Push or Pause? Mastering Leadership’s Critical Balance

What if the most powerful leadership tool you have… is your mind? The Neuroscience of Conscious Leadership isn’t just a buzz phrase; it’s the key to staying grounded, resilient, and effective in today’s fast-moving, high-pressure world. In this week’s episode of Reflect Forward, I sit down with Aileda Lindal, a brilliant consultant and expert in the convergence of technology and humanity, to explore how leaders can rewire their brains, shift their relationship with stress, and lead with calm, clarity, and conscious presence. Aileda’s story of building and leading medical operations during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic is powerful. While the world shut down, her world sped up, and what got her through was presence, self-regulation, and a commitment to leading from the eye of the storm. Mic Drop Moment: “If you’re not balanced, you’re not calling your best shots; you’re calling some potentially really bad ones. And those ripple out.” We talk about: • The science of resilience and how to regulate under pressure • What it means to operate from the “eye of the storm” • The power of mantras like cool, calm, and collected to ground your leadership • Why self-awareness isn’t optional—it’s a leadership non-negotiable • How I quit drinking and rewired my habits by making one decision and repeating it consistently This conversation is deeply personal and wildly practical. Whether you’re leading a company, a team, or yourself, this episode will help you shift from reaction to conscious response. Key Takeaways: 1. Stress is a choice. Reframe it as a challenge or opportunity. 2. Presence builds resilience. The more aware you are, the more empowered your actions become. 3. You can reprogram your brain. Neuroplasticity proves that new habits do stick with consistency. 4. Your energy matters. As a leader, how you show up affects everyone around you. Connect with Aileda You can connect with Aileda on LinkedIn, visit her website at www.askaileda.com or across all social channels @askaileda Listen now for an inspiring conversation about redefining leadership and having the courage to design a career that truly fits you. If you liked this… Don’t forget to subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Visit my website, kerrysiggins.com, to explore my book, The Ownership Mindset, and get more leadership resources. Let’s connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok! Find Reflect Forward on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrysiggins-reflectforward Find out more about my book here: https://kerrysiggins.com/the-ownership-mindset/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/

The leadership feedback session that will change everything isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s exactly what happened when I facilitated a Live 360 with my executive team. This week on Reflect Forward, I’m sharing how this real-time, face-to-face feedback session unlocked deeper trust, stronger alignment, and powerful personal growth for every leader in the room. We used the “Stop, Start, Continue” format in a private dinner setting—no anonymous surveys, no hiding behind emails. Just honest, structured, and kind feedback delivered live. Yes, it was uncomfortable. And yes—it was transformational. Mic Drop Moment: “Want a badass team? Give each other real feedback. Out loud. In front of each other. It’s uncomfortable, yes—but it builds trust, deepens connection, and makes everyone better.” What Is a Live 360 Feedback Session? A Live 360 is a structured, in-person feedback format where team members give each other direct, specific feedback in real time. It’s honest, raw, and deeply connecting. We used “Stop, Start, Continue” so everyone knew how to prepare, and how to deliver feedback that was kind, actionable, and constructive. Each team member received feedback silently, then reflected at the end. The results? Aligned insights, deeper emotional intelligence, and stronger leadership across the board. Why You Should Try It • Builds psychological safety and trust • Fosters self-awareness and emotional intelligence • Strengthens team alignment and mutual respect • Creates a culture of direct, kind communication • Promotes collective ownership of growth How to Structure It • Choose a relaxed, private setting (dinner worked great for us) • Use “Stop, Start, Continue” for safe, structured feedback • Each person listens silently, then reflects • Prepare your team in advance because mindset matters • Set clear ground rules: be kind, be specific, no interruptions What Not to Do • Don’t be vague or personal • Don’t weaponize your tone • Don’t bring up old grievances • Don’t rush—or try to “fix” people • Don’t skip setting expectations and emotional guardrails When done right, a Live 360 becomes more than a feedback session—it becomes a defining moment for your team. Key Takeaways from This Episode 1. Live 360s create real trust and real growth—fast. 2. Structure feedback with Stop, Start, Continue to make it actionable. 3. Coach the right mindset before the session begins. 4. Set ground rules for safety, clarity, and confidentiality. 5. Be specific, kind, and direct—and never skip the follow-up. Want to explore a Live 360 for your team? DM me. I’d love to help you set it up. Connect with Kerry Don’t forget to subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Visit my website, kerrysiggins.com, to explore my book, The Ownership Mindset, and get more leadership resources. Let’s connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok! Find Reflect Forward on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrysiggins-reflectforward Find out more about my book here: https://kerrysiggins.com/the-ownership-mindset/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/

