Learn the Most Underrated Leadership Skill Driving Results

What if one of the most overlooked leadership behaviors was also one of the most powerful drivers of engagement, performance, and retention?In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, we reframe gratitude from being “nice” to being strategic. Backed by research from Harvard, Gallup, and the University of Pennsylvania, this conversation breaks down why leaders who fail to recognize effort quietly erode culture — and how intentional gratitude can transform results, morale, and loyalty.Time Stamps & Key Talking Points00:00 – Why Gratitude Shapes Leadership Legacy People may forget what you say or do, but they never forget how you make them feel, Gratitude as an emotional leadership lever04:00 – The #1 Thing Employees Ask For Why employees just want to be seen, The underestimated power of “thank you”09:00 – A 50% Productivity Increase University of Pennsylvania research, Adam Grant’s findings on gratitude13:00 – The Three Unspoken Employee Questions Do I matter?, Does my work matter?, Do you even notice?18:00 – Fuel the Climb, Not Just the Win Recognizing effort and progress, not just outcomes19:00 – Modeling Gratitude as a Leader Why leaders set the emotional standard, Behavior gets mirrored24:30 – The Real Question Leaders Must Ask Can you afford the absence of gratitude?26:00 – Leadership Reflection Challenge What went unnoticed?, What culture are you quietly building?28:00 – Final Takeaway Gratitude isn’t changing who you are, It’s changing what you noticeCall to Actions👍 Like this video if you believe leadership is about people, not just results 🔔 Subscribe to Shedding the Corporate Bitch for weekly leadership insights 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform for the full experience 📞 Book a discovery call to strengthen your leadership culture: https://coachmebernadette.com/discoverycall 🌐 Visit balloffirecoaching.com/podcast for past episodes and resourcesSocial & Website HandlesWebsite: balloffirecoaching.com Podcast Hub: balloffirecoaching.com/podcast Discovery Call: coachmebernadette.com/discoverycall YouTube: @ShedtheCorpBitchTV LinkedIn: @bernadetteboas Support the show

What is your body posture, gestures, and place at the table, say about you?In this episode, we sit down with Tatiana Teppoeva, founder of One Nonverbal Ecosystems, to explore the often-overlooked leadership skill that silently shapes credibility, trust, and influence: nonverbal communication.Tatiana breaks down how body language, tone, posture, space, and presence account for the majority of how leaders are perceived—often outweighing the words they carefully prepare. Drawing on her background in tech, data science, and human behavior, she explains why leaders unintentionally sabotage their authority and how small, intentional shifts can dramatically elevate executive presence. Key Talking Points• Why 50–70% of communication is nonverbal—and why most leaders ignore it• The nine core elements of nonverbal communication (beyond body language)• Common nonverbal mistakes that quietly undermine credibility and trust• Why copying other leaders’ body language often backfires• How misalignment between words and body language erodes trust• A simple self-assessment exercise to immediately improve presenceEpisode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction & why nonverbal behavior matters in leadership05:10 – Why nonverbal communication makes up the majority of influence07:30 – What “Nonverbal Ecosystems” really means10:40 – The nine elements of nonverbal communication leaders overlook19:30 – Nonverbal behaviors that damage credibility fast24:00 – Why women often undermine their own presence without realizing it26:00 – Trust breakdown: when words and nonverbal cues don’t align28:45 – Why people believe nonverbal signals over spoken words33:00 – Tatiana’s “Five High-Stakes Signals to Master” guide35:00 – One powerful exercise every leader should try immediately36:30 – Final insights on awareness, feedback, and leadership growthKey Takeaway - Leadership presence isn’t about saying more—it’s about aligning what you say with what your body, voice, and behavior are already communicating. When leaders master nonverbal intelligence, they earn trust faster, communicate more clearly, and lead with greater impact.Download Tatiana’s guide: Five High-Stakes Signals to Master at www.tatianateppoeva.com/decode Learn more about Tatiana Teppoeva and her work at www.tatianateppoeva.com If you lead teams, present regularly, or want to strengthen your executive presence, subscribe, download, and share this episode with a colleague.🔔 Subscribe & Follow: https://www.balloffirecoaching.com/podcastSupport the show

