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

Ep 12: Building Trust and Psychological Safety in Teams w/Workplace Therapist Brandon Smith

Are You Leading with HEART — Or Just Hustling to Keep Up? In a world where time is everyone's biggest adversary and leadership demands are rocketing, how do you actually inspire, empower, and transform your team without burning out or losing your own sense of fulfillment? On this episode of the HEARTset Studio Leadership Podcast, Lisa Virtue sits down with Brandon Smith—better known as “The Workplace Therapist,” best-selling author, executive coach, and renowned advocate for eliminating workplace dysfunction. With a unique blend of clinical therapy and MBA insights, Brandon Smith has dedicated his career to making work healthier and more human, helping leaders balance growth, accountability, and compassion in an era where old approaches just aren’t enough. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * The Real Productivity Hack: Why time is every leader’s main obstacle—and how intention + clarity = high-performing, energized teams. * Compassion vs. Accountability: How to hold high standards while also championing psychological safety and real connection at work. * Author vs. Editor Leadership: Are you empowering your people to solve problems, or stuck doing the work for them? Learn when to author and when to edit, and why letting go is the real secret to scaling teams. * Actionable Feedback Loops: Why one-on-one meetings and clear feedback aren’t “nice-to-haves,” but mission-critical for morale, alignment, and results. * Building Trust as a Skill: The mathematical “trust equation” leaders need—authenticity, vulnerability, and credibility—and how balancing them drives performance and loyalty. * Creating Psychological Safety: Real-world stories and frameworks for leaders to become more transparent, set boundaries, and bring just enough personal touch to humanize themselves and nurture their teams. Brandon Smith shares memorable stories from the front lines of executive coaching—including helping a CFO stuck on positive feedback, transforming a team’s engagement by simply honoring meetings, and revealing how even the highest paid leaders sabotage themselves by refusing to delegate or trust. This episode isn’t just theory: it’s packed with practical frameworks every people manager needs now, from running better one-on-ones to self-assessing your own leadership authenticity and setting boundaries in a world without them. Discover why balancing authority with empathy isn’t just possible, but absolutely necessary for thriving in today’s organizations. SEARCHABLE LEADERSHIP SOLUTIONS YOU’LL FIND: * How to eliminate workplace dysfunction as a leader * The best techniques to build trust and psychological safety in teams * Coaching vs. therapy in leadership development * Tools for holding people accountable with compassion * Best questions for 1:1 meetings and actionable feedback * Author vs. editor model of leadership explained * How to assess and develop vulnerability and authenticity as a leader * Why your calendar reveals your leadership priorities (and how to fix it) * Effective use of 360 reviews and feedback in leadership Whether you’re a seasoned executive, emerging manager, or passionate team lead, this episode delivers immediate, actionable insights from one of today’s top leadership experts. Don’t just manage the whirlwind — learn how to lead from the heart and create the thriving, productive, and human-centered workplace you and your team deserve. Subscribe now and transform the way you lead, one episode at a time.

Ep 11: Learning to Love Leadership: the Human Side of Leading Teams w/Helen Honisett

