appreciating what’s going well 02:29. * Systems Thinking for Human Systems: Drawing parallels to the human body, Matt Perry shares a revolutionary approach for organizations to work together in harmony, emphasizing that every team member is a vital “cell” in your organizational “organism” 24:18. * Invisible Forces That Shape Work: Discover why leaders should manage energy—not just strategy—including tapping into invisible dynamics like group morale, meeting energy, and the often-unnoticed moments of human connection 30:12. * Actionable Tips for Meaningful Change: Hear practical, research-backed rituals and challenges to foster awe, creativity, and deep connection in your team—plus a one-week challenge to boost relational leadership and even the unexpected power of partner dancing 42:12. * Are you facing leadership overwhelm, constant pressure to adapt to new technologies, or the feeling that your MBA toolkit isn’t enough anymore? Matt Perry explains why “psychology degrees trump MBAs” in today’s complex workplace 15:36, and reveals how conscious leadership, authentic appreciation, and managing the “invisible” are the key differentiators between thriving and struggling organizations. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a healthcare professional, or a start-up founder, this episode will help you reimagine what’s possible for your own HEARTset—and for your organization. Keywords: heart-centered leadership, leadership podcast, Matt Perry, relational vs transactional leadership, systems thinking in organizations, somatic coaching, healthcare leadership, employee engagement, organizational culture, invisible forces in business, conscious leadership, tips for overwhelmed leaders, how to build team trust, Zappos company culture, awe and leadership, daily leadership rituals Tune in to unlock a new era of leadership—one anchored in connection, kindness, and meaning.

Ep 8: The Dual Role of Leadership: Getting and Giving Great Mentorship w/Haley Ferraiolo

ARE YOU MAXIMIZING THE POWER OF MENTORSHIP IN YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? In this episode of the HEARTset Studio Leadership Podcast, discover the game-changing impact of creating your own “board of directors”—a purposeful network of mentors—to drive your career and leadership growth. Host Lisa Virtue welcomes Haley Ferraiolo, Founder and Lead Coach of Anchor & Crest Coaching and Consulting, a seasoned leadership expert with a background at companies like Amazon, Unilever, and PepsiCo. Full show notes can be found at: http://heartsetstudio.com/podcast [https://heartsetstudio.com/podcast] Join us for a deep dive into: * Why mentorship is essential for leaders: Haley shares how the right support doesn’t just elevate your career—it can create long-term opportunities for your family and entire ecosystem. * Building your career “board of directors”: Learn Haley’s proven framework for cultivating three crucial types of mentorship relationships: your Guide, Sponsor, and Outside Challenger. Discover how being intentional about who you seek—and how you show up—can change your trajectory. * Practical mentorship strategies for leaders: From finding and approaching the right mentors to maintaining genuine, two-way relationships, this episode offers actionable advice for advancing your goals, advocating for yourself, and helping others rise with you. * How to be an effective mentor: Explore how leaders can set expectations, foster growth in others, and recognize when it’s time to evolve or end a mentoring relationship gracefully. * Real stories of mentorship in action: Haley reveals how a sponsor helped her on a pivotal day that shaped her career’s direction—and how maintaining those connections can be the key to survival and advancement during corporate shakeups. * Navigating challenges in mentorship: Learn tips for mentees to communicate effectively, avoid the “complaining trap,” and articulate their value to mentors and sponsors, ensuring they’re top of mind for opportunities. Whether you’re seeking to climb the corporate ladder, pivot industries, or elevate your leadership influence, this episode is packed with insights for leaders and high-performers ready to unlock their full potential through mentorship. Keywords for search & discoverability: Mentorship for leaders, Career board of directors, Leadership coaching, How to find a mentor, Building professional network, Sponsorship in career growth, Professional development podcast, Navigating corporate layoffs, Career advancement, How to be a mentor, Executive networking strategies, Anchor & Crest Coaching, Haley Ferraiolo, Executive Coach Lisa Virtue. Ready to transform your leadership journey? Listen now and take the first step toward building your own board of directors!

Ep 7: Sticking your neck out as a leader in today’s world w/Badass Granddad John Graham

ARE YOU READY TO STICK YOUR NECK OUT AND LEAD WITH PURPOSE? In this episode of the HEARTset Studio Leadership Podcast, host Lisa Virtue welcomes John Graham—executive director of the Giraffe Heroes Project, global peacebuilder, bestselling author, and social media’s “Badass Granddad”—to challenge everything leaders think they know about risk, meaning, and making a difference. Get the full show notes at: http://heartsetstudio.com/podcast [https://heartsetstudio.com/podcast] EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: * How Do You Find True Fulfillment as a Leader? John Graham shares his extraordinary journey from being an adrenaline-fueled adventurer and US Foreign Service officer to discovering that real courage is about self-examination and serving others, not just chasing the next thrill. * What Does ‘Sticking Your Neck Out’ Really Mean in Today’s Corporate World? Learn practical ways leaders can take meaningful risks—whether it’s challenging the status quo, advocating for workplace humanity, or navigating the disruptive challenges of AI and layoffs. John Graham connects these high-stakes decisions to the ethos behind the Giraffe Heroes Project, where honoring those who “stick their necks out” inspires others to act boldly for the greater good. * Leadership Lessons for Modern Times: Discover why storytelling is a critical tool for cultural change, how to build trust starting with small steps, and why leaders who focus on meaning and service—not just money, power, or corporate goals—create truly lasting impact. * Influencing With Integrity: As an influencer with 120,000 loyal followers on social media, John Graham demonstrates how authenticity, vulnerability, and service transcend trends and help leaders build real communities—online and off. * Honest Conversations About Masculinity, Adversity, and Change: Reflecting on his transformation—from seeking manhood in action, danger, and toughness to learning the power of vulnerability and compassion—John Graham offers a roadmap for any leader ready to look inward and lead outwardly with heart. WHY LISTEN? This episode is packed with actionable leadership strategies, honest discussions about risk and courage, and inspiring stories that will help you: * Lead with meaning and purpose even when it challenges your comfort zone * Build trust and influence in polarizing environments * Model courageous leadership to inspire your teams and communities * Shift from success defined by power, to significance defined by service Whether you’re a CEO, manager, or emerging leader, this episode will equip you with the mindset and motivation to lead with impact—by sticking your neck out for what truly matters. Listen now for a masterclass in values-driven leadership, storytelling for change, and finding your purpose in and beyond the workplace. ---------------------------------------- Keywords: leadership podcast, courageous leadership, building trust, corporate culture, storytelling, purposeful leadership, Giraffe Heroes Project, John Graham, leading with heart, service, influence, meaning at work, workplace humanity