Why most growth plans fail is simple: leaders can’t connect the dots between strategy, execution, and people. Shannon Susko learned this the hard way, and then did something extraordinary about it. She created Metronomics, a strategic growth operating system that aligns teams, drives execution, and helps CEOs finally get out of the weeds. In this episode of Reflect Forward, Shannon shares how Metronomics was born out of desperation when she was on the brink of being fired. Her bold move? Ditching vague 10-year visions for a Three-Year Highly Achievable Goal (3HAG), a clear, actionable roadmap that brought her board back onside, rallied her team, and ultimately transformed her business. “When you delegate, you still own it. But if you empower people to build a plan with you and own their pieces—that’s when real execution happens.” Inside This Episode: • How a 3HAG connects strategy to execution and earns board confidence • Why most CEOs are stuck in whack-a-mole mode and how to escape it • How 15-minute daily huddles saved Shannon 40 hours a week • Why clarity and cadence beat complexity every time • How to cascade strategy out (not down) across the entire organization Shannon draws from the best, Jim Collins, Michael Porter, Vern Harnish, and Jack Stack, and weaves it into a rigorous and human system. She breaks down what most leaders get wrong about scaling and how to build a rhythm that turns big goals into achievable outcomes. Mic Drop Moment “This system allowed me to stop working in the business and start working on it. That’s how I exited two companies—and why I coach CEOs today.” Start Here Ready to grow with intention? Start with Shannon’s book The M Game, a short, high-impact read that introduces Metronomics in under 100 pages. You can also visit metronomics.com to find a coach, explore tools, or connect directly with Shannon. If this episode sparked an idea, share it with a fellow leader. Subscribe to Reflect Forward on YouTube or your favorite podcast app, and don’t forget to leave a review—it helps us get these game-changing conversations into more hands. How to find Shannon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonbyrnesusko/ Website: https://www.metronomics.com/ You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtfKz1miyfoNlX9RYvtQx-A Connect with Kerry Don’t forget to subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Visit my website, kerrysiggins.com, to explore my book, The Ownership Mindset, and get more leadership resources. Let’s connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok! Find Reflect Forward on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrysiggins-reflectforward Find out more about my book here: https://kerrysiggins.com/the-ownership-mindset/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/

Push or pause? Leadership isn’t just about charging ahead. It’s about knowing when to pause, reflect, and trust the unfolding. This episode is raw, honest, and straight from my heart as I unpack what it means to not always be in control. I’ve always been someone who makes things happen: driven, ambitious, fast-moving. And while that energy has built success, it’s also created stress, missteps, and blind spots. Lately, I’ve been learning that some of the most powerful leadership moves are made in the stillness, in the waiting, in the discernment. You’ll hear real stories, like navigating COVID with urgency and clarity and launching a product before it was truly ready. I also share how letting people ease into our unique company culture, not rushing them, has unlocked unexpected transformation. This episode isn’t about choosing one style over another, it’s about learning how to feel the difference between when to act and when to allow. And it’s about finding your own rhythm as a leader—one that leaves space for both fire and flow. Key Takeaways: 1. Know Yourself Deeply: Identify your go-to leadership mode—action or flow—and why it serves you (or doesn’t). 2. Reflect Before You React: Slow down enough to sense what the situation really calls for. 3. Trust the Process: Let go of the illusion of control. Some things bloom on their own timeline. Mic Drop Moment: "Great leadership isn’t defined by constant movement. It’s knowing precisely when to take bold action and when to gracefully let go." This one’s for the high achievers, the fixers, the visionaries. Hit play if you’re ready to lead with more trust, wisdom, and power. And if this episode speaks to you, check out my book, The Ownership Mindset—it’s packed with the real talk and tools leaders need today. Find out more here: https://kerrysiggins.com/the-ownership-mindset/ Don’t forget to subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Visit my website, kerrysiggins.com, to explore my book, The Ownership Mindset, and get more leadership resources. Let’s connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok! Find Reflect Forward on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrysiggins-reflectforward Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/

