Deep Work Out Loud

Host Julie Harris Oliver welcomes Dion Elliott Jensen, author of "Conscious Footsteps," who describes becoming an "accidental author" by using writing and long walks to process intense life changes and consolidate his journals into a book structured as standalone "walks." They focus on Dion's central theme, "I am who I am, not what I do," shaped by being abruptly fired from a CEO role and realizing he had outsourced his worth to his job. Dion explores how "what do you do?" creates instant masks, bias, and power dynamics that block real human connection, and suggests asking disarming, deeper questions about who someone is. He reflects on hardship-driven ego death, and how he now leads with less outcome attachment, wider "guardrails," and greater softness, trust, and authenticity. 00:00 Welcome to Deep Work 00:39 Meet Dion Jensen 01:37 Why He Wrote 03:41 Core Theme Identity 06:05 Masks and Job Titles 12:28 Better Questions to Ask 15:46 Tell Me About You 18:50 From Ego to Love 20:55 I Am Poem Exercise 23:56 Leadership After Shift 26:05 Parting Advice and Links 27:13 Closing Invitation    Instagram: @dionelliottjensen Web: www.consciousfootsteps.com Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/Dion-Elliott-Jensen/author/B0G3WJP22G?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true  

Host Julie Harris Oliver interviews business leader and Time Billionaires podcast host Rebecca Shaddix on reclaiming 90-second to 15-minute gaps between meetings to reduce frantic context shifting and improve happiness, energy, and fulfillment. Shaddix describes how a COVID-era habit of replacing scrolling with tiny actions—like brief audiobook listening, pushups, breathing, or stepping outside—compounded into hundreds of books a year and a research-backed framework of six micro-moment categories (reflection/mindset, connection, movement, nature/sensory awareness, play/creativity, and gratitude/mindfulness). She emphasizes planning ahead via a weekly Friday reflection ("what went well, what didn't, what do I want more of") and focusing on a realistic "floor" rather than aspirational "ceiling" goals. They also discuss labeling meetings with a single intuitive word to clarify next steps and reduce lingering anxiety, and the broader theme of agency over time as a guardrail against resentment and burnout.   00:00 Welcome and Format 00:36 Meet Rebecca Shaddix 01:50 Time Billionaires Origin 03:35 Why Micro Gaps Matter 08:38 Nature Minutes Add Up 09:10 Plan Your Micro Moments 09:38 Six Micro Moment Categories 10:24 Tiny Creativity Reset 13:31 Balance Without Perfection 15:21 Micro Workouts Not Gyms 16:13 ADHD and Starting Small 18:35 Stop Self Blame 19:14 Floor Not Ceiling 20:13 Mindful Micro Moments 23:11 Gratitude Deep Dives 24:37 Mindfulness Anywhere 25:31 One Word Debriefs 31:06 Reclaim Time Agency 34:10 Closing And Invitation

Julie Harris Oliver welcomes Dr. Kim Stepanski, an executive coach and organizational psychologist, to explore what leadership feels like right now amid rapid change, AI disruption, geopolitical volatility, and polarization. They discuss how leaders face loneliness, pressure to have answers, and the challenge of guiding teams whose perspectives are shaped by narrowing information "echo chambers." Kim emphasizes building capacity to see beyond one's own lens, getting comfortable with not knowing, and using reflection, connection, and community to stay grounded and humane. Julie shares practices such as acknowledging heaviness, simple meeting check-ins (e.g., green/yellow/red), and creating space for people to share what they're carrying without leaders needing to fix it. Kim describes using small experiments, grounding tools, and peer groups—especially for senior women—to build vulnerability, perspective-taking, and support, and closes with ways to connect with her online.   00:00 Welcome to Deep Work 00:33 Meet Kim Stepanski 02:17 Why Kim Chose Coaching 04:16 Leading Right Now 06:56 Filters and Echo Chambers 09:30 Simple Human Check Ins 12:26 Coaching Tools and Experiments 15:07 Practicing the Uncomfortable 15:53 Building Leader Community 20:37 Systems and Human Centered Work 26:42 Staying Grounded and Closing  