Do you agree the need for equity in the workplace is more important now than ever?In this game-changing episode, executive coach and equity expert Celeste Warren reveals the truth about workplace equity that's been buried under myths, misinformation, and corporate buzzwords. While companies retreat from DEI commitments, Celeste proves why understanding equity isn't just ethical—it's the smartest business decision you'll make. Discover the powerful "rock and fence" framework that finally makes equity make sense, learn practical acts of equity you can implement tomorrow, and understand why meeting your team members where they are creates thriving organizations. Whether you're in the C-suite or an individual contributor, this conversation will transform how you lead, manage, and show up at work. GUEST INTRODUCTIONCeleste Warren is an executive coach, globally recognized thought leader on diversity and inclusion, and author of the newly released book The Truth About Equity: What It Really Is, What It Isn't, and Why Everyone Wins When We Get It Right. Growing up with a front-row seat to her father's experience as the first Black teacher and principal in a Western Pennsylvania steel mill town, Celeste developed a lifelong commitment to dismantling systemic barriers in organizations. She brings decades of expertise helping leaders create truly inclusive environments where every team member can thrive. In this episode, Celeste shares actionable strategies for recognizing and addressing bias, implementing equity in daily management practices, and building cultures where everyone wins. Connect with Celeste at www.crwdiversity.com and grab your copy of her book plus a FREE Audible voucher (limited availability—US & UK only).KEY MOMENTS & TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction: Why the Truth About Equity Matters Now 02:00 - Meet Celeste Warren: From Steel Mill Town to Global Equity Expert 04:00 - The Rock & Fence Framework: Understanding Equity vs. Equality 06:00 - Why Everyone Needs to Get in the Boat and Row Together 08:30 - Practical Acts of Equity Every Manager Can Implement Today 09:00 - Meeting Team Members Where They Are: Real-Life Examples 15:00 - Breaking Down the Myths: What Equity Is NOT 26:00 - Unconscious Bias in Hiring, Promotions & Compensation Decisions 28:00 - The Questions Leaders Must Ask Themselves Before Making People Decisions 29:00 - Introducing "The Truth About Equity" Book & Why Celeste Wrote It 31:00 - SPECIAL OFFER: Free Audible Vouchers for Listeners (Limited Time) 32:00 - Final Takeaway: Start Small, Boil Two or Three People Around You 33:00 - How to Connect with Celeste & Next StepsFREE AUDIBLE VOUCHER (Limited Availability!): Get a FREE copy of The Truth About Equity audiobook - only 25 vouchers available for US listeners and 25 for UK listeners. Visit www.crwdiversity.com and fill out the contact form (takes 2 minutes) to receive your code!Purchase "The Truth About Equity": Available now at www.crwdiversity.com What It Really Is, What It Isn't, and Why Everyone Wins When We Get It Right🔗 CONNECT WITH CELESTE WARRENWebsite: www.crwdiversity.comLinkedIn: @celestewarrenLLCIf this episode opened your eyes to the truth about equity, please:Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with a colleague, manager, or team member who needsSupport the show

This episode dives into one of the most overlooked yet influential leadership skills: emotional pacing—the speed, tone, and intensity of your emotional responses in meetings, conversations, decisions, and crises. As the transcript reveals, your team’s nervous system mirrors yours, and your emotional tempo has measurable effects on engagement, cognitive capacity, stress levels, and trust. Leaders who master emotional pacing don’t just communicate better—they transform culture quietly and powerfully.Through research-backed insight, real-world examples, and actionable strategies, this episode breaks down how emotional pacing works, how it impacts high-performing teams, and how you can intentionally shift your tempo to lead with clarity, stability, and credibility.