Leadership Tea

Leadership Lessons From The Shutdown: Confidence, Money & Boundaries

Airports jammed, paychecks paused, nerves frayed—crisis has a way of revealing what actually keeps leaders steady. Belinda and Shelby peel back the layers of the recent shutdown and run our lessons through “priority screening,” naming the habits and guardrails that matter when systems fail and people still need direction. First, Belinda and Shelby get practical about money. Financial fragility isn’t just stressful; it impairs judgment. They also challenge unbounded vulnerability. Empathy fuels trust, but unchecked venting drains morale. Values become the compass: hold standards, keep momentum, and resist the urge to pass your frustration down the chain. Finally, Belinda and Shelby share how boundaries protect high-EQ leaders from burnout. As they close the shutdown series, Belinda and Shelby preview a new flow of episodes, “No Sunday Scaries,” designed to reset your week with intention and ease.  Your take matters—what lessons make the cut for priority screening? Send us a comment! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2307270/open_sms] Find more information about the Leadership Lounge here. [https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiplounge] For leaders who want more than surface-level advice.  What do you get? 1. A virtual monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts. 2. A monthly Community Connection virtual meet-up. 3. Leadership resources and articles. We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. * Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast [https://leadershiptea.buzzsprout.com/2307270/follow] * Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@LeadershipTeaPodcast?sub_confirmation=1] Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea [https://www.instagram.com/leadership_tea/]for more inspiration and insights.

Managing Anxiety in the Age of AI with Soribel Feliz, The AI Therapist | S4 EP13

Belinda and Shelby are joined by tech policy and AI governance expert, Soribel Feliz, also known as The AI Therapist. Soribel tackles the anxiety currently gripping the professional world: fear of being replaced by artificial intelligence. If you're wondering what your kids should study, how to upskill mid-career, or how to maintain your mental health amid constant doom-and-gloom headlines, this episode is for you. Soribel discusses the legitimate concerns surrounding AI, from plagiarism in higher education to the AI automation impacting white-collar work. She dispels one of the biggest myths—that AGI will be "god-like.” And she offers practical advice on how to manage your anxiety around AI by focusing on what you can control, and how executives can build a collaborative AI adoption strategy.  Also in this episode: * Legitimate concerns everyone should have about AI's impact on work and society * Why learning all the AI tools is an overwhelming and ineffective strategy * Soribel's advice for maximizing your data privacy and security immediately * How leaders can create a vision for integrating AI on their teams Find Soribel: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soribelfeliz/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/soribelfeliz/] * YouTube: https://youtube.com/@soribelaitherapist [https://youtube.com/@soribelaitherapist?si=5QndYu1PUNiB7KaA] You can also watch our conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A-RocnSZfl0 [https://youtu.be/A-RocnSZfl0] Send us a comment! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2307270/open_sms] Leadership isn’t easy and sometimes, the podcast isn’t enough. That’s why we’re creating The Leadership Lounge [https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiplounge], a members-only community designed for leaders who want to go deeper, reflect more, and stay grounded. What do you get? A monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts and monthly virtual community connection sessions, as well as leadership resources and articles. Find more information about the Leadership Lounge here. [https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiplounge] For leaders who want more than surface-level advice.  What do you get? 1. A virtual monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts. 2. A monthly Community Connection virtual meet-up. 3. Leadership resources and articles. We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. * Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast [https://leadershiptea.buzzsprout.com/2307270/follow] * Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@LeadershipTeaPodcast?sub_confirmation=1] Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea [https://www.instagram.com/leadership_tea/]for more inspiration and insights.

Part VI: Shutdown, But Not Shut Out - There is Growth in Discomfort | S4 EP12

Finding Growth in Discomfort: Strategies for Transition and Coping In this episode of the Leadership Tea Podcast, hosts discuss the challenges and growth opportunities during a shutdown. Shelby shares her experiences transitioning out of government work, dealing with introversion through networking, and finding new ways to communicate and cope during uncomfortable times. Belinda talks about the importance of focus for entrepreneurs, challenges in self-promotion, and breaking down larger goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. They both highlight the importance of family communication and maintaining relationships during financial strains. The episode emphasizes finding hope and possibilities even in challenging circumstances, offering practical advice and personal anecdotes. 00:00 Introduction to the Leadership Tea Podcast 00:16 Embracing Discomfort for Growth 00:56 Shelby's Networking Strategies 03:32 Belinda's Entrepreneurial Focus 05:49 The Challenge of Self-Promotion 10:52 Communicating Through Crisis 18:24 Finding Hope and Possibilities 19:56 Conclusion and Community Support JOIN THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE If you're a leader who wants more than surface-level advice, join Shelby & Belinda for exclusive content, practical tools, and a supportive community that fuels your growth. Learn more at https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiplounge [https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiplounge] Send us a comment! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2307270/open_sms] Find more information about the Leadership Lounge here. [https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiplounge] For leaders who want more than surface-level advice.  What do you get? 1. A virtual monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts. 2. A monthly Community Connection virtual meet-up. 3. Leadership resources and articles. We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. * Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast [https://leadershiptea.buzzsprout.com/2307270/follow] * Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@LeadershipTeaPodcast?sub_confirmation=1] Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea [https://www.instagram.com/leadership_tea/]for more inspiration and insights.

