Episode 2: Authority Without Fear episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 20, 2026 · 25 MIN

Episode 2: Authority Without Fear

from Returning to Us · host Lauren Spigelmyer & Jessica Doering

In this episode, Lauren continues the Leading Under Pressure series by exploring how authority and power shape the nervous system and why leadership is never neutral. She unpacks how fear based practices drive compliance, silence, and burnout, while regulated authority builds safety, clarity, and trust. This episode offers insight into shifting from control to connection, showing how presence, tone, and timing shape safety more than policy. Lauren closes with a simple reminder to pause before you release and lead with intention. Sign up for the University of Pennsylvania Behavior Breakthrough Accredited CourseLearn about the Staff Sustainability System a proven system to reduce burnout at the rootOther related resources from Five Ives: Blog Post: Why Traditional Employee Wellness Programs Fail (And What Works Instead)Survive Mode: Recognizing When Your Organization is in CrisisWhat are the Five Ives?Podcast:Episode 1: What Stress Does to Decision MakingThe Pause Between Now and NextLeading From a Regulated CoreDesigning Rhythms that RegulateWhen Culture DysregulatesGrowth & Feedback Without FearOnboarding as Co-RegulationPolicy as a Nervous SystemWhy Women in Leadership MicromanageThe Regulated Organization: What it Means to be a Regulated OrganizationRetain: Sustaining Staff, Culture, and CapacityReset: Moving from Relief to Real TransformationHive- The Last Stage of the Five IvesThrive- The Fourth Stage of the Five IvesOur Online Programs: Behavior BreakthroughPolicing Under PressureBoard Governance TrainingUniversity of Pennsylvania Behavior Breakthrough Accredited CourseSubscribe to our mailing list and find out more about Stress, Trauma, Behavior and the Brain!Check out our Facebook Group – Five Ives!Five Ives Website websiteThe Behavior Hub blogIf you’re looking for support as you grow your organization’s capacity for caring for staff and the community, we would love to be part of that journey. Schedule a free discovery call and let us be your guideAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jan 20, 2026

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In this episode, Lauren continues the Leading Under Pressure series by exploring how authority and power shape the nervous system and why leadership is never neutral. She unpacks how fear based practices drive compliance, silence, and burnout, while regulated authority builds safety, clarity, and trust. This episode offers insight into shifting from control to connection, showing how presence, tone, and timing shape safety more than policy. Lauren closes with a simple reminder to pause ...

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Episode 2: Authority Without Fear

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