Amplifying Leadership

When a workplace conflict gets emotional, do you know how to keep the conversation from getting worse? Emotions are often part of workplace conflict, but that does not mean leaders need to shut them down, or get pulled into them. In this week's Tip Thursday With Tara, we look at how to acknowledge emotion without automatically agreeing with it, maintain respectful boundaries, and give people the space to be heard while keeping the conversation productive. You will also learn when slowing a conversation down may be the best leadership move. Enjoy this week's tip!

If you are constantly dealing with people problems, the real problem may not be your people, it actually might be your systems. In this guest episode, with Kerri Roberts, we explore how the right systems can prevent people problems, where to start when building or improving them, and why employees need to be part of the process. We also look at job descriptions, compensation, values, missions and vision, managing pushback to changes, and the role coaching plays in helping employees adapt. Most importantly we discuss what can happen when organizations operate without the systems they need. Lots of tips in this episode!

Going into a difficult conversation? Being unprepared can turn something manageable, into something much bigger. In this week's Tip Thursday With Tara, Tara discussions by preparation matters with difficult conversations. Learn how to separate facts from assumptions, clarify the outcome, considering what you might not know yet, and create the right conditions for a productive, but difficult, conversation.

Burnout is everywhere in today's work environments. So, why is that? In this guest episode, with Shannon Thomas, we look at how misaligned processes, systems, and hidden bottlenecks can push leaders and employees towards burnout. We also look at the signs that burnout may be building before it becomes an issue. We talk about how a burned-out leader can impact the entire team, what leaders can do when a team member is struggling, as well as practical ways to reduce stress by creating a healthier and more effective way of working. Enjoy! About the guest: Shannon Thomas is a CIO and founder of Inherit Leadership, helping leaders navigate power, trust, and culture with clarity. She blends real-world leadership experience with practical insight to help individuals and teams lead more effectively in complex environments. Weblink: Inheritleadership.com

You know that difficult conversation you need to have, but are delaying? It won't get easier, it could get more costly. In this week's tip, Tara discusses how difficult conversations rarely get easier when we delay or avoid them. Learn how to separate facts from assumptions, get clear on the outcome, and approach the conversation in a way that creates more accountability without unnecessary defensiveness. Need help? www.amplifyingleadership.ca

New leadership doesn't mean figuring everything out on your own. In this episode, we explore the difference between managing and leading, what creates strong leadership, and how organizations can support and develop new leaders. We talk about building confidence in decision-making, learning from failure, the value of mentoring and succession planning, and practical strategies for getting started. Whether you are a new leader or helping others grow as a mentor, this conversation offers guidance for building confident, supported leaders.

What happens if one of your key people leaves tomorrow? Do you know who could easily step in? Your organization doesn't need leaders someday in the future - it needs to develop those future leaders now. In this episode of Tip Thursday With Tara we look at why waiting until you need someone to stop up is too late, and what leaders should be considering when developing the people they already have, today.

What is the Culture Tax, and how can it impact your organization and bottom line? In this episode, we explore the six categories of culture tax, the risks of ignoring them, and how creating a Culture Dividend can shift the numbers in a positive direction. We’ll look at the role of people, collaboration, listening, what SBI+ is, and the invisible numbers that reveal what’s really happening beyond and beneath the KPIs and P&L. About the guest: Jim Marsh is The Truth Teller. With 30+ years across telecom, finance, and government, he's the executive coach leaders call when culture is quietly bleeding their team dry. Creator of Culture OS™ and the Culture Tax™. Website: jempremiercoaching@gmail.com

You have good employees, but they are not taking initiative...what do you do? Employee growth doesn't usually happen by chance, it happens by intention and choice. This week on Tip Thursday with Tara, we're exploring why so many organizations expect employees to grow without having a plan to support their development, and what leaders should be thinking about instead. Enjoy!