Host Julie Harris Oliver welcomes transition and emerging leaders coach Ben Basilan, who shares how layoffs in his industry and his background in counseling and UX research led him to coaching. They explore identity as a root issue in major transitions such as becoming a manager or small business owner, experiencing layoffs, divorce, aging, and retirement, focusing on what feels fixed versus changeable and how "inner saboteurs" formed in childhood can stop serving us. Ben describes growing up as a Filipino immigrant kid navigating cultural and emotional silence, moving states, and realizing he was gay, then later finding greater openness through grad school and counseling training. They discuss authenticity at work as a spectrum tied to psychological safety and how integrating Ben's identities as coach and researcher improved his motivation and communication. They also address identity clashes with loved ones amid polarized beliefs and the role of coaching in healing.   00:00 Welcome to Deep Work 00:31 Meet Ben Basilan 01:19 Why Ben Chose Coaching 02:10 Identity as a Theme 02:53 Transitions Trigger Identity 06:01 What Can Change 07:15 Roots of Rationality 09:33 Move South and Isolation 12:48 Coming Out and Becoming Whole 14:51 Authenticity at Work 18:40 Merging Work Identities 23:26 Life Stages and Reinvention 28:43 When Identities Clash 32:53 Coaching as Healing Purpose 33:54 Where to Find Ben 34:26 Closing Invitation  

Host Julie Harris Oliver welcomes executive coach and former CFO Heather Pomerantz to discuss living your authentic self through clarifying core values and purpose. Heather shares how her early love of listening and connection, a long achievement-driven finance career, and a Unilever purpose program led her to coaching when she realized she was in physical pain from misalignment. They outline steps: identify core values from a word list, narrow them, define what each means personally, translate them into "I am" statements, assess alignment, and decide what must shift to integrate joy now rather than waiting for "someday." They explore freedom as a sample value, signs of misalignment like anxiety and Sunday dread, authenticity in interviewing, and how leaders can improve results and retention by understanding employees' values and reshaping responsibilities.   00:00 Welcome to Deep Work 00:36 Meet Heather Pomerantz 02:23 Heather's Coaching Origin 03:32 Achievement to Purpose 06:20 CFO Misalignment Wakeup 08:17 Living Authentic Self 08:53 Find Your Core Values 11:36 Define Values and Freedom 13:47 Check Alignment and Shift 15:23 Why Wait Integrate 19:29 Lead Through Values 22:04 Strengths Versus Values 28:15 Values in Career Transitions 30:56 Somatic Signs of Alignment 34:19 Closing Takeaways and Links   Dr. Matt Kodsi's book: A Story Tale - ABC's of the stories we tell ourselves  

Host Julie Harris Oliver welcomes leadership coach and experience designer Rishikesh Tirumalai to discuss how "disruption" can mean returning to harmony with natural cycles, the body, and authenticity. Rishi shares his path from tech and solo travel to teaching and coaching, including how getting sober and working with a coach changed his trajectory, and reflects on being a young Indian man in a coaching world that often undervalues asking for help. They explore leaders finding integrity and fun in their roles, the courage of slowing down amid urgency culture, and the relationship between authenticity and activism in a colonizing power. Rishi also speaks about grieving his father's death, discovering inner stability, seeking agenda-free connection, and holding a seasonal intention of non-striving while listening for when action is needed.   00:00 Welcome to Deep Work 01:17 Rishi's Coaching Journey 01:48 Panama and Leaving Tech 03:58 Discovering Coaching and Sobriety 05:16 Outlier in Coaching Culture 07:18 Disruption and Family Roots 09:09 Alignment With Natural Cycles 11:46 Authenticity as Activism 12:53 Leaders Finding Fun 14:47 Holding Possibility Through Grief 16:02 Dad's Passing and Adulting 21:20 Expansion Without Striving 24:12 Non Striving in a Harsh World 28:29 Slowing Down as Disruption 33:22 Support Without an Agenda 36:03 North Star Fun and Care 36:42 Closing and Call to Action  

