What if you could make better decisions with less stress? Kristen and Mike go deep into the science of decision-making, exploring why it's such a crucial leadership skill and sharing practical frameworks to help you decide with confidence. They reveal surprising research showing that leaders make around 35,000 decisions daily and that 85% of leaders have experienced decision distress in the past year. But there's hope - by understanding cognitive biases, using structured processes, and learning when to delegate decisions, you can dramatically improve your decision-making abilities. Whether you're struggling with decision fatigue or want to help your team make better choices, this episode offers concrete tools you can start using today.

Download your free PDF of the BRIEFED decision-making framework reviewed in the episode: llpod.link/decision

Highlights:

• Why quick, authoritative decision-makers are often seen as more effective leaders
• The optimal amount of information needed before making a decision (hint: it's not 100%)
• How System 1 (fast) and System 2 (slow) thinking affect our choices
• Common cognitive biases that impact decision-making, including anchoring bias and sunk cost fallacy
• Introduction to the BRIEFED decision-making framework for complex decisions
• A practical matrix for knowing which decisions to make yourself vs delegate to your team
• Why debriefing after important decisions is crucial (and often skipped)

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Download the BRIEFED Decision-Making Framework
• Oracle Study: The Decision Dilemma
• MIT Sloan Review: Effective Leaders Decide About Deciding
• The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
• Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
• Iron-Sharpened Leadership by John L. Gronski
• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
• It's Your Ship by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff
• Playing to Win by A.G. Lafley

Related Episodes:

• #2 The New Playbook for Leadership Presence
• #5 A Leader’s Guide to Imposter Syndrome
• #9 Leadership Book Club: The Coaching Habit

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

In this guest interview episode, Rebecca Yang, Director of Engineering at HubSpot, shares her unconventional journey to tech leadership and reveals seven uncommon leadership principles that have shaped her success. From her early days in client services to leading a 50+ person engineering team, Rebecca opens up about how embracing authenticity and overcoming personal challenges has made her a more effective leader. Her refreshing take on leadership - including why micromanagement isn't always bad and why you shouldn't trust your gut with feedback - offers valuable insights for leaders at all levels.

About Rebecca:
Rebecca Yang is a Director of Engineering at HubSpot, leading the Breeze Intelligence group. She joined HubSpot in 2023 through the Clearbit acquisition, where she previously served as VP of Engineering. She's passionate about cultivating high performance engineering cultures. Rebecca's teams focus on shipping innovative, impactful customer-facing solutions.

Highlights:

• How coming out as a queer woman early in her career shaped her leadership style, particularly around transparency and authenticity
• The unique culture of engineering teams and how it allows for greater self-expression and authenticity
• Why psychological safety starts with how we handle critical feedback - both giving and receiving it
• A deep dive into Rebecca's "7 Uncommon Leadership Principles"
• How Rebecca successfully led her team through a challenging one-third reduction in workforce by being transparent about the "why"
• The importance of "Debate, Decide, Unite" in building team alignment
• Why leaders must own difficult messages rather than deflecting responsibility

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Rebecca Yang’s LinkedIn Profile
• Stay SaaSy Blog: Don’t Create Chaos
• Dharmesh Shah's "Debate, Decide and Unite" Framework

Get your FREE 5 Day Leadership Reset Challenge guide here: https://llpod.link/challenge

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

Kristen and Mike break down Marshall Goldsmith's influential book "What Got You Here Won't Get You There." While they praise the practical advice and behavioral frameworks in the book, they also challenge some of its core assumptions and discuss how leadership development has evolved since its 2007 publication. Through their analysis, they reveal how seemingly small behavioral habits can make or break a leader's effectiveness - and why changing these habits requires more than just willpower. The episode offers both practical tips for behavior change and a thoughtful critique of traditional executive coaching approaches, making it valuable for anyone looking to grow as a leader.

Highlights:

• The 20 workplace habits that can derail successful leaders and why "winning too much" tends to be the most common and destructive behavior
• How successful leaders typically exhibit 6-8 of these habits, and why identifying your one or two biggest problem areas is crucial for development
• The surprising reason why stopping negative behaviors can be more effective than trying to develop new positive ones
• A detailed breakdown of Goldsmith's seven-step change process, including how to gather feedback, apologize effectively, and follow through consistently
• Why traditional approaches to leadership development might oversimplify complex psychological factors like imposter syndrome and internal motivation
• The concept of "feedforward" and how this future-focused alternative to traditional feedback can create more openness to change
• How the simple act of saying "thank you" can transform the way you receive feedback and criticism
• An analysis of whether the book's somewhat rigid approach and lack of nuance still serves modern leaders effectively