What leaders get wrong about hustle is that it’s the path to success, but it’s often the fastest road to burnout. In this deep, soulful, and refreshingly honest conversation, I sit down with Katya Davydova, TEDx speaker, award-winning author, and holistic executive coach, who is on a mission to revolutionize how we work and lead by bringing more presence, curiosity, and humanity into every corner of our lives. Katya shares her powerful story of disrupting a perfectly “successful” life, leaving behind a thriving career, community, and comfort to follow a deeper calling—one rooted in being instead of doing. A former high achiever entrenched in hustle culture, Katya’s awakening came when her partner told her something she’d never heard before: “You don’t need to do anything. You just be.” That moment—and everything it unearthed—set her on a path of helping others redefine their relationship with achievement, self-worth, and joy. We explore the toxic grip of constant productivity, the addictive nature of dopamine-driven living, and how leaders can create space for what really matters. Katya and I unpack the difference between logic and intuition, and why your body often knows the answer before your brain does. We discuss beginner’s mind, the power of pausing, and why presence and curiosity are the most underrated leadership skills in today’s distracted world. Whether you're leading a company, a team, or your transformation, this episode offers a roadmap for reclaiming your energy, focus, and humanity. Mic Drop Moment: “You don’t do anything. You just be. Just sit on that couch and do nothing.” Key Takeaways: 1. Doing ≠ Being: Productivity without pause leads to burnout. True insight comes from space, silence, and stillness. 2. Presence + Curiosity = Connection: These twin powers deepen relationships, enhance communication, and unlock authentic leadership. 3. Your Body is a Compass: Somatic cues—like expansion or constriction—can reveal more than spreadsheets ever will. 4. Burnout is a Signal, Not a Badge: Chronic overachievement is not sustainable. Rest is a requirement, not a reward. 5. Beginner’s Mind Builds Compassion: Trying something new humbles us, teaches resilience, and reconnects us to joy. If you're a high achiever secretly craving permission to slow down—or a leader wondering why success doesn’t feel like enough—this conversation is your invitation to breathe deeper, think differently, and lead more meaningfully. Connect with Katya Davydova: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katyadavydova/ Coaching: https://tinyurl.com/effervescentcoaching Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gfwXcj Work with me: https://forms.gle/jJhbdb5rshT1Pvua7 All links: https://linktr.ee/effervescentyou Connect with Kerry Don’t forget to subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Visit my website, kerrysiggins.com, to explore my book, The Ownership Mindset, and get more leadership resources. Let’s connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok! Find Reflect Forward on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrysiggins-reflectforward Find out more about my book here: https://kerrysiggins.com/the-ownership-mindset/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/

Stress is contagious—but so is calm. Which one are you spreading? Your team's performance depends on your answer. Stress Isn’t the Problem—Staying Stuck Is We all experience stress, but remaining stuck in stress is where issues arise. Welcome back to Reflect Forward; I'm Kerry Siggins. Today we explore why stress is contagious and how leaders can effectively manage it. As leaders, our emotions significantly influence our teams. When stressed, our teams feel it too. When calm, we foster productivity and creativity. Why Stress is Contagious Mirror neurons, brain cells activated by observing actions or emotions, make stress contagious. A 2014 study in Psychological Science found simply seeing someone stressed can raise cortisol levels, increasing our stress response. Our body language often communicates more powerfully than words. A recent personal experience reminded me how critical managing facial expressions and posture is to maintaining a calm team environment. Why Managing Your Stress Matters Unchecked leader stress leads to: • Fearful, defensive cultures • Burnout and increased turnover • Lost credibility and trust Effective leadership starts with managing your emotional presence. Key Takeaways: Six Tips for Managing Stress 1. Practice Self-Awareness: Regularly identify and address stressors. 2. Breathe Before You Speak: Breathing deeply shifts your mindset from reactive to thoughtful. 3. Normalize, Don't Amplify Stress: Acknowledge stress calmly and communicate solutions. 4. Create Stress Recovery Rituals: Use exercise, journaling, meditation, or quiet walks to recharge. 5. Embrace the Ownership Mindset: Focus on controlling your response, not external circumstances. 6. Keep Perspective: Today's challenges are temporary. Maintain a measured approach. Weekly Action Items • Conduct an energy audit to pinpoint stressors. • Adopt one new stress-management practice immediately. • Lead with resilience, pausing and reflecting before reacting. Calm and chaos are contagious—choose wisely. Self-leadership is foundational to leading others effectively. If you found this helpful, please share, subscribe, and leave a review. Thank you for joining Reflect Forward!