Ep 6: Building Confidence and Visibility for Women Leaders w/Debbie Bryan

Join host and coach Lisa Virtue on this episode of the HEARTset Studio Leadership Podcast for an inspiring and insightful conversation with TEDx speaker, leadership coach, and advocate for women’s visibility, Debbie Bryan. This episode dives deep into the world of “quietly brilliant women”—those successful, skilled women who remain unseen and underestimated—and explores the journey towards confidence, visibility, and authentic leadership. In this powerful episode, Debbie Bryan shares her personal story from feeling invisible as “Debbie from Swindon” to stepping onto international stages, coaching top leaders, and supporting other women to own and share their stories. Discover why so many talented women hesitate to step into the spotlight (even when life-changing opportunities like a TEDx talk come their way) and learn practical strategies to overcome self-doubt and find your own voice. Lisa Virtue and Debbie Bryan cover crucial topics for modern leaders, including: - The concept of “quietly brilliant women” and why women shy away from visibility   - How early conditioning and the pressure to “be humble” hold women back in the workplace   - Transformational stories—from rebuilding confidence after life-altering changes to launching world-renowned events   - The power of authentic storytelling, public speaking, and embracing your true self   - How to reframe mindset and “heartset” to show up for yourself and others   - Navigating public speaking fears, impostor syndrome, and the myth of self-promotion   - Using technology and AI to enhance—but not replace—real human connection in leadership   - Real-world leadership lessons: showing up, pushing back, and moving past “no” to create your own opportunities Special Offer for Listeners In this episode, Debbie Bryan offers a FREE Diamond Discovery Call for listeners who want a personalized audit of their visibility, story, or leadership opportunities. Whether you dream of speaking on stage, writing a book, or simply feeling confident at your next meeting, this session is designed to help you show up authentically—no dancing on TikTok required! Find the link in our show notes at heartsetstudio.com/podcast [http://heartsetstudio.com/podcast]. Why Listen? - If you are a woman ready to break free from invisibility and claim your place in the spotlight   - If you’re tired of being the “best kept secret” at work while others get promoted or recognized   - If you want to learn how to turn real-life experiences into inspiring leadership stories that move people   - If you’ve ever struggled with confidence, public speaking, or the pressure to be perfect   - If you’re curious how leaders can use AI with heart and integrity Subscribe now and listen to this empowering conversation with Debbie Bryan. Take your next step toward visible, confident, and authentic leadership. --- Keywords: quietly brilliant women, women in leadership, visibility for women, leadership podcast, confidence coaching, authentic storytelling, TEDx coaching, overcoming self-doubt, public speaking, personal branding, heartset, mindset, leadership development, AI in workplace, inspiring leadership stories, female leaders, career advancement, empowerment, authenticity in leadership

Ep 5: How to Understand and Navigate Leadership as a Major Career Shift w/Amanda Rice

In this episode of the HEARTset Leadership Podcast, Lisa Virtue sits down with seasoned sales leader and career coach Amanda Rice to explore the pivotal concept that stepping into leadership is not just a promotion—it's a fundamental career change. Drawing from over fifteen years of experience leading sales teams in the tech and software industry, Amanda Rice shares her journey from entry-level cold-calling to Vice President of Sales, and her transition into career coaching. Together, Lisa Virtue and Amanda Rice unpack why the leap from individual contributor to manager is a transformational step requiring new mindsets, skills, and motivations. Key themes include: * Leadership Is a Career Change: Amanda Rice explains that moving into management requires shifting from personal quota achievement to empowering an entire team, managing relationships, and aligning with new measures of success. It’s a shift in responsibility, daily structure, and motivation that goes beyond just climbing the next rung on the ladder. * Success in the Managerial Track: The discussion highlights the critical personal and organizational changes that accompany leadership roles—time management, team dynamics, delegation, and the move from individual wins to collective victories. * Building High-Performing, Collaborative Teams: Amanda Rice offers actionable advice for emerging leaders on understanding team members’ strengths and motivations, fostering a culture of sharing, and driving results through collaboration rather than competition. * Practical Pathways: The conversation covers the five key steps to preparing for a career change into leadership: performing in your current role, communicating with your manager, establishing relationships with decision-makers, shadowing leaders, and taking on stretch projects. * Modern Challenges in Leadership: The episode addresses the nuances of navigating layoffs, the impact of AI in sales, and the increasing need for growth mindsets and adaptability in today’s business environment. This episode equips aspiring and current leaders with candid insights and tools for viewing leadership through the lens of transformation, not just advancement. Whether you’re considering management, looking to skill up, or striving to become a more impactful leader, you’ll find inspiration and strategy here. Tune in to learn why the path to leadership is a deliberate career pivot—and discover how to set yourself up for sustained success on this distinctive leadership journey. Show notes can be found at: https://heartsetstudio.com/podcast [https://heartsetstudio.com/podcast]