Lead Well! with Christine Schickinger

In this episode of Lead Well!, I speak with author Steve Borodkin about survival, abuse, healing, vulnerability, animals, art, and what honesty really requires. Steve’s memoir Street Level tells a deeply personal story of trauma and survival. But what struck me most in this conversation was not only what he went through. It was the fact that he emerged with remarkable warmth, empathy, and humanity. We explore: Why trauma processing is not a one-time event The role of therapy, honesty, and long-term inner work Why vulnerability is especially difficult for men How animals can become a source of healing and connection What art and music make possible when words are not enough Why how we carry pain matters as much as what happened This conversation also touches on something I often see in leadership work: Unprocessed experiences shape behavior. Not always visibly. But reliably. If safety, trust, or emotional regulation are missing, behavior changes. In humans and in animals.

Communication is often treated as a skill. In reality, it is a relational process shaped by awareness, intention, and internal state. In this episode, Christine speaks with Andrew Blotky, executive coach and former communications leader at Meta and Johnson & Johnson. The conversation explores how leaders can communicate with clarity and authenticity, especially in times of uncertainty. A central idea runs through the episode: communication is not defined by what is said, but by what is received. This shifts the focus from output to alignment. From message delivery to audience understanding. Key themes include: Why communication requires clarity of intent before expression How presence and nervous system regulation influence how messages land The limits of scripted communication and the value of conversational navigation The role of middle managers as “honest brokers” in complex organizational dynamics How storytelling creates meaning beyond facts and data Why listening, curiosity, and audience awareness are foundational leadership capabilities The episode also connects communication to broader questions of leadership under uncertainty. When external conditions are unstable, leaders need an internal anchor. Values, experience, and self-awareness become the basis for clear and credible communication. This is not a conversation about techniques. It is a conversation about mechanisms.

In this episode, Christine speaks with Shamayne Olivia about identity, self-alignment, and the often invisible cost of living a life that no longer fits. The conversation explores how many people, especially women, grow into roles shaped by expectations rather than conscious choice. Over time, this creates a gap between external success and internal experience. Shamayne shares her personal journey of questioning long-standing patterns, setting boundaries, and rebuilding her identity from the inside out. A central element of her work is the metaphor of “shoes”, representing different aspects of personal development, including foundation, past experiences, support systems, voice, and connection. The discussion highlights: The psychological impact of long-term misalignment Why change often triggers resistance in others The role of self-questioning in personal transformation How boundaries contribute to identity clarity Why expression and visibility are essential for well-being This episode adds an important dimension to the broader conversation on leadership: sustainable performance requires not only regulation, but alignment.

In this episode, Christine speaks with Steven Howard, creator of Humony Leadership, about what it really means to lead people rather than manage them. The conversation starts with a simple distinction: tasks, processes, and policies need management, but people need leadership. Steven argues that many leaders still operate as if their role is to have all the answers, control the process, and tell others how to think. In today’s work environment, that approach limits creativity, ownership, and sustained results. A central idea in this conversation is that trust should not be treated as a reward people have to earn over time. Steven suggests the opposite. Start by making it clear that trust is already present, then define clearly what breaks it. From there, leadership becomes visible through transparency, consistency, listening, and honest communication. The episode also explores: - why specific reinforcing feedback is essential for motivation - why fear of micromanaging can lead to abandonment instead of leadership - how mentoring differs from coaching - why leaders should separate announcing change from discussing execution - how people-centric leadership can begin at team level, without waiting for the whole organization to change The result is a practical conversation about trust, accountability, motivation, and culture. Not soft leadership. Effective leadership.

What is the difference between coaching and mentoring, and why does that difference matter so much when someone is grieving or struggling? In this episode, Christine speaks with Doug Lawrence, founder of TalentC® and an experienced mentoring practitioner, about mentoring as a trusted two-way relationship that can help people shift thought patterns, change behavior, and find support in difficult times. The conversation moves into grief, the barriers that make asking for help so hard, and the kind of support that is actually useful when someone has suffered a major loss. A few key threads in this conversation: - why mentoring is often misunderstood and confused with coaching - how grief often leaves people unable to ask directly for help - why listening and hearing matter more than having the right words - how mentors can serve as a bridge when professional support is delayed - why leaders and mentors need many of the same qualities, including compassion, non-judgment, and follow-through - how to protect your own capacity when supporting someone in pain This is a thoughtful conversation about grief, support, leadership, and what it means to walk beside another person when life becomes very hard.

This episode explores what actually creates transformation. Christine speaks with Glenda Benevides about her work combining music, storytelling, and personal reflection to create real change. At the core is a simple sequence: Clarity → Courage → Confidence → Commitment → Community Most people try to shortcut this process. They aim for confidence without clarity. The result is hesitation, inconsistency, and lack of direction. The conversation covers: - Why clarity is often missing - How courage is built through action - Why confidence follows behavior, not the other way around - The role of reflection and journaling - How to identify what you actually want This is not abstract. It is structured, practical, and directly applicable.

Career growth does not happen by accident. In this episode, I talk with Nicole Fronek about what it means to take intentional ownership of your career. We explore why good work alone is rarely enough, how to build visibility in a smart way, how to support your manager without becoming self-sacrificing, and why boundaries are essential for sustainable success. Nicole also shares what leaders often misunderstand about developing talent and why career responsibility always remains with the individual. A practical and refreshingly grounded conversation for anyone who wants to grow with more clarity and less passivity.