──────────────────────── Key Talking Points• Why every leader carries an “invisible metronome” that shapes team performance. • How your emotional tempo—fast, reactive, calm, or flat—affects trust, engagement, and stress. • Research from Yale, Stanford, and Gallup on how leaders’ emotional tone influences team outcomes.  • Why your team shouldn’t have to adapt to your emotional pace—and what great leaders do instead. • How to pre-decide your emotional pace before tough meetings, decisions, or conflict. • Practical techniques: pausing, breath work, voice pacing, body language calibration, and post-interaction emotional audits. • How intentional pacing creates psychological safety, resilience, and high performance.──────────────────────── Key Time Stamps00:00 – The Leader’s Invisible Metronome01:00 – Emotional Pacing Defined02:00 – When Leadership Pace Becomes “Too Much”03:00 – What the Research Says06:00 – Overreacting vs. Underreacting10:00 – Real-World Example: The Underreactive VP15:00 – How to Deliver Difficult News Stabilizingly17:00 – Celebrations & Positive Energy18:00 – High-Pressure Decisions: The Power of Pausing20:00 – Conflict & Difficult Conversations22:00 – Techniques for Managing Your Pace31:00 – Final Leadership Reminder──────────────────────── Call to ActionIf this episode helped you rethink your leadership presence, follow the show so you never miss an episode. Share it with your colleagues or team to spark conversations about emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness. Subscribe, like and follow at https://balloffirecoaching.com/podcastIf you’re ready to assess your own emotional pace or want strategies to elevate your leadership impact, schedule a discovery call at: coachmebernadette.com/discoverycallYour team doesn’t just hear your words—they ride your rhythm. Lead with the pace that elevates everyone around you.Support the show

What if the biggest reason you’re not being promoted has nothing to do with office politics, company structure, or how hard you work? In this transformative episode, host Bernadette Boas sits down with Diane Taylor, founder of Glow Leadership and author of Elevate Potential, to expose the surprising internal blocks that silently derail professional advancement.Diane reveals how unconscious habits, emotional blind spots, and unexamined internal patterns dictate how we behave, lead, and ultimately rise—or stall—in our careers. She breaks down why leaders lose trust, how chaos becomes a comfort zone, and why intentional inner work is the true fast track to career success.Whether you're a rising corporate star, a seasoned leader, or someone feeling stuck, this episode gives you the clarity and tools to shift from “Why not me?” to “Watch me.”🔑 Key Topics & Insights• The #1 reason professionals stop advancing • Why inner work matters more than external effort • How unconscious beliefs influence your leadership • Why many professionals wait for crisis before seeking change • The principles of conscious leadership • How leaders lose trust and how to rebuild it • Burnout, chaos cycles, and internal safety patterns • Accountability as a key predictor of promotion • How to reclaim your authority and personal power⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: The myths holding professionals back 02:00 – Diane’s background and leadership journey 03:00 – Why self-awareness is the real advancement blocker 05:00 – Healing as a leadership skill 06:30 – Conscious leadership and intentional growth 09:00 – The shift from “to me” to “for me” 11:00 – Burnout and chaos cycles 13:00 – What Diane observes in leadership teams 15:00 – When leaders resist accountability 18:00 – Trust breakdowns and team disengagement 23:00 – How conscious leaders self-assess 28:00 – Vulnerability, responsibility, and influence 29:30 – Diane’s message: Take back your authority 31:00 – How to connect with Diane and next steps📣 Calls to Action• Share this episode with a colleague or team member• Visit GlowLeadership.com to learn more about Diane’s programs • Pick up Elevate Potential on Amazon• Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform - https://pod.link/shedthecorporatebitchSupport the show