Host Julie Harris Oliver welcomes coach Marie Smith, founder of Golden Hour Coaching, who shares her path from teacher to personal trainer to life and health coach after hearing a clear spiritual prompting to become a life coach. Marie discusses the idea of "living off menu," inspired by Glennon Doyle's story about ordering beyond the menu, and connects it to agency, permission, and creating a life beyond inherited expectations. The conversation explores purpose as "being" rather than "doing," women's conditioning around worth tied to productivity, domestic labor and mental load, and learning to receive help. Marie offers practical steps to begin: journal desires, list the reasons you think you can't, challenge them as if advising a friend, choose one small experiment, and act. She shares where to find her and a Stress SOS guide via text.   00:00 Welcome to Deep Work 00:37 Meet Marie Smith 01:33 Her Coaching Origin Story 03:41 Hearing the Call 04:34 Living Off Menu 08:06 Permission and Agency 09:05 Purpose as Being 12:08 Worthy Just Because 16:15 Moms Dads and Bedtime 17:57 The Menu We Inherit 19:04 Double Standards Trap 20:04 My Life Is Mine 20:53 Quiet the Inner Critic 23:50 Small Off Menu Experiments 26:58 Learning to Receive Help 28:53 Asking for Help After Surgery 30:59 Journal Your Next Step 33:50 Find Marie and Wrap Up  

Host Julie Harris Oliver welcomes executive coach and two-time founder Connie Liu (CEO of Tandem) to discuss humor's role in work, leadership, and coaching. Connie shares that her path to coaching began after hiring an executive coach during her transition out of her first company, valuing coaching as a place to be fully honest without "curating" for others. They explore humor as a release valve that extends emotional runway, reduces high-stakes pressure, and increases creativity—especially through improv's "yes, and" approach and design-thinking environments that normalize risk and riffing on bad ideas. Connie describes using standup comedy as a counterbalance to founder seriousness and as a way to practice levity, while both reflect on when humor is welcomed or risky at work, including for women and in highly serious roles. 00:00 Welcome and Format 00:35 Meet Connie Liu 01:09 Connie's Coaching Origin 02:31 Why Humor at Work 04:10 Standup as Counterbalance 06:09 Humor as Release Valve 07:15 Making Humor Feel Safe 09:07 Creativity and Yes And 13:40 Dog Interruption Reset 14:12 Lightening the Room Fast 16:03 Can You Teach Funny 16:23 Rule of Three Parenting 17:53 Sarcasm and Pranks Roots 18:36 Back to Executives 18:45 Personality on Calls 19:25 Creating vs Reporting 20:22 Finding the Right Balance 21:07 Sales Stories That Land 21:51 Standup Fear and Dares 22:49 Bombing and Getting Hooked 24:14 Comedy Style and Influences 24:57 Work Persona and Gender 28:41 Founder Seriousness vs Humor 30:18 Keeping Perspective at Work 31:37 Key Takeaways and Farewell  