Transform A Setback into A Comeback w/ John Register by Kerry Siggins

Courage isn’t born in comfort—it’s born in friction. It shows up when we align vulnerability and integrity to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. In this episode of Reflect Forward, I share a deeply personal story about giving difficult feedback—feedback I didn’t want to give. As someone who literally writes books on feedback, I still felt the fear: fear of being judged, misunderstood, or disliked. But I reminded myself of my leadership mantra: Courage isn’t loud. Courage is quiet, vulnerable, and rooted in integrity. This episode is about redefining courage—not as bold, fearless heroism—but as showing up, telling the truth, and acting from your values. That’s real leadership. Why Vulnerability Matters We’ve been taught that leaders need to be confident, polished, and perfect. But the truth is, people connect with real. Vulnerability builds trust. It creates psychological safety. It fuels innovation. Whether it was navigating COVID, being hacked, or rolling out strategic plans that didn’t land perfectly, I’ve learned that being vulnerable doesn’t weaken leadership. It strengthens it. Mic Drop Moment #1: “People don’t follow perfection—they follow humanity.” Integrity: The Backbone of Trust Integrity isn’t perfection; it’s consistency. It’s doing what’s right, even when it’s inconvenient. Your team is watching your behavior more than your words. When you lead with integrity, you build trust and credibility that compounds over time. The Courage Equation Courage = Vulnerability + Integrity When you live by this formula, you don’t need to control outcomes—you just need to show up with heart. Leaders like Howard Schultz exemplify this: aligning their values with action, even in the face of risk. Build Your Courage Habit • Share one small truth daily. • Pause and ask, “What would courage look like right now?” • Reflect: Where did I lead with courage? Where did I hide? Key Takeaways 1. Courage isn't grand—it’s grounded. It happens in small, everyday moments when you choose to act from your values. 2. Vulnerability is your leadership superpower. It builds connection, trust, and a culture where people feel safe to be real. 3. Integrity creates credibility. Consistency between your values, words, and actions is how trust is earned over time. 4. Without integrity, vulnerability feels manipulative. But together, they create courageous leadership. 5. Micro-bravery builds the habit. Courage is a muscle—you strengthen it through small, intentional actions every day. Mic Drop Moment #2: “If you want to build a respected culture, say the hard thing—especially when it’s the right thing.” If this episode resonated, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow leader. Your support helps Reflect Forward grow and inspire more courageous leadership. This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Visit my website, kerrysiggins.com, to explore my book, The Ownership Mindset, and get more leadership resources. Let’s connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok! Find Reflect Forward on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrysiggins-reflectforward Find out more about my book here: https://kerrysiggins.com/the-ownership-mindset/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/