What does it really take to create a leadership table where women can contribute, be heard, and advance? In this episode with Toni Will, we explore the experience of women working in male-dominated industries, using hockey as a real-world example. Our conversation looks at the importance of finding allies, creating a meaningful balance of perspectives at the leadership table, and welcoming diversity of thought. We also discuss how mentorship and sponsorship can help women move toward leadership and promotions, strategies for building confidence and finding your voice, and what leaders can do to create a more inclusive workplace. And if inclusive leadership is something we’ve been talking about for years, why are we still talking about it? This conversation takes a practical look at what needs to change, and how leaders can help make that change happen. About the Guest: Toni Will is General Manager and Governor of the Kalamazoo Wings, TEDx speaker, host of the Women In... Podcast, and author of Rebellious Success, helping others lead boldly and live unconventionally. Link to contact Toni: https://www.toniwill.com/contact

Do you ever feel like your team depends on you for every answer? If you're constantly solving problems, making decisions, and answering the same questions, you may be limiting your team's growth without realizing it. This week on Tip Thursday with Tara, we'll explore how simple shifts in your leadership approach can help employees build confidence, think more independently, and take greater ownership of their work. Enjoy!

Does leadership sometimes feel like you are trying to create order in the middle of constant chaos? In this guest episode, we explore how servant leadership helps leaders create clarity, build trust, and guide their teams through uncertainty. We discuss the importance of leading with authenticity, adapting plans based on team feedback, using business metrics to gain deeper insights, and making regular reflection part of growth. You'll also hear practical strategies for building a servant leadership culture and why great leaders don't need to have all the answers - they simply need to keep learning alongside their team. About the guest: Norman Leach is known as The Chaos Navigator. A strategist, historian, author, filmmaker, educator, and business leader, he believes the most valuable ideas emerge at the intersection of disciplines — not within them. While specialists go deeper, Norman goes broader, connecting history, AI, leadership, marketing, and storytelling to help organizations navigate complexity and discover opportunities others never see. An award-winning teacher and bestselling author, Norman chairs an industry association, leads a nonprofit celebrating storytellers over 50, and speaks internationally on the forces reshaping business. His message: clarity comes from widening your view. Connect with Norman here: www.linkedin.com/in/normanleach

Leadership isn't meant to be about constantly pushing through, but too many leaders believe that's the only way to succeed. As we wrap up our month on Sustainable Leadership , this week's Tip Thursday with Tara brings together the biggest lessons from the month. From protecting your capacity and building healthier leadership habits to recognizing the importance of recovery and support, discover three key reminders to help you lead in a way that's effective today and sustainable for the future. Don't forget to follow Amplifying Leadership on social media for more leadership insights, and to join us each month as we explore a new leadership topic designed to help you grow, lead, and succeed. #amplifyingleadership #sustainableleadership #leadershiplessonslearned

What makes someone memorable? And why do some leaders naturally stand out while others blend into the crowd? In this guest episode with Rich Kozak, we explore the difference between branding and marketing, why your personal brand matters, and how having a clear vision strengthens both your leadership and your business. We discuss the essential elements of an impactful brand, the language that helps you stand out, the one question every leader should ask about the impact they're having on their audience, and why everything from your messaging to the names of your programs plays a role in how people remember you. What can you do to enhance you brand? About the guest: Rich Kozak, a strategic mentor evolving individual Brands with deep clarity that’s missing -- 50 years defining & languaging company’s Brands, a certified Global Branding Consultant, Rich worked with partners worldwide. Today, he shares his gifts and his servant’s heart -- with heart-centered entrepreneurs & professionals, experts & authors. Individuals evolve their top level umbrella brands, congruent with the impacts they see making and aligning everything they say & do, including creating & writing books getting them credit for what makes them outstanding and unique. Solid branding strategy guides all marketing. Get the Branding right! Links: https://RichBrands.org - Main website https://go.eventraptor.com/summit/rise-into-purpose-summit-2607/rich-kozak - FREE Registration for THE RISE INTO PURPOSE SUMMIT July 29-30-31 https://BrandFirstOrDie.com - FREE 60-minute MasterClass https://BrandPowerHour.com - FREE 60-Minute MasterClass https://BrandingYouWithImpact.com - Special 1/2-Day Event 4-hours on either Thursday or Saturday 8am-12 noon Pacific Time)

The leaders who perform at their best aren't the ones who never stop, but are the ones who know when to recover. Leadership is demanding, but constantly pushing through isn't a sustainable strategy. In this week's Tip Thursday with Tara, we explore why recovery is an essential part of effective leadership, the impact of never stepping away, and how intentional recovery can help leaders make better decisions, gain perspective, and lead more effectively over the long term. Enjoy!