Julie Harris Oliver interviews executive leadership coach and OD consultant Brian Duggan about helping senior leaders make fewer, better decisions. Brian shares his path from theater directing to coaching and introduces research citing that senior leaders make 70–80,000 decisions per year, with up to half being low-importance or low-impact. He outlines the "Five V Role Model" stances leaders can take—Vote, Voice, Vision, Void, and Veto. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, this episode is packed with insights that can transform your approach to decision-making and organizational impact.   00:00 Welcome to Deep Work Out Loud + Meet Julie & Brian 01:42 Brian's Accidental Path from Theater Director to Coach 04:06 Why Theater Skills Translate to Coaching & OD Systems Thinking 05:51 The Leadership Problem: Senior Leaders Making Too Many Decisions 07:32 McKinsey Decision Overload + Two Common Stances: Vote & Voice 11:14 The Better Shift: Leading Through Vision (and Developing People) 15:23 Reputation, Intention, and How Leaders Choose to Show Up 16:33 The Counterintuitive Stance: Intentional 'Void' and Role Boundaries 21:47 Void Needs Vision: Context Over Details, Trust Over Rumors 25:19 Matching Stances to Level: Apple Store Stories on Autonomy & Escalation 29:32 When Execs 'Voice Down': The Cost of One Comment (The Color Story) 30:44 Fixing the Process: Getting the Right Voices at the Right Time 31:46 The Two Questions: What Only I Can Do vs. What I'm Supposed to Do 32:35 Personal Burnout Story: Over-Voicing, Over-Doing, and Resentment 37:29 Making It a Shared Language: Bringing Voice In Early (and Using It) 39:17 Gen Z, Disillusionment, and Clarifying Vote vs. Voice 41:31 How to Ask for Feedback: Criteria, Context, and Engagement Survey Traps 44:40 From Work to Life Roles: Introducing the 'Five Stances' Framework 45:32 Level, Zones, Lanes: The Targeting System Behind Your Role 48:09 The Fifth V—Veto: When to Overrule (and Why It's Dangerous) 51:12 A Real Veto Scenario: Hiring Freeze, Rescinded Offers, and Hard Calls 53:43 Wrap-Up: Positive Conflict at the Top + The 'Five V Role Model' 55:49 Closing & Listener Invitation: Clarify Your Roles and Communicate Vision  

In this episode of Deep Work Out Loud, Julie Harris Oliver is joined by leadership strategist and executive coach Laura London (founder of Calocedrus Partners, former McKinsey leader) for a candid, coach-style exploration of forest therapy—and why Laura believes it's a practical tool for leadership right now. They unpack what "forest therapy" means, how sensory awareness connects to nervous system regulation, and why slowing down can be harder than it sounds. Julie brings real skepticism, including a vivid story of an experience in nature that left her feeling unsafe, and Laura helps examine the protective story that followed—and what it might be costing. Along the way, Laura shares how the practice became personal through her family's experience with sensory processing disorder (SPD), and Julie describes a small experiment she's trying to bring more quiet, presence, and reset into everyday life.   00:00 Welcome to Deep Work Out Loud + Meet Laura London 01:13 Laura's Journey: From Early Work Curiosity to McKinsey & Coaching 04:28 Today's Topic: What Is Forest Therapy (and Why It Matters Now) 05:53 The Science: Senses, Nervous System Regulation & the AI Age 08:42 Laura's Personal Story: Fragility, Authenticity, and Finding Relief in Nature 10:50 Sensory Processing Disorder & the 5-4-3-2-1 Nature Practice (with Her Son) 15:01 Forest Bathing vs. Forest Therapy: Guided Walks, Principles, and Slowing Down 18:24 Julie the Skeptic: "Nature Will Try to Kill You" + A Beach Injury Story 21:22 Coaching the Reframe: Protection vs. Limitation, Awe, and Belonging in Nature 27:50 Small Experiments: Dog Walks Without Headphones + Why Quiet Isn't Wasted Time 31:31 Leadership Takeaways: Regulated Leaders, Contagious Emotions, and Practical Tips 35:31 Where to Find Laura + Final Invitation to Try Nature This Week   Find Laura HERE Find Julie HERE

