E25 | How Are Filters Impacting Our Listening?

E25 | How Are Filters Impacting Our Listening?

In this episode we unpack Chapter 7 — Listening: How Our Filters Impact What We Hear — and explore why listening is one of the most foundational leadership and coaching skills. We discuss the difference between hearing and truly listening, and why effective leadership requires more than simply paying attention to words. We also dive into the connection between listening, presence, trust, and understanding, and how intentional listening strengthens relationships and communication within teams. Throughout the conversation, we explore the difference between linear and non-linear listening, and how remembering context, emotions, and previous conversations helps people feel understood and valued. We also discuss limiting beliefs and how leaders and coaches can listen beneath the surface to uncover fears, assumptions, and internal barriers that may be getting in someone’s way. Through personal stories and practical examples, we highlight how curiosity, thoughtful questions, and deeper listening can help people grow, build confidence, and move beyond self-imposed limitations. ➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset ➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com ➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

E24 | How Does Presence Impact Your Leadership?

In this episode we unpack Chapter 6 — The Present Leader — and explore what it really means to lead from the here and now. We dive into how presence goes beyond confidence or authority and becomes a practice of intentional attention: noticing what’s happening around you, within you, and in your conversations. We discuss the two main sources of distraction leaders face today — the external world and their internal dialogue — and how both can pull focus away from effective leadership. We also explore the connection between presence and listening, and how paying attention to what is said (and not said) helps build trust and stronger relationships. Through real examples, we highlight common blind spots, the importance of humility and curiosity, and how leaders can stay intentional, navigate discomfort, and make more aligned decisions in complex environments. ➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset [http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset] ➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com ➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

E23 | How to Cultivate Trust in Working Relationships

In this episode we dig into Chapter 5 of Lead With a Coaching Mindset and explore why trust is the bedrock of effective leadership. We define ethical, earned trust and walk through how trust gets broken — and how it’s deliberately rebuilt. You’ll hear practical strategies leaders can use every day: be consistent between words and actions, show up present, honor confidentiality, model vulnerability, and lead with curiosity and empathy (not sympathy). We also unpack Brené Brown’s BRAVING framework (Boundaries, Reliability, Accountability, Vault, Integrity, Non-judgment, Generosity) as a handy checklist for trust-building, plus how mirror-neuron empathy and emotional presence influence team relationships. Expect concrete tips for repairing damaged trust, creating psychologically safe spaces, and becoming the kind of leader people willingly follow. ➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset [http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset] ➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com ➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

E22 | How to Develop Cultural Competence

In this episode we dig into Chapter 4—contracting, agreement, and creating conditions for cultural competence. Damian and Elaine define culture (beyond nationality: age, generation, faith, ability, subcultures) and explain why diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones: more creativity, stronger problem-solving, broader market insight, higher engagement, and a healthier employer brand. We unpack practical leader behaviors—curiosity before judgment, avoiding stereotyping, learning local norms, apologizing when you err, and deliberately contracting team norms so differences become productive rather than divisive. Real-world examples (including cross-cultural surprises with Japanese colleagues and coaching subcultures) illustrate the paradox: learn cultural patterns, yet treat every person as unique. Leaders should set clear agreements, model cultural humility, and create safe spaces for dialogue so diversity fuels innovation rather than friction. ➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset [http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset] ➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com ➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

E21 | How to Successfully Onboard New Members in your Team

In this episode we unpack Chapter 4 — the coaching agreement — and why clear onboarding and intentional contracting set the foundation for every coaching relationship inside organizations. We walk through practical steps leaders can take: clarify expectations and communication channels, tailor support to each new hire, connect people into culture, set measurable goals, and create ongoing learning opportunities. We also cover hybrid/remote nuances (you must be more deliberate when people aren’t co-located), how to repair weak onboarding (“you’re never too late”), and the “tango” truth: onboarding requires both manager and employee to be intentional. Practical, bite-size ideas you can use this week to make new hires—and existing teammates—feel set up to succeed. ➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindsethttp://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset [http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset] ➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com ➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!