LLYMI EP13 | Gratitude in the Gaps

This week, we’re doing something brand new... a crossover episode with Shannon's podcast! We've recorded this one conversation and are sharing it on Lead Like You Mean It and Everything Made Beautiful Podcasts… because leadership and life don’t happen in separate lanes, and this season has a way of pulling all of it to the surface.In this Thanksgiving episode, we talk honestly about the kind of gratitude that doesn’t ignore the emptiness... it sits in it, breathes through it, and refuses to fake “I’m fine.” We explore the difference between thanks (a moment) and gratitude (a formation), and what it looks like to practice gratefulness even when life feels quieter, lonelier, or more complicated than you expected.Shannon shares about becoming a new empty nester and walking through the grief of her mom’s dementia. I share the ache of holidays when your deepest hopes haven’t been fulfilled yet, and what it means to carry both pain and promise at the same time.We also talk leadership:why leading yourself is non-negotiablehow unhealthy upstream emotions spill downstream onto the people you loveand why GiANT’s Communication Code (especially Care and Celebrate) might just save a few Thanksgiving tables this yearThis episode is tender, and real... from two women who love Jesus, love people, and are learning to lead our own hearts well in a season that highlights both the beauty and the gaps. If you’ve ever walked into a holiday with a full table but an aching heart, this one’s for you. Pull up a seat. Let’s talk gratitude, leadership, friendship, and the kind of hope that doesn’t disappear just because life got hard.Chapters00:00 | Introduction to the Crossover Episode05:12 | Navigating Emptiness During the Holidays09:00 | The Role of Faith in Gratitude12:24 | Coexisting Pain and Promise16:43 | Entitlement and Gratitude in Life20:19 | The Importance of Care in Communication24:43 | Celebration as a Communication Code28:30 | The Importance of Celebration and Affirmation32:20 | Hope and Purpose in Daily Life34:43 | Influential Leaders and Their Impact36:29 | Excellence in Leadership37:29 | The Role of Mentorship39:45 | Wisdom in Decision Making42:28 | The Power of Feedback and Affirmation43:50 | Embracing Authenticity in Leadership45:16 | Navigating Triggers and Personal Growth47:12 | The Ongoing Journey of Self-Improvement49:30 | The Role of Coaching in Personal Development52:49 | Gratitude and Vulnerability in Relationships54:42 | Finding Peace Amidst Life's ChallengesShannon's Website: https://www.shannonsuzannescott.com/Shannon's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everything-made-beautiful-with-shannon-scott/id1754754204Shannon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonsscott/Visit my website: www.masiwillis.comFollow on Instagram: @masiwillisConnect on LinkedIn: Masi Willis  Contact me: [email protected] to grow your leadership, elevate your team, or join my next masterclass? Let’s chat... your next level could be one click away.What was your biggest “aha” from today’s episode? I’d love to hear!