In this episode of Deep Work Out Loud, Julie Harris Oliver is joined by Krista Johnson, an organizational psychology practitioner and executive coach. The discussion delves into the significance of heart wounds in leadership, explaining how unresolved emotional imprints from past experiences can impact present behavior. Krista outlines methods to identify and manage these heart wounds, emphasizing the importance of presence, emotional regulation, and reflective practice in leadership. They explore the challenges of navigating corporate environments while maintaining personal well-being and the transformative power of heart-centered leadership. The conversation underlines the critical need for developing personal agility and emotional competence in today's rapidly changing world.   00:00 Introduction to Deep Work Out Loud 00:33 Meet Krista Johnson: Organizational Psychology Practitioner 01:36 The Concept of Fierce Conversations 02:12 Krista's Journey to Coaching 03:36 Heart Wounds and Leadership 04:13 Understanding and Identifying Heart Wounds 06:14 Impact of Heart Wounds in Professional Settings 09:14 Healing and Managing Heart Wounds 12:11 The Importance of Presence and Emotional Regulation 25:52 Practical Techniques for Emotional Regulation 32:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Find Krista here www.kristajohnsoncoaching.com   Find Julie here www.julieharrisoliver.com  

In this episode of Deep Work Out Loud, host Julie Harris Oliver sits down with Dr. Lauren Collier, a professional coach and founder of the Friendship Project. They discuss the challenges and strategies for forming meaningful adult friendships, particularly for women experiencing life transitions. Dr. Collier shares her journey from social work to coaching and introduces her initiative to create intentional friendship circles. Through an eight-week learning journey, she aims to facilitate deeper connections and combat social isolation. The discussion covers the importance of alignment, affinity, and shared experiences in building lasting relationships. The episode also touches on the impact of the pandemic on social skills and the importance of intentionality and openness in fostering friendships.   00:00 Introduction to Deep Work Out Loud 00:39 Meet Dr. Lauren Collier 01:09 Lauren's Journey to Coaching 02:15 The Importance of Adult Friendships 02:48 Challenges in Making New Friends 04:11 The Loneliness Epidemic 04:58 Key Elements for Building Friendships 05:40 Cultural and Political Barriers 06:48 Intentional Friendship Building 09:46 Lauren's Friendship Circles Initiative 14:01 The Impact of the Pandemic on Friendships 17:12 Practical Steps for Building Friendships 20:16 Challenges and Solutions in Friendship Building 28:21 Conclusion and Contact Information Find Lauren HERE Find Julie HERE

In this episode of Deep Work Out Loud, host Julie Harris Oliver sits down with Ron Pratt, founder of the Altera Collective, to discuss the importance of alignment in our careers and lives. Ron shares his personal journey from a promising career in consulting and finance to founding his own coaching practice. They delve into the key elements of alignment—values, motivators, interests, and personality—and discuss how understanding these can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable career. Ron also explains how leaders can use this framework to foster better relationships and environments for their teams. Tune in for insightful tips on diagnosing misalignment and practical advice for finding a career that truly fits.   00:00 Introduction to Deep Work Out Loud 00:35 Meet Ron Pratt: Career Journey and Insights 01:28 The Path to Coaching: Ron's Story 03:08 Exploring Career Misalignment 08:48 The Importance of Values in Career Choices 12:55 Frameworks for Career Alignment 18:59 Navigating Career Transitions in Challenging Times 19:59 Short-Term vs Long-Term Career Goals 20:58 Understanding Motivators 23:38 The Role of Interests in Career Satisfaction 25:19 Client Stories: Real-Life Applications 28:57 Framework for Career Alignment 33:07 The Importance of Alignment Beyond Career 35:54 Final Thoughts and Contact Information   Find Ron HERE Find Julie HERE