Imposter syndrome—that nagging feeling that you’re not good enough, that one day you’ll be “found out,” that you’re faking it—is one of the most common internal struggles leaders face. And yet, no one really talks about how to use it. In this episode of Reflect Forward, I sit down with executive coach, speaker, and author Jen Coken to reframe imposter syndrome as a powerful signpost: you're growing, stretching, and stepping into bigger arenas. Instead of running from it or trying to eliminate it, Jen shows us how to lean into it, understand where it comes from, and even transform it into fuel for confident, authentic leadership. Her book, Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower, is filled with deeply personal stories, research-backed insight, and practical strategies. During our conversation, we both open up about our own “why me?” moments, including how our childhoods shaped our self-doubt, and how mindfulness, self-inquiry, and storytelling help us lead through it. We also talk about: • Where imposter syndrome really comes from (hint: it’s usually before age 12) • How the brain creates protective patterns that show up in moments of high pressure • The role of mindfulness and micro-moments of stillness in rewiring self-doubt • The power of pause, presence, and play to disrupt those old stories • What it means to lead from your heart—even when it feels vulnerable This is a raw, honest, and empowering conversation that I know will resonate with so many of you navigating self-doubt while leading in uncertain times. Favorite Quotes from the Episode “You can have ‘why me’ over for a drink, but don’t let it sleep in your bed—because you’ll want to chew your arm off in the morning.” — Jen Coken “Your suffering lies in your stories. Change the story, and you change your experience.” — Jen Coken Key Takeaways: How to Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower 1. Recognize it’s not you—it’s your brain. Imposter syndrome is an amygdala hijack, not a reflection of your capabilities. Awareness is the first step. 2. Trace it back. Most imposter patterns begin with childhood experiences that shaped our beliefs about worthiness and safety. Get curious, not judgmental. 3. Pause and reflect. Use mindfulness to create space between the feeling and your response. Micro-moments of stillness build long-term resilience. 4. Tell a better story. Reframe your narrative. When self-doubt creeps in, challenge it by telling yourself three more empowering stories about what could happen. 5. Visualize success—and feel it. Don’t just see yourself succeeding, embody the feeling of confidence. Your nervous system believes what you feel. If you’re ready to stop letting self-doubt call the shots and start owning your brilliance, this episode will help you reframe imposter syndrome as the growth companion it truly is. Connect with Jen Coken • Website: www.jencoken.com • Book: Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower – available on Amazon or request it from your local indie bookstore or Barnes & Noble • Speaking & Workshops: Invite Jen to your organization, team offsite, or book club If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a fellow leader who might be struggling with imposter syndrome or self-doubt. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more people find these powerful conversations. This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Visit my website, kerrysiggins.com, to explore my book, The Ownership Mindset, and get more leadership resources. Let’s connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok! Find Reflect Forward on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrysiggins-reflectforward Find out more about my book here: https://kerrysiggins.com/the-ownership-mindset/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/

Changing your mind isn’t indecision—it’s intelligent leadership. And that’s why great leaders change their minds. In this episode of Reflect Forward, I dig into why the best leaders are those who are open to changing their minds. If leadership is about learning, then pivoting when presented with new information is not just acceptable—it’s essential. One of my favorite leadership philosophies comes from futurist Paul Saffo, who coined the phrase: “Strong opinions, loosely held.” It means having the confidence to act decisively and the humility to evolve your thinking when things change. This blend of conviction and adaptability is what makes a leader trustworthy, resilient, and future-ready. Why is it so hard to change your mind? We explore the psychology behind resistance, including: • Cognitive dissonance – the discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs • The sunk cost fallacy – continuing down a path just because you’ve already invested in it • Confirmation bias – our tendency to seek information that confirms our beliefs • Ego and fear of looking wrong – which can lead to rigidity and poor decision-making Leading by example I share a few personal stories where I changed my mind as a leader—once during a key hiring decision and again in response to a product development timeline. These moments weren’t easy. They required introspection, courage, and a willingness to let go of ego. But they helped build trust with my team, made our business stronger, and reinforced one of my core leadership beliefs: Great leadership isn’t about always being right—it’s about being open to getting it right. Mental flexibility is a leadership muscle You’ll walk away with four practical tools for building mental flexibility: 1. Build in decision checkpoints. 2. Create safe feedback loops. 3. Practice saying “I don’t know… yet.” 4. Make self-reflection a ritual. I also tie all of this back to the Ownership Mindset—because leadership is about owning both your successes and your missteps. That means being willing to evolve, especially when it’s uncomfortable. Key Takeaways • The best leaders are learners—and learners change their minds. Resistance is natural, but self-awareness can override it. Changing your mind with transparency builds credibility. Reflection and feedback improve decision-making agility. The Ownership Mindset requires the courage to grow and adapt. Challenge of the Week Say out loud: “I changed my mind.” Even just once. Pay attention to how it feels and how it shifts your thinking. Then ask yourself: “What belief or decision am I holding onto too tightly?” If you enjoyed this episode, I’d be so grateful if you’d share it with another leader who could use this message. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Reflect Forward—your support helps amplify these conversations on modern leadership.