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
• How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
• It's Your Ship by Michael Abrashoff
• Good to Great by Jim Collins
• The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins

Get your FREE 5 Day Leadership Reset Challenge guide here: https://llpod.link/challenge

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

What's the real difference between a manager and a leader? While technical skills and industry knowledge matter, emotional intelligence often makes or breaks leadership effectiveness. In this episode, Kristen breaks down the Genos six key competencies of emotional intelligence and how they show up in leadership, while Mike adds his perspective (using an enlightening feelings wheel). Through practical examples and even a few Star Trek references, they explore how emotional intelligence impacts everything from decision-making to team performance. Whether you've heard of EI before or this is all new territory, you'll walk away understanding exactly what emotional intelligence looks like in action and how to start improving yours today.

Download your free PDF companion to this episode, featuring the Genos emotional intelligence model and 18 tips for boosting your EI: https://llpod.link/ei

Highlights:

• The history of emotional intelligence and how it became such an important leadership skill
• Why emotional intelligence can be learned (with the right approach)
• The research-backed benefits of emotional intelligence for leadership effectiveness
• A breakdown of the six Genos emotional intelligence competencies: self-awareness, awareness of others, authenticity, emotional reasoning, self-management, and inspiring performance
• How to actually improve your emotional intelligence through reflection, feedback, and intentional habit formation
• The balance between showing authenticity and managing emotions as a leader
• The critical importance of understanding both emotional and logical information in decision-making

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Free PDF: 18 Ways to Boost Your Emotional Intelligence
• Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
• Harvard Business Review: What Makes a Leader by Daniel Goleman
• Genos International
• Iron Sharpened Leadership by John Gronski
• Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
• Feelings Wheel 2 Pack (from Amazon)

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

In part two of their deep dive into Brené Brown's Dare to Lead, Kristen and Mike explore shame, empathy, and trust through both personal and professional lenses. Through vulnerable stories - including Mike's nerve-wracking experience of saying "I love you" first and Kristen's college final exam mishap - they break down how shame shows up in leadership and what to do about it. The episode unpacks practical frameworks for building trust, developing emotional literacy, and becoming more resilient. For leaders looking to create psychologically safe environments where their teams can take risks and bounce back from failure, this episode offers concrete tools and relatable examples of putting Brown's research into practice.

You can listen to part one here: https://www.loveandleadershippod.com/12

Highlights:

• The difference between shame ("I am bad") and guilt ("I did something bad"), and why this distinction matters for leadership
• How shame can permeate organizational culture through perfectionism, favoritism, and tying self-worth to productivity
• The BRAVING framework for building trust: Boundaries, Reliability, Accountability, Vault, Integrity, Non-judgment, and Generosity
• Understanding emotional literacy and why leaders need to be able to identify and name at least 30 different emotions
• Six common ways people offload emotions onto others, including "chandeliering" (sudden emotional outbursts from those in power)
• The importance of identifying personal and organizational values, and how to actually put them into practice
• Why "the story I'm telling myself" is a powerful tool for managing emotional reactions
• The three-step Learning to Rise process for building resilience: The Reckoning, The Rumble, and The Revolution

Links & Resources:

• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
• Dare to Lead Hub - Free downloadable workbook and resources
• The Thin Book of Trust by Charles Feltman
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
• The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan
• Good to Great by Jim Collins
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Wilink
• Boundaries for Leaders by Dr. Henry Cloud

Get your FREE 5 Day Leadership Reset Challenge guide here: https://llpod.link/challenge

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

As the 2024 US presidential election looms, leaders face a unique challenge: supporting their teams' mental wellness during a high-stress period. In this episode, Kristen and Mike explore this timely topic with licensed therapist Megan Romano. They discuss how leaders can navigate the emotional minefield of election season, from recognizing their own triggers to creating a psychologically safe environment for their teams. Megan shares practical techniques for emotional regulation and emphasizes the importance of leaders modeling vulnerability and self-care. This episode offers invaluable insights on how to lead with empathy and resilience during turbulent times.

About Megan:

Megan Romano (M.S., LMFT) is a New York-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in trauma therapy. With extensive experience in inpatient rehabilitation and online therapy, she has treated clients globally and trained therapists in various settings. She is certified in treating disruptive behavioral disorders, crisis intervention, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral disorders. She provides therapy for individuals, families, and couples, addressing a wide range of challenges. She has received "The Best of Brooklyn Award for Counseling and Mental Health" for nine consecutive years. She is also the founder of Human Nation™, a mental health resource, and the inventor of a patent-pending trauma intervention that is 100% effective and substance-free.