Part V: Shutdown But Not Shut Out - Resiliency with a Game Seven Mentality | S4 EP11

Shelby and Belinda reflect on managing personal and professional lives amidst the prolonged government shutdown. They discuss its impacts, such as the end of SNAP benefits and continued layoffs at major companies. Shelby and Belinda also draw parallels between the resilience seen in the World Series and the mindset needed to navigate challenging times.  They emphasize the importance of mutual support, filling each other's cups, and maintaining a 'game seven mentality' to stay motivated and impactful. The episode concludes with a call for listeners to share their thoughts and strategies for approaching 2026.  *Please note, the reference to Manuel Rojas was an error; in their excitement, the hosts misspoke and meant to say Miguel Rojas. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Leadership Tea Podcast 00:10 Reflecting on the Government Shutdown 01:35 Personal Impacts and Client Success Stories 04:04 Mentees and Restoring Faith 07:42 Lessons from the World Series 14:11 Filling Each Other's Cups 18:15 Conclusion and Call to Action JOIN THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE If you're a leader who wants more than surface-level advice, join Shelby & Belinda for exclusive content, practical tools, and a supportive community that fuels your growth. Learn more at https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiplounge [https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiplounge] Send us a comment! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2307270/open_sms] Find more information about the Leadership Lounge here. [https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiplounge] For leaders who want more than surface-level advice.  What do you get? 1. A virtual monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts. 2. A monthly Community Connection virtual meet-up. 3. Leadership resources and articles. We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. * Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast [https://leadershiptea.buzzsprout.com/2307270/follow] * Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@LeadershipTeaPodcast?sub_confirmation=1] Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea [https://www.instagram.com/leadership_tea/]for more inspiration and insights.

Practicing Wellness In Unwell Times: Reflections on Repose 2025 With Ellen Tannor | S4 EP10

Shelby and Belinda welcome a special guest, Ellen Tannor, a former senior diplomat who recently participated in the 'Repose, a Day of Reflection' retreat at Salamander Resort in Middleburg. Ellen shares her rich career experiences, including her service as a special agent and protective detail member for Secretary of State Colin Powell.  Now pursuing a master’s degree in journalism at American University, Ellen reflects on her transition from being a diplomat and the importance of mental and spiritual refreshers. The discussion highlights key takeaways from the retreat, such as the importance of moving with purpose, making 'better mistakes tomorrow,' and the benefits of lifting others as a way to protect one's mental health.  The episode encapsulates the essence of intentionality, community, and forward-thinking, leaving listeners with valuable insights on how to thrive in their personal and professional lives. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Leadership Tea Podcast 00:05 Introducing Ellen Tannor 01:40 Reflecting on the Repose Event 04:01 Key Takeaways from the Retreat 06:28 The Importance of Being Intentional 08:00 Executing Big Ideas 11:09 Transitioning from Diplomacy to Journalism 19:20 Maintaining Mental Health and Resilience 22:47 Final Thoughts and Gratitude JOIN THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE If you're a leader who wants more than surface-level advice, join Shelby & Belinda for exclusive content, practical tools, and a supportive community that fuels your growth. Learn more at https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiplounge [https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiplounge] Send us a comment! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2307270/open_sms] Leadership isn’t easy and sometimes, the podcast isn’t enough. That’s why we’re creating The Leadership Lounge [https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiplounge], a members-only community designed for leaders who want to go deeper, reflect more, and stay grounded. What do you get? A monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts and monthly virtual community connection sessions, as well as leadership resources and articles. Find more information about the Leadership Lounge here. [https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiplounge] For leaders who want more than surface-level advice.  What do you get? 1. A virtual monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts. 2. A monthly Community Connection virtual meet-up. 3. Leadership resources and articles. We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. * Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast [https://leadershiptea.buzzsprout.com/2307270/follow] * Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@LeadershipTeaPodcast?sub_confirmation=1] Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea [https://www.instagram.com/leadership_tea/]for more inspiration and insights.