Are your leadership habits helping you grow or quietly holding you back? Discover how the E-R-D (Evolve, Revolve, Devolve) Framework can uncover blind spots, strengthen emotional intelligence, and help you make better decisions that move both you and your team forward. In this episode, Tara and Frank explore the E-R-D (Evolve, Revolve, Devolve) Framework and how it helps leaders recognize the behaviours that either drive growth, keep them stuck, or cause them to move backward. They discuss the importance of honest self-assessment, seeking outside perspectives to uncover blind spots, and how emotional intelligence supports better leadership decisions. You'll also learn how to use the framework to help employees move toward the Evolve stage, realign teams around a shared mission, and recognize the common areas where even experienced leaders get stuck. Enjoy the episode! About the Guest: Frank Mesa is the Founder & CEO of Mesa Solutions Inc., former Chief Operations Training Officer for MTA Metro-North Railroad, and creator of the E-R-D™ Framework (Evolve, Revolve, Devolve). After more than 30 years leading workforce development, leadership, and operational excellence, Frank now helps individuals and organizations recognize the behavioral patterns that influence performance, leadership, and personal growth. He is the author of Alchemy – It's As Easy As E-R-D: A Decision-Making Framework for Turning Pain Into Power and is passionate about helping people make intentional decisions that lead to lasting transformation through awareness, discipline, and daily action. Links: • https://www.e-r-d.com • https://www.mesasolutionsinc.com • https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankmesa (or your preferred LinkedIn URL) • https://www.instagram.com/frankmesaerd?utm_source=qr • https://www.facebook.com/share/1DyXxGgE51/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Busy isn't a leadership strategy or goal, nor does being busy automatically make us effective leaders. In this week's Tip Thursday with Tara on our Amplifying Leadership podcast, Tara is sharing two simple habits that can help you build more sustainable leadership: ✔️ Protect your capacity. ✔️ Stop measuring your success by how busy you are. Leadership isn't about seeing how much you can squeeze into a day. It's about showing up consistently, making good decisions, and creating an environment where both you and your team can succeed.

Did you know some of the strongest leaders aren't the ones with the biggest networks? They are the ones with the strongest connections. Connection is about more than networking. It is about building authentic relationships that create trust, strengthen collaboration, and help us grow personally and professionally. In this episode with our guest Nick Jonsson, we explore the power of authenticity, vulnerability, and meaningful relationships. We discuss practical strategies for building the right connections, leading a new team, networking even when you're busy, using social media intentionally, rebuilding broken relationships, and knowing when it's time to let a connection go. Discover how the right connections, and the stories they bring, can help you overcome challenges, unlock new opportunities, and move your leadership forward. About the guest: Nick Jonsson is the world's leading authority on Executive Loneliness, a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and globally recognized executive coach. Drawing from lived experience, he helps leaders build resilience, psychological safety, authentic connection, and holistic wellbeing through vulnerability and transformational leadership. Link: www.nickjonsson.com

The leadership habits that helped you succeed, may be the same ones pushing you toward burnout. Leadership burnout rarely happens overnight. More often, it develops through habits that slowly become normal. In this week's Tip Thursday, Tara shares three signs your leadership habits may not be sustainable long term and why waiting for things to "calm down" isn't a strategy. Learn how reactive leadership, carrying too much yourself, and ignoring your own capacity can impact both you and your team. If you need some help, we are here for you. www.amplifyingleadership.ca .

The biggest thing holding most people back from the next level isn't their experience, but is their mindset and preparation. Whether you're aiming for a promotion or helping others grow into leadership, stepping into the next level this episode is for you. Today Tara and her guest, Maya explore how to know if the role is the right fit, the four zones of career alignment, and why understanding the difference between needing and wanting to climb the corporate ladder matters. Maya also shares practical strategies to prepare for leadership, shift your mindset from "I can't" to "I can," and create meaningful employee growth through feedback, effective conversations, and intentional development. Want the free gift mentioned? Claim it here: https://buildyourselfworkshop.com/tara. Enjoy! About the guest: Maya Sharfi is an executive coach and founder of Build Yourself. She helps high-achieving women land senior leadership roles, negotiate $40K–$100K raises, and build careers that are both successful and sustainable.