8. Leading Through Presence: Why Great Leaders Stop Fixing and Start Listening

When someone comes to you in a struggle, do you rush to fix or pause to listen? In this solo episode, Lindsay Yellin explores why true leadership isn’t about solving faster; it’s about being present longer.Through personal reflection (including an unexpected lesson from her golden retriever, Puddy), Lindsay unpacks how the instinct to “fix” often comes from our own discomfort—and how slowing down to truly listen creates space for trust, growth, and human connection.She shares three foundational tools every leader can practice: listening with full presence, asking curious questions, and offering acknowledgment that makes people feel seen. These small shifts can transform how you lead, support, and show up for others—at work, at home, and within yourself.This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and practice leadership rooted in empathy and awareness.✨ Episode HighlightsWhat it really takes to create an empathetic, resilient workplaceWhy leaders rush to “fix” as a form of self-soothingThe cost of constant solutions and how it erodes trustThree core tools to practice presence: listening, curiosity, acknowledgmentHow to build team autonomy by not giving every answerAbout your host: Lindsay YellinLindsay Yellin is an executive leadership coach, dynamic speaker, and certified ACC and CPCC who helps high-achieving creative leaders trade fear for possibility and self-doubt for self-trust. A former advertising executive, she has led in high-pressure, high-visibility environments and knows the challenge of staying connected to oneself while leading others.✨ Book a Coaching Chemistry Call with Lindsay: ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/yellin-coaching/chemistry-call?month=2025-09⁠⁠ ✨ Get your espresso shot of leadership insight, join the Grounds for Growth newsletter: ⁠⁠https://yellingroundsforgrowth.myflodesk.com/groundsforgrowt