Highlights:

• The impact of elections on workplace dynamics: 79% of employees reported being distracted during the 2020 election.
• The importance of leaders recognizing and regulating their own emotions before addressing their team's concerns.
• Techniques for emotional regulation, including breathing exercises and identifying physical signs of stress.
• The value of taking timeouts during tense meetings to allow for emotional processing.
• The role of vulnerability in leadership and how it can foster trust and psychological safety.
• The concept of "tend and befriend" as a positive stress response in the workplace.
• The importance of authentic check-ins with employees and listening to learn rather than to respond.
• Tips for finding the right therapist and normalizing mental health care in the workplace.
• The benefits of proactive therapy for leaders, even without a specific crisis or diagnosis.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Human Nation™ website
• Megan Romano Therapy
• Megan’s new Instagram account
• Zippia election study
• The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Get your FREE 5 Day Leadership Reset Challenge guide here: https://llpod.link/challenge

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

Join Kristen and Mike as they explore the world of courageous leadership through Brené Brown's groundbreaking book Dare to Lead. In this first part of a two-episode series, they unpack the myths surrounding vulnerability, the power of clear communication, and the importance of embracing discomfort in leadership. From discussing the "armory" we use to protect ourselves to examining the differences between armored and daring leadership styles, this episode offers practical insights for leaders at all levels. Whether you're struggling with perfectionism, battling imposter syndrome, or simply looking to lead with more authenticity, this conversation will challenge you to rethink your approach to leadership and inspire you to step into your own arena with courage.

Highlights:

• Introduction to Brené Brown's "Dare to Lead" and its significance in leadership literature
• Exploration of the six myths of vulnerability and their impact on leadership
• Discussion of the "armory" and how it affects our ability to lead authentically
• Breakdown of 16 key differences between armored and daring leadership styles
• Examination of the importance of clear communication and "painting done" for team alignment
• Insights on the role of empathy, trust, and belonging in effective leadership
• Reflection on the challenges of balancing productivity with rest and recovery
• Analysis of the impact of shame and blame on organizational culture
• Personal anecdotes from Kristen and Mike relating to their own leadership experiences

Links & Resources Mentioned:

1. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
2. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
3. Rising Strong by Brené Brown
4. Brené Brown's 2010 TED Talk (The Power of Vulnerability)
5. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
6. Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
7. Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
8. Good to Great by Jim Collins
9. Relentless by Tim Grover
10. Love and Leadership Episode #11 with Melissa Jurkoic
11. In Your Face app for managing ADHD and meetings

Get your FREE 5 Day Leadership Reset Challenge guide here: https://llpod.link/challenge

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

Kristen sits down with Melissa Jurkoic, a tech industry veteran and champion for diversity in leadership. Melissa's journey from junior software engineer to Chief Experience Officer is a testament to the power of resilience and authenticity in leadership. She shares candid insights on navigating male-dominated spaces, the importance of sponsorship, and why being your genuine self is crucial for effective leadership. Melissa's approach to "boundaried vulnerability" offers a fresh perspective on balancing openness with professionalism. This conversation will challenge you to rethink your approach to leadership and inspire you to create more inclusive, transparent work environments.

About Melissa:
Melissa Jurkoic has been in the tech industry for more than 25 years, primarily in hospitality tech, progressing from Junior Software Engineer to her current position as Chief Experience Officer at Thynk. She earned a Bachelor's in Computer Science from the University of New Hampshire and an executive certificate in Management and Leadership from MIT. Motivated by her commitment to increasing the representation of women in leadership and tech, she has volunteered with various global organizations such as ChickTech, Everwise, WITI, NH Tech Alliance, Microsoft DigiGirlz, wiseHer, Girl Scouts, and AnitaB.org. This dedication also inspired her to co-found Diversify Thinking, an initiative dedicated to advancing inclusion from dialogue to implementation and fostering diversity of thought.

Highlights:

• Melissa's unexpected path from aspiring journalist to engineering leader
• The impact of having a sponsor who puts you "in the room"
• Dealing with skepticism and proving yourself as a woman in tech
• The concept of "boundaried vulnerability" in leadership
• Creating a culture of trust and transparency within teams
• The importance of authenticity in leadership, even during tough times
• Challenging the notion of "like-minded" teams and embracing diversity of thought
• Melissa's experience with Diversify Thinking and unconventional mentoring programs
• The mutual benefits of mentoring across different backgrounds and experiences

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Melissa’s LinkedIn profile
• Diversify Thinking (Melissa’s initiative)
• WomenTech Network (where Kristen and Melissa met)
• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Get your FREE 5 Day Leadership Reset Challenge guide here: https://llpod.link/challenge

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com