In this episode of Deep Work Out Loud, host Julie Harris Oliver sits down with Laura Rebell Gross, an experienced organizational leader and executive coach. They discuss the challenges and transitions faced by women, especially those in their 50s and 60s. Laura shares her insights on moving from a mission-driven career to coaching, focusing on helping women find joy and fulfillment while letting go of the relentless hustle. They explore topics such as identity shifts, finding purpose, setting boundaries, and creating new, meaningful traditions. Join them as they offer guidance and inspiration for adding purpose and reducing the hustle in your life.   00:00 Welcome to Deep Work Out Loud 00:30 Introducing Laura Rebell Gross 01:44 Shifting Focus: From Girls to Women 02:24 Navigating Life Transitions 04:39 Balancing Self-Care and Responsibilities 10:00 Rediscovering Passions and Joy 16:15 Creating New Traditions 18:35 Shifting Responsibilities and Attitudes 19:06 Holiday Stress and Gift Giving 19:54 Creating New Family Traditions 20:29 The Importance of Body Awareness 21:30 Transitioning Careers and Grieving Changes 23:14 Adjusting to a New Pace of Life 25:01 Rethinking Ambition and Hustle 27:43 Finding Purpose Without Hustle 32:43 Launching a Coaching Business 34:22 Final Thoughts and Reflections   Find Laura HERE   Find transcript HERE  

Rediscovering Presence: Transforming Leadership and Life with Dr. Matt Kodsi Or Multitasking is Cocaine In this episode of 'Deep Work Out Loud', host Julie Harris Oliver sits down with Dr. Matt Kodsi, a former neurologist and Chief Medical Officer turned executive coach. They delve into the concept of presence in coaching and its dual aspects: external, being fully present for others, and internal, being truly present within oneself. Dr. Kodsi shares his journey from a multitasking, constantly busy executive to a more mindful and present leader and coach. They discuss the challenges and rewards of cultivating presence, both in personal relationships and professional settings. Dr. Kodsi also opens up about his personal experience with severe health issues and how it deepened his appreciation for being present. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of presence as a privilege and a pathway to meaningful interactions and stronger relationships, offering insights and practical steps for listeners to incorporate more presence into their daily lives. 00:00 Introduction to Deep Work Out Loud 00:33 Meet Dr. Matt Kodsi 01:15 The Journey to Coaching 02:28 Understanding Presence 04:14 The Illusion of Multitasking 08:42 The Impact of Presence on Relationships 10:03 Personal Transformation and Vulnerability 17:22 Practical Steps to Cultivate Presence 21:24 Reflections and Final Thoughts 29:04 Conclusion and Call to Action Find Matt at bridgingjourneyscoaching.com

In this episode of 'Deep Work Out Loud,' host Julie Harris Oliver sits down with Karen Jones, a communications consultant and professional coach. They discuss Karen's journey from being an executive at HBO to becoming a coach, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's work with personal values. Karen delves into the Trust Triangle concept by Professor Frances Frei, touching on empathy, logic, and authenticity, and examines her own experiences with authenticity and neuro-complexity. Julie and Karen also explore the challenges of staying authentic in high-pressure environments and the role of vulnerability in leadership. Karen shares her insights on how leaders can create psychological safety within their teams and the importance of curiosity and love in personal development. Listeners will gain valuable insights into enhancing their own authenticity and exploring coaching as a pathway to professional fulfillment.   00:00 Introduction to Deep Work Out Loud 00:35 Meet Karen Jones: A Multifaceted Professional 01:57 Karen's Journey to Coaching 04:43 Exploring the Trust Triangle 06:01 Understanding Personal Wobbles 08:22 Navigating Authenticity and Neurocomplexity 19:43 Addressing the Inner Critic 28:41 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership 35:45 Conclusion and Contact Information To find Karen: https://www.thejonescode.com/

