Anna Runkle - Trauma Is Driving Behavior at Work

Leadership is often described in terms of strategy, communication, and decision-making. But there’s another dimension that quietly shapes how leaders show up at work: emotional regulation.In this episode of The Best Boss Whisperer Podcast, Danny talks with writer, educator, and coach Anna Runkle, known for her work helping people recover from childhood trauma and chronic dysregulation.Anna shares how early life experiences can affect how adults respond to stress, conflict, authority, and pressure in the workplace. When leaders understand these patterns—both in themselves and others—they can respond with more clarity, steadiness, and compassion.The conversation explores why emotional triggers appear so frequently in professional settings, how dysregulation can impact communication and decision-making, and how leaders can build habits that support steadier leadership.Rather than turning workplaces into therapy sessions, Anna explains how simple daily practices and awareness can help people regulate their emotions, think more clearly, and respond more effectively under pressure.This episode offers thoughtful insight for leaders who want to lead with greater calm, awareness, and emotional resilience.Key Takeaways:How childhood trauma and stress patterns can show up in professional environmentsWhy emotional triggers can affect communication and decision-making at workThe role emotional regulation plays in effective leadershipHow leaders can respond more calmly during conflict and pressureSimple practices that support emotional steadiness and clearer thinkingResources & Links:Guest: Anna RunkleWebsite: https://crappychildhoodfairy.com/Connect with Anna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-runkle-baa9778/Free Tools: https://crappychildhoodfairy.com/free-tools/Recommended Books:Connectability: Heal the Hidden Ways You Isolate, Find Your People and Feel (At Last) Like You Belong by Anna RunkleRe-Regulated: Set Your Life Free from Childhood PTSD and the Trauma-Driven Behaviors That Keep You Stuck by Anna RunkleThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, M.DComplex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker Connect with host Danny Ceballos:Website: https://unleashedconsult.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyceballos/Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!The Best Boss Whisperer is a leadership podcast for individuals who want to lead effectively without burning out or becoming the bottleneck that stifles their team’s decisions, momentum, and productivity.© 2026 Danny Ceballos / Unleashed Consulting