EPISODE DESCRIPTION Are you struggling to truly love leadership, or wondering why so many talented people hesitate to take on management roles? In this insightful episode of the HEARTset Studio Leadership Podcast, Lisa Virtue sits down with renowned leadership expert Helen Honisett, CEO and Founder of Defy Expectations, to unravel what it really takes to learn to love leadership in today’s fast-changing workplace. Whether you’re a new manager, a burned-out leader, or an ambitious individual contributor questioning the next step, you’ll find research-backed wisdom, real-world examples, and practical strategies to reignite your passion for leading others. Ready to rediscover what leadership could feel like? Hit play and start learning to love leadership today! What You'll Learn in This Episode: * The Real Reasons Leaders Fall Out of Love With Leadership: Helen Honisett explains how structural problems—not just people—can derail leaders and why even the best can struggle if the system is broken (00:31). * Listening to Understand vs. Listening to Respond: Discover why most leaders miss the mark on true listening and how making this shift can unlock team performance and belonging (05:36). * Why Leadership is a Distinct Skill (Not Just a Promotion): Learn why organizations must treat leadership as a unique role, with its own rewards, training, and expectations—separate from technical expertise (09:14). * Addressing Burnout and Building Resilience: Hear Helen Honisett’s personal burnout stories and the “red flags” leaders and organizations often miss, plus actionable advice to prevent and recover from leadership fatigue (19:04). * Future-Proofing Your Leadership in the Age of AI: Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping management, why human leaders remain irreplaceable, and what skills will set successful leaders apart going forward (32:57). * Should You Take That Promotion?: Get clear, honest criteria for deciding if leadership is right for you—or if you’ll thrive as an expert contributor (30:27). Key Takeaways: * Loving leadership is about genuine human connection, self-awareness, and embracing the “coach” mindset—not just achieving goals or climbing ladders * The best leaders know when to listen, when to step back, and how to balance results with well-being—for both their teams and themselves * Great organizations create parallel career paths for leaders and expert contributors, so everyone can thrive without sacrificing passion or purpose * AI can—and will—handle much of the management grunt work, but only real leaders can unlock human potential, offer empathy, and navigate ambiguity Perfect For: New managers, experienced leaders, HR professionals, executive coaches, and anyone considering a leap into leadership or feeling disengaged at work. Search terms: * How to love leadership * Overcoming leadership burnout * Why great leaders quit * Coaching mindset for managers * Leadership vs. management difference * AI and the future of leadership * Building resilient teams * Corporate leadership challenges * Defy Expectations Helen Honisett * Becoming a better leader podcast

Ep 10: Human Capital Playbook: Retaining Top Talent in the Age of Automation w/Angela Tait

Are you struggling to balance technology, talent, and true human connection as a leader in today's workplace? In this episode of the HEARTset Studio Leadership Podcast, host Lisa Virtue sits down with HR strategist and author Angela Tait, CEO and founder of Tait Consulting, to unpack what it really takes to lead humans—at work and at home—amidst the rapid rise of AI and digital tools. Show notes can be found at: https://heartsetstudio.com/podcast Discover practical, actionable insights on: * Harnessing AI in Human Resources: Where can artificial intelligence enhance recruitment and workflow, and where does it threaten authentic employee engagement? Angela Tait shares firsthand stories about the pitfalls of AI-driven interviews and why face-to-face connections still win when it comes to talent retention and genuine company culture. * Building High-Trust, High-Performance Teams: Angela Tait reveals why regular check-ins, safe spaces for feedback, and attention to onboarding make the biggest impact on employee loyalty, morale, and growth—even beyond attractive benefits or paychecks. * Retaining Top Performers in a Competitive Market: Learn why high-potential employees often leave when ignored and how proactive leadership can unlock their next level of contribution—and your organization’s bottom line. * Personalized Leadership & Self-Awareness Tools: From Myers-Briggs to the Enneagram, discover how self-assessment and blind spot analysis can make you a more empathetic, adaptive, and inspiring leader. Angela Tait explains how personality insights drive communication, resolve conflict, and foster diversity of thought on your team. * Leading Through Change and Uncertainty: Hear stories from the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis, rapid team scaling, and navigating layoffs—showcasing why “people-first” leadership is not just a buzzword but a proven strategy for resilience and growth. With decades of experience in HR, team building, and executive coaching, Tait breaks down the essential practices for any founder, executive, or manager aiming to future-proof their leadership in the age of automation. Whether you’re launching your HR function for the first time, trying to unlock greater employee engagement, or searching for authentic ways to thrive during workplace transformation, this episode serves up SEO-optimized leadership strategies that answer questions like: * How should leaders use AI in hiring without losing the “human” in human resources? * What are the best employee retention strategies for 2024 and beyond? * How can leaders use personality assessments to build trust and high-performing teams? * What are key signs your top performers are at risk—and how should you retain them? * How can you foster a culture of growth, inclusion, and safety at work? Keywords: Leadership podcast, AI in HR, employee retention, HR best practices, talent management, authentic leadership, team engagement, personality assessments, Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, people-first culture, future of work, employee onboarding, high-potential employees, leadership development, self-awareness for leaders Don’t miss this essential listen for leaders who want to blend technology with heart and create workplaces where people and performance thrive.

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!