What if the biggest shift in your life isn’t doing more… but finally allowing yourself to be? In this episode of Lead Well!, I’m speaking with Ashlieya Mariano about identity, self-expression, and what it really means to stop performing for others and start living in alignment. We explore how many of us unconsciously shape ourselves around expectations, roles, and external validation, and what it takes to reconnect with who we actually are beneath all of that. This conversation is honest, reflective, and at times uncomfortable in the best possible way.

In this special episode of Lead Well!, Christine participates in Podcasthon, a global initiative where over 1,600 podcasters highlight charities and nonprofits creating real impact. Christine speaks with Benson and Peter, leaders of a community-based organization working in Turkana, Northern Kenya, one of the driest and most challenging regions in East Africa. They discuss the realities children face in the region, including malnutrition, drought, lack of healthcare access, and the difficult choices families must make every day. For many children, going to school depends on something very basic: having food to eat. Benson shares how witnessing children suffering from malnutrition in his community led him to study nutrition and establish an organization focused on supporting vulnerable children through nutrition programs, education access, and psychosocial support. This conversation goes beyond charity narratives and explores what meaningful, community-driven support actually looks like.

What if leadership is not a title or a checklist, but a layered practice that develops over time? In this episode of Lead Well!, I speak with Lawrence R. Armstrong, Chairman and former CEO of Ware Malcomb and author of Layered Leadership. We explore why many leaders struggle to delegate, how creativity becomes a strategic advantage, and why wellness is not optional for sustainable performance. Larry shares how he built a global company over four decades while continuously evolving his leadership approach. We discuss whole-brain thinking, empowering a “number two,” building cultures of curiosity, and designing systems that encourage innovation instead of competition. This conversation is especially relevant for leaders navigating complexity, generational shifts, and AI-driven transformation.

In this conversation with Sharon Burstein, international leadership image expert and author of What’s Your Leadership Image?, we explore a dimension of leadership that most professionals underestimate: the image you project — and how it either reinforces or undermines your credibility. But this is not about polishing the surface. It is about alignment. Sharon distinguishes between leadership and leadership image: Leadership is what you do. Leadership image is who you are — and how consistently that identity is communicated through posture, voice, clarity, behavior, and presence

In Episode 110 of Lead Well!, I speak with adventurer, mountaineer, author, and former lawyer Jeff Rasley. After a successful legal and business career, Jeff walked away from boardrooms and into the Himalayas. What began as a midlife trek to Everest Base Camp became a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and cultural humility. Today, Jeff is President of the Basa Village Foundation, partnering with a remote Nepali village to build schools, clinics, water systems, and even a hydroelectric project, all designed and executed by the villagers themselves

In this episode of Lead Well!, I explore one of the most underestimated cognitive phenomena in modern work life: attention residue. Based on research by Sophie Leroy, we look at what happens in your brain when you switch tasks. Part of your attention stays behind. And that “mental leftover” reduces performance, increases reactivity, and makes it harder to truly recover after work. This is not just a productivity issue. It’s a nervous system issue. And it’s a leadership issue.

What if presence doesn’t start when you are already stressed, but one moment earlier? In Part 3 of the Presence series, I explore a subtle but decisive phase that most people miss: the orienting moment. The split second between perceiving something and reacting to it. This is the moment where your nervous system decides whether to stay regulated or switch into fight, flight, or freeze. And it is the easiest point to access presence.

Presence doesn’t start in the mind. It starts in the body. In Episode 107, I explore why thinking alone won’t get you present and how your body becomes your most reliable feedback system. A continuation of last week’s episode on Presence as a condition for living well.

In this solo episode of Lead Well!, I explore why so many capable, reflective people feel disconnected from their own lives. Not because they lack insight. But because they are rarely fully present in the moments that matter. Presence is often misunderstood as meditation, slowing down, or stepping away from real life. That is not what this episode is about. Presence means being where you already are. Mentally. Emotionally. Physically. Using a simple everyday metaphor. Missing an exit while driving. I show how absence quietly shapes our decisions, our productivity, and our sense of meaning.

At sixty years old, Anne Abel found herself at a breaking point. After leaving a dangerous teaching job, the structure that had helped her manage lifelong depression disappeared. What followed was not a neat reinvention plan, but a radical decision that started as survival. Anne followed Bruce Springsteen’s Australian tour. What unfolded was a journey of connection, meaning, and unexpected healing. One that later became her memoir High Hopes.

How much does your environment influence your thinking, emotions, and decisions? In this episode, Christine explores why environment is often the missing piece in change models. From hunger and sleep to safety, noise, and the people around us, small environmental factors can radically shift outcomes. You’ll learn: Why environment is a leverage point for change How basic needs affect judgment and emotional regulation A practical framework to decide what you can control, influence, or let go Why changing where you are is often easier than changing who you are Listen now and start noticing how your surroundings shape your day.

What really shapes our lives. Our thoughts. Our feelings. Our behavior. Or something deeper? In this episode, I revisit familiar psychological models like CBT and expand them with two elements that are often overlooked. Your environment and your inner state. Drawing from neuroscience, nervous system regulation, and my work with humans and animals, I explain why outcomes alone are a poor measure of success. And why lasting change starts with presence, not performance. This episode also marks the beginning of a short series where we’ll explore practical levers for real change. Without overthinking. Without forcing positivity.

Looking back