In this podcast episode of Deep Work Out Loud, host Julie Harris Oliver sits down with executive and leadership coach Abbie Young. They explore how leaders can incorporate coaching skills into the workplace, particularly how to know when to coach versus when to be directive. Abbie shares insights from her extensive experience working with high-performing individuals and teams across various industries. They discuss the importance of psychological safety, growth mindset, and the challenges of combining coaching with directive leadership. Abbie also touches on her journey from athletic coaching to executive coaching, the impact of COVID-19 on her career path, and offers practical advice for cultivating a coaching culture in the workplace.   00:00 Introduction to Deep Work Out Loud 00:31 Meet Abbie Young: Executive and Leadership Coach 01:28 Abbie's Journey to Coaching 03:28 Integrating Coaching into Leadership 07:12 Creating a Coaching Culture 09:38 Psychological Safety in the Workplace 17:18 Blending Coaching and Traditional Leadership 21:53 The Importance of Self-Regulation in Leadership 22:33 In-Person vs. Remote Coaching 23:12 The Value of Spontaneous In-Person Interactions 24:28 Challenges and Benefits of Virtual Coaching 26:24 The Urgency of Coaching in Today's Workplace 28:10 Personal Experiences with Different Leadership Styles 28:58 The Role of Intention and Consciousness in Leadership 30:33 Balancing Coaching and Directiveness 35:00 Adapting Coaching to Different Demographics 36:25 Conclusion and Contact Information Find Abbie at https://www.agylcc.com/

In this episode of Deep Work Out Loud, host Julie Harris Oliver is joined by professional coach Erin Winkler-McCue to delve into the importance of experimentation in driving sustainable change in leadership. They discuss Erin's journey to becoming a coach, her strategies for unlocking leadership potential, and how experimenting with new approaches can lead to significant growth and development. Through a conversational lens, the episode explores actionable steps for leaders looking to make impactful changes and offers valuable insights on running successful experiments in professional and personal settings.   00:00 Introduction to Deep Work Out Loud 00:32 Meet Erin Winkler-McCue 01:31 Erin's Journey to Coaching 02:50 The Power of Experimentation 05:13 Real-Life Examples of Experimentation 13:56 Implementing Experiments in Leadership 17:30 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Career Progression 18:08 Crafting Your Own Role 18:47 Testing the Waters in New Roles 20:33 The Importance of Experimentation 22:18 Coaching Strategies and Client Interactions 27:14 Navigating Vulnerability and Boundaries 31:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement To find Erin: https://erinwinklermccue.com/

Navigating Emotional Baggage in Professional Life In this episode of 'Deep Work Out Loud,' host Julie Harris Oliver sits down with Dr. Mike Shea, an executive coach specializing in transition and transformation work. They delve into the profound impact of personal relationships, particularly parental relationships, on professional interactions. Dr. Shea shares his journey from being a critical care physician to becoming a coach, driven by his experiences and desire for meaningful connections. A pivotal part of the conversation is Dr. Shea's story of his estranged relationship with his father and the emotional and professional lessons learned from it. The discussion emphasizes the importance of emotional self-awareness, self-regulation, and the impact of such skills on effective leadership. It also highlights the significance of making sincere requests and the power of human kindness. Tune in to gain insights on how to manage emotional triggers and cultivate healthier professional environments. 00:00 Introduction to Deep Work Out Loud 00:37 Meet Dr. Mike Shea 01:05 Mike's Journey to Coaching 02:36 Exploring Parental Relationships and Work 03:10 Impact of Parental Estrangement 09:31 Therapy and Self-Awareness 13:37 Emotional Self-Management at Work 17:18 Urgent Trip to See Estranged Father 19:19 A Moment of Grace 20:09 Rushing Through TSA 20:45 The Kindness of Strangers 21:43 Making It to the Flight 23:31 Final Moments with Dad 24:47 Lessons in Self-Regulation 26:27 Impact of Vulnerability 28:12 Generational Differences in the Workplace 32:28 Conclusion and Contact Information To find Mike: [email protected]

Welcome to Deep Work: Out Loud, The thinking that fuels our life, our work, and our leadership. I'm Julie Harris Oliver. This is the podcast where I sit with another professional coach and we do some work around a single concept, piece of inspiration, a topic we've seen come up in coaching. If we're very lucky, while talking about it, we might demonstrate what coaching might look and feel like. But we'll see how this goes. It's all an experiment. With any luck, you will leave with something you can apply and use in your work or your life or both.