Corporate teams are burned out, managers are overwhelmed, and everyone claims they “don’t have time.” In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, executive coach Bernadette Boas breaks down the truth: great leaders make time—because developing people is their number one responsibility.Using real leadership examples and actionable coaching strategies, Bernadette reveals how managers can transform into powerhouse leaders by shifting how they think about time. This episode is packed with practical, usable tools—no fluff, no theory without action. Expect to walk away with a new perspective and real steps you can start using today.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN– The difference between managers and true leaders – Why time is a leadership tool—and how to invest it wisely – How to use goals as alignment, accountability, and clarity tools – The 4D framework (Delegate, Delay, Delete, Do) for managing overwhelm – How to master time blocking for yourself and your team – Techniques for setting boundaries without damaging relationships – How to coach team members who are drowning in priorities – Why reflection is essential for leadership growth – How to model time-management behaviors that elevate team cultureWHO THIS EPISODE IS FORCorporate leaders, new managers, HR professionals, executive teams, emerging leaders, and anyone committed to leading people—not just managing tasks.CTAIf this conversation helps you rethink how you lead, share it with your team or leadership peers. Subscribe for more weekly episodes that elevate the way you lead, coach, and show up in your corporate career.CONNECT WITH BERNADETTEWebsite: Ball of Fire Coaching LinkedIn: Bernadette Boas Podcast: Shedding the Corporate BitchTAGS (YouTube SEO)Leadership development, corporate leadership, manager training, time management tips, coaching employees, people leadership, productivity for leaders, employee engagement, workplace culture, executive coaching, career growth, professional developmentSupport the show

Half of corporate change initiatives fail. Not because your people resist—but because your leadership model does.In this powerhouse conversation, Bernadette Boas sits down with Dr. Mary Lippitt, founder of Enterprise Management and author of Leader Sheep: Saving the Herd, to expose why “command and control” leadership is killing transformation—and what actually drives sustainable change.After four decades leading transformations across industries, Dr. Lippitt reveals the five critical components that make change stick—and why most leaders get them wrong. You’ll discover:Why announcing the vision and delegating the rest guarantees failure.How to turn resistance into real progress (and why “change” feels bad but “progress” feels empowering).The hidden ingredient missing from every leadership competency framework.The four monthly team questions that build trust, creativity, and commitment.If your organization is stuck in change fatigue, this episode will rewrite how you lead.Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 – Why 50% of Change Initiatives Fail 02:00 – Meet Dr. Mary Lippitt and the Origin of Leader Sheep 04:30 – Why the “Command and Control” Era Is Over 07:00 – How to Turn Resistance into Progress 09:00 – The 5 Components That Make Change Stick 10:00 – Vision: Crafting Change People Believe In 11:00 – Competencies: Building the Skills for Change 12:00 – Incentives: The Secret to Motivation and Buy-In 14:00 – Resources and Action Planning: Leading with Clarity 18:00 – Why “On-Time and On-Budget” Doesn’t Equal Success 20:00 – The Generational Shift in Leadership Expectations 22:00 – How to Engage Passive or Silent Team Members 25:00 – The Power of Pilots and Peer Advocacy 27:00 – Four Monthly Questions That Build Trust and Innovation 29:00 – Respect as the Foundation of Modern Leadership 31:00 – The One Habit Every Leader Should Start TodayConnect with Dr. Mary Lippitt: enterprisemgt.comWhether you’re an HR executive, change leader, or CEO, this episode is your roadmap to turning failed initiatives into thriving transformation.👉 LISTEN NOW📘 Get her book: Leader Sheep: Saving the Herd 🔔 Subscribe for more bold, actionable conversations that redefine leadership. 💬 Share this with your team or that colleague who says, “Our people just resist change.”Support the show

