The Heart of People Leadership with Katie Pfingsten

Helping Leaders Rise: A Conversation with Dr. Karen Hills Pruden

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2536421/fan_mail/new] What does it truly mean to lead with confidence, authenticity, and purpose? In this empowering episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara Valentine sits down with leadership expert, executive coach, and author Dr. Karen Hills Pruden for a conversation about growth, courage, and stepping fully into your leadership voice. Together, they explore: 💗 The power of authentic leadership 💗 Why listening and empathy matter more than ever 💗 Building confidence in leadership and life 💗 Helping others grow while continuing to grow yourself 💗 Leading with purpose in today’s world Dr. Karen shares powerful insights from her leadership journey and reminds us that leadership is not about perfection—it’s about presence, purpose, and having the courage to show up fully as yourself. This conversation is honest, empowering, and filled with HEART. 🎙️ Listen now on the HEART Leadership Podcast. A HEARTfelt thank you for listening!

Leadership, Legacy, and Letters from War with Dr. Mark Hertling

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2536421/fan_mail/new] What does leadership look like when the stakes are life and death? In this powerful episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara Valentine speaks with Dr. Mark Hertling, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General, professor of leadership, and author of If I Don’t Return. Dr. Hertling shares the deeply personal story behind his book—letters he wrote to his sons while deployed in war. These letters were never intended for publication. They were written in uncertainty, responsibility, and love. In this conversation, Sara and Dr. Hertling explore: • Leadership under extreme uncertainty • The power of vulnerability in leadership • Faith, character, and responsibility in leadership • The values leaders must pass to the next generation Dr. Hertling’s reflections remind us that leadership is not about rank or title—it’s about character, service, and the people we influence along the way. This episode is a powerful reminder that the greatest leaders don’t just lead organizations—they shape lives. You can reach out to Dr. Hertling on his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hertling-dba-57987066/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hertling-dba-57987066/] A HEARTfelt thank you for listening!

The Heart of People Leadership with Katie Pfingsten

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2536421/fan_mail/new] What does it really mean to lead people well? In this episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara Valentine sits down with Katie Pfingsten, Vice President of People & Culture and Executive Director of the IAAPA Foundation, to talk about the kind of leadership that truly builds strong teams and cultures. As two HR leaders, Sara and Katie explore the human side of leadership—what it looks like to lead with authenticity, humility, and appreciation for the people around you. In this conversation, they discuss: • Why listening is one of the most powerful leadership skills • How authenticity builds trust within teams • The importance of acknowledging contributions and saying thank you • What it means to lead in the people profession • How HR leaders can shape culture in meaningful ways Katie shares thoughtful insights from her leadership journey and reminds us that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about creating space for others to be heard and valued. For anyone leading a team—or aspiring to lead one—this episode is a reminder that great leadership often begins with something simple: listening first. Reach out to Katie via her LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-pfingsten-60448111a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-pfingsten-60448111a/] A HEARTfelt thank you for listening!

The T in HEART- GRATITUDE

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2536421/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara explores the final letter in the HEART framework — “T” for Thank — and why gratitude is the thread that holds leadership, culture, and connection together. Gratitude isn’t a feeling; it’s a leadership practice. In this episode, Sara reflects on the people who helped shape her journey — mentors, colleagues, HR professionals, leaders, and the people she has had the honor of leading. She also shares what happens when gratitude is missing in leadership and how the absence of appreciation quietly erodes trust, engagement, and performance. This episode is both a thank-you and a reminder: leadership is never a solo act. Gratitude keeps our hearts open, our egos in check, and our purpose clear — and it’s essential for any leader who wants to build lasting impact. A HEARTfelt thank you for listening!

The R in HEART

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2536421/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara unpacks the “R” in HEART — Respond — and why action is the true test of leadership. When someone comes forward with a concern, request, or disclosure, silence is still a response — and often the most damaging one. Sara explores why timely, sincere responses build trust, while inaction erodes credibility, engagement, and culture. Drawing from real-world HR experience, this episode addresses the reality that while HR can recommend and facilitate, it is ultimately leaders who must act — and when they don’t, trust is lost. Sara shares practical guidance on how leaders can respond with care, clarity, and accountability, even when answers aren’t immediate. This episode is a powerful reminder that without response, HEART becomes an empty word — and leadership loses its impact. A HEARTfelt thank you for listening!