Being an Impact Guru is Doable with Esther Stanhope

Being an Impact Guru is Doable with Esther Stanhope

Today on Productive Joy, Dr. Christie has a very special guest, Esther Stanhope. An author, personal impact coach, and former BBC producer who has interviewed major celebrities and was recently diagnosed with ADHD. They discuss imposter syndrome and Esther’s “voice of doubt,” which she names “Cynical Cyril,” plus a story about interviewing George Clooney that highlights how even famous people are only human.  Esther explains how she spent years behind the scenes and now helps leaders—especially women, diverse talent, and technical professionals—become more visible at work without “showing off,” emphasizing the difference between sharing value and self-promotion.  She and Dr. Christie also talk about her book, Visibly Brilliant (following Goodbye Glossophobia on public speaking) as a guide to gaining recognition, promotions, and opportunities through presence and contribution. They discuss productive joy, and Esther talks about being productive in a flow state, and shares practical habits like gratitude, yoga, and simple routines to reset on hard days. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Meet Esther Stanhope 01:08 Imposter Syndrome and VOD 02:43 George Clooney Storytime 04:39 From Behind Scenes to Spotlight 06:16 ADHD Diagnosis Journey 09:27 Introducing Visibly Brilliant 11:41 Invisible Superhero at Work 12:45 Showing Off vs Sharing 14:12 Me to We Mindset 15:15 Sharing vs Showing Off 15:49 Invisibles in Social Media 17:56 Unearthing Hidden Talent 20:04 Defining Productive Joy 21:41 Flow State and Balance 22:55 How to Find Esther 24:04 Rapid Fire Questions 25:46 Gratitude on Hard Days 28:21 Key Takeaway and Challenge

Self-Care. Taking Back Control and More with Teri Chilcoat

In this Productive Joy recap, Dr. Christie highlights guest Teri Chilcoat, an HR expert and author of Surviving the Toxic Workplace: From an HR Insider: How to Reclaim Your Power, Peace, and Happiness. Christie shares that the book’s eight chapters emphasize “self” themes—self-awareness, self-control, self-care, self-acceptance, and self-empowerment—framing toxic workplace survival as taking ownership of how you show up in the environment.  She challenges a victim mentality, noting that people often give away their power and rely on hope instead of choosing action. Christie applies the message beyond work to toxic relationships, friendships, food, or self-talk, and encourages shifting from “I have to” to “I get to” and “I choose to,” especially heading into summer.  Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:36 Self Power Over Toxicity 02:12 Take Control This Summer 03:26 Stop Assuming Ask Questions 04:07 Reach Out for Coaching 04:48 Final Self Empowerment 05:03 Thanks and Call to Action

Surviving a Toxic Work Environment Starts with YOU with Teri Chilcoat

Today on Productive Joy, Dr. Christie interviews Teri Chilcoat—an HR expert, author, and “clarity creator”—about surviving a toxic workplace by focusing on self-awareness, self-control, and self-care. Teri emphasizes that even when you can’t quit, you always have options, including building skills, pursuing hobbies, or creating a practical roadmap from a calm, rational mindset.  Her book, Surviving the Toxic Workplace, centers on personal accountability, reclaiming power, and choosing how to react when leaders lack self-awareness, while also explaining how managers can improve through EQ, communication, and training. She shares how gossip worsened her situation and how gratitude and perspective shifts can change workplace stress. Teri defines productive joy as helping others reach “aha” moments and offers her book via Amazon and a free two-chapter sample by texting POWER to 33777. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Meet Teri Chilcote 00:42 You Always Have Options 01:41 Roadmap Out of Stuck 02:52 Why the Book Focuses on Self 05:54 Managers and Self Awareness 07:58 Leading Up to Toxic Leaders 12:09 Gratitude and Taking Back Power 14:48 Defining Productive Joy 16:54 Puzzle Mindset and Book Resources 18:35 HR Myths and Real Role 22:14 Rapid Fire and Final Takeaway 25:07 Put It Into Action  #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipSkills #PeopleFirstLeadership #EffectiveLeadership #LeadershipMindset #ManagerTraining #LeadershipCoaching #WorkplaceCulture #HealthyWorkplace #ToxicWorkplace #EmployeeExperience #PositiveWorkCulture #WorkplaceWellbeing #PsychologicalSafety #CareerGrowth #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerCoaching #PersonalGrowth #WorkplaceSuccess #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfLeadership #GrowthMindset #MindsetShift #SelfEmpowerment #PersonalDevelopment #HumanResources #HRLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #FutureOfWork #ProductiveJoy #PurposeDrivenLeadership Workplace Culture, Career Growth & Professional Development, Self-Awareness & Emotional Intelligence, HR & Employee Engagement, Productive Joy & Purpose

Put People First, Take Action & More From Courtney Hamm

In this Productive Joy Dr. Christie highlights guest Courtney Hamm’s message that leadership is not tied to age but to awareness, reading the room, and putting people first. Courtney models modern leadership by mentoring the next generation within her organization, showing how people can help those who are a few steps behind them. Dr. Christie reflects on how many young adults feel they should have all the answers, but real growth comes from being willing to ask questions, learn, and understand your role instead of trying to be good at everything. She connects this to creating “productive joy” through intentional action and human-centered communication, encouraging listeners to “be sparkly,” recognize their influence, seek support when needed, and turn one key insight into action. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:09 Leadership Beyond Age 00:39 Mentoring the Next Gen 01:02 Still Learning Not Arrived 01:51 Know Your Role Shine 03:03 Go Be Sparkly 03:40 Ask Questions Take Action 04:42 Final Nugget Into Action  Welcome to Productive Joy, the Recap! This week, our guest was the young and dynamic Courtney Hamm, who exemplifies that true leadership transcends age. Whether you're 19 or 49, leadership is more about understanding, empathy, and putting people first.Courtney's passion for mentoring within her organization, despite being young herself, is inspiring. She embraces the philosophy that we can best support those we once were, guiding those a few steps behind us.I reflected on my own children, now 25, who constantly learn and grow. They, like us, are on a journey, not a destination of knowing everything. It's comforting to accept that one doesn't need all the answers—a lesson Courtney has embraced wholeheartedly.A key takeaway from Courtney’s leadership approach is being confident in what you're good at. Jobs should allow us to shine, benefiting everyone around us. Productive Joy is about defining and creating joy in productivity. By doing so, we elevate ourselves and influence others positively.Every experience shapes us into better versions of ourselves. Daily, I send motivational emails to women in my organization, often ending with "go be sparkly." It signifies standing out and shining in our unique ways.Whether you're the curious 25-year-old in the room or the experienced 49-year-old, today, you can be the best version of yourself. The Intentionality Group is developing answers to all situations, emphasizing the importance of human interaction.

Leadership Has No Age Requirement with Courtney Hamm

Today on Productive Joy, Dr. Christie interviews Courtney Hamm, an efficiency expert and “chaos coordinator” at The Solution, an association management company. Courtney shares how early leadership traits, musical theater, and a Texas A&M orientation leadership role prepared her to manage small-to-mid-size 501(c)(6) associations—handling events, finances, membership, and marketing for clients, including two groups of high-level family law attorneys. She explains what associations and association management companies do and discusses overcoming imposter syndrome through confidence, earning trust, and recognizing her value-add.  Courtney recounts coordinating a hybrid international conference where Canada’s Chief Justice thanked her by name, reinforcing professional credibility. She outlines remote work structure and boundaries, and highlights leadership lessons from CEO Valerie Smith: direct communication isn’t rude, and compassion and empathy are foundational. Courtney also leads The Solution’s Next Gen Group to teach professional skills and conference fundamentals, emphasizing that leadership has no minimum age. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome Courtney Hamm 01:50 Courtney’s Origin Story 04:39 Tour Guide Tales 07:00 What Associations Do 10:08 Owning Your Value 11:31 Confidence Breakthrough 14:40 Defining Productive Joy 16:07 Remote Work Boundaries 18:46 Leadership Lessons 21:59 Next Gen Group 26:08 Rapid Fire Questions 28:39 Final Leadership Takeaway 29:26 Closing Challenge  #AssociationManagement #AssociationManagementCompany #NonprofitLeadership #RemoteWork #WorkFromHome #LeadershipDevelopment #Confidence #ProfessionalDevelopment #Mentorship #NextGenLeadership #EventPlanning #ConferenceManagement #EmailEtiquette #ZoomMeetingTips #EmpathyInLeadership #DirectCommunication #WomenInLeadership #GenZLeadership #CareerGrowth #WorkplaceCulture #ClientManagement #LeadershipMindset