Are you waiting for a promotion to start leading? STOP. Leadership isn't about your position on an org chart—it's about your influence, clarity, and purpose. In this game-changing episode, executive coach Bernadette Boas reveals why everyone is already a leader and how to elevate your value starting TODAY.If you're a corporate professional, people manager, or HR leader who wants to drive real results without waiting for permission, this episode is your blueprint.💡 WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:✓ The 3 Pillars of Powerful Leadership: Influence, Clarity & Purpose [02:00]✓ A Simple Leadership Assessment (Are You Already Leading?) [02:00]✓ Why Value Isn't What You Know—It's What Others Gain From What You Know [09:00]✓ The "Elevate, Anticipate, Lead" Framework for Career Acceleration [14:00]✓ How to Lead Without Direct Reports (Real Story from Corporate) [04:00]✓ Leadership Litmus Test: Would Your Absence Be Felt Immediately? [29:00]⏱️ KEY TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction: Leadership Beyond Job Titles02:00 - Leadership Self-Assessment04:00 - Real Story: Leading Without an Org Chart07:00 - Breaking Down Influence, Clarity & Purpose09:00 - The Foundation: Leave People & Places Better Than You Found Them14:00 - The Elevate, Anticipate, Lead Framework Explained27:00 - Positioning Yourself as a Strategic Thought Leader29:00 - Sheryl Sandberg's Powerful Leadership Quote30:00 - 4 Strategies to Lead From Where You Are NOW31:00 - Ask Questions, Not Statements (Communication Game-Changer)33:00 - Connect the Dots: Help Your Team See the Bigger Picture34:00 - Become the Problem Solver, Not the Problem Identifier35:00 - Champion Others' Success & Growth36:00 - Wrap-Up & Free Resources🔥 BOTTOM LINE:You don't need authority to be a leader. You need intention, attention, and initiative. Whether you're an individual contributor or managing a team of 100, you already have influence—now it's time to amplify it. This episode gives you the exact strategies to elevate your value, anticipate what's needed, and lead like the powerhouse you're meant to be.---💼 PERFECT FOR:• Corporate professionals ready to increase their influence• HR leaders developing emerging talent• People managers building high-performing teams• Individual contributors wanting to be seen as leaders• Anyone stuck waiting for a title to start making an impact🎁 FREE RESOURCES MENTIONED:1. Self-Assessment for Measuring Your Value to Your Team - tiny.cc/valueselfassessment2. 10 Proven Tactics for Elevating Your Value - tiny.cc/10tacticstoelevate🚀 TAKE ACTION NOW:✅ Rate and review this podcast on Apple Podcasts✅ Subscribe so you never miss an episode✅ Share this with a colleague who needs to hear this message✅ DM Bernadette on LinkedIn for your free leadership resources - @bernadetteboas✅ Implement ONE strategy from this episode this week📲 CONNECT WITH BERNADETTE BOAS:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bernadetteboasInstagram: @shedthecorpbitchWebsite: balloffirecoaching.comEmail: [email protected]🎧 SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW:Don't miss the next episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch—where corporate professionals, leaders, and ambitious go-getters come to ditch the drama, crush the doubt, and turn their Support the show

What if being emotional, vulnerable, and transparent could actually be your greatest leadership advantage?In this powerful episode, Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada's Ocean Supercluster, shatters the myth that effective leaders must separate their personal and professional lives. Leading a national innovation initiative with a majority-female team, Kendra shares raw, honest stories about adopting her daughter while climbing the corporate ladder, managing family health crises, and why scoring "high on emotion" as a CEO became her superpower—not her weakness.You'll discover:Why transparency builds trust faster than perfection ever willThe "24-hour rule" that prevents career-damaging emotional reactionsHow to reframe problems instead of falling in love with solutionsWhy purpose-driven leadership naturally creates emotional investmentHow to create truly inclusive policies (starting with your language)The truth about work-life "blend" vs. "balance"—and why it mattersWhy there's never a "perfect time" to step into leadershipThe Challenge: This week, examine one area where you're hiding your authentic self at work. What would it look like to bring more transparency to that situation? Share your insights with your team or a trusted colleague.Key Timestamps: [00:01:00] - Introduction: Can you lead effectively without sacrificing your personal life? [00:03:00] - The power of women in tech and innovation [00:05:00] - Why diversity of thought solves complex challenges [00:07:00] - The evolution from "private life stays private" to authentic leadership [00:08:00] - Kendra's adoption journey: When transparency transformed her career [00:11:00] - Remote work as a strategic talent advantage [00:14:00] - Why men need work-life blend too (and the "babysitting" problem) [00:15:00] - Language matters: From "maternity leave" to "parental leave" [00:18:00] - Being an "emotional CEO": Liability or superpower? [00:19:00] - Purpose creates emotion, emotion creates power [00:24:00] - The 24-hour rule: Sleep on it before you send it [00:25:00] - Focus on purpose, not path: Your North Star in chaos [00:26:00] - "Are you trying to be pregnant or be a mom?" Reframing the problem [00:27:00] - We need leaders in the mess—there's no perfect time [00:28:00] - Setting personal boundaries in an age of transparencyConnect with Kendra MacDonald: Canada's Ocean SuperclusterCall to Action: Ready to transform your leadership approach? Subscribe to Shedding the Corporate Bitch Podcast for weekly episodes that challenge conventional corporate wisdom. Share this episode with a leader who needs permission to show up as their whole self.Rate & Review: If this episode resonated with you, please leave a 5-star review and share what you learned. Your reviews help us reach more leaders ready to embrace authentic, purpose-driven leadership.Next Steps:Subscribe so you never miss an episodeShare this with your leadership team or HR departmentJoin the conversation on LinkedIn and Instagram @SheddingTheCorporateBitch#AuthenticLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkLifeBlend #PurposeDrivenLeadership #WomenInTech #HRLeadership #ModernWorkplace #LeadershipDevelopmentSupport the show

aWhat happens when your best employees become your worst managers? Across corporate America, we're facing what experts call the "Accidental Manager Crisis." A staggering 60-80% of new managers receive ZERO formal leadership training before being thrown into people management roles.The result? Burned-out managers, disengaged teams, and cultures quietly crumbling from the inside. Your top performer just got promoted—but technical excellence doesn't equal leadership ability. Without the right training, support, and mindset shift, you're setting them up to fail.This isn't just an HR problem. It's a business crisis that costs organizations millions in turnover, lost productivity, and damaged culture.🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS: In this episode, executive coach and leadership expert Bernadette Boas breaks down:✅ The Real Cost of Unprepared Leaders ✅ How Accidental Managers Are Created ✅ 5 Actionable Steps to Transform Accidental Managers into Intentional Leaders:✅ The Bonus Step ✅ The Power of Vulnerability ⏱️ TOP TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Introduction: The Accidental Manager Crisis Defined[03:00] How Accidental Managers Are Created (And Why It's Dangerous)[06:30] The Team Impact: Micromanaging, Neglect & Broken Trust[07:30] The Business Impact: Low Engagement, High Turnover & Toxic Culture[13:00] STEP 1: Redefine How You Promote (Readiness Assessments & Critical Questions)[15:30] STEP 2: Build a Leadership Onboarding Program (Structure, Mentorship & Training)[18:00] STEP 3: Redefine Success Metrics (Team Outcomes vs. Personal Outcomes)[21:00] STEP 4: Create Systems & Peer Support Networks[23:00] STEP 5: Normalize the Human Side of Leadership (Vulnerability as Strength)[26:00] Hold Leaders Accountable (Tie People Goals to Compensation)[29:00] BONUS: Get Creative with Career Paths (Not Everyone Should Manage People)[30:30] Call to Action & Next Episode Preview📚 RESOURCES MENTIONEDLeadership Assessment Tools (360 Assessments, DISC)Ball of Fire Coaching: ballfirecoaching.comFree Discovery Call: coachmebernadette.com/discoverycallPodcast Website: ballfirecoaching.com/podcast🔥 COMING NEXTNext Episode: Vulnerability as a Superpower in Leadership with Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada's Ocean Supercluster. You won't want to miss this powerful conversation!🎙️ ABOUT THE SHOWShedding the Corporate Bitch transforms today's managers into tomorrow's powerhouse leaders. Hosted by Bernadette Boas—executive coach, author, and leadership expert—this podcast tackles the real challenges corporate professionals face and provides actionable strategies for leadership excellence, team performance, and career growth.📱 WATCH & SUBSCRIBEYouTube: Shedding the Corporate Bitch Channel Apple Podcasts: Shedding the Corporate Bitch Spotify: Shedding the Corporate Bitch Website: ballfirecoaching.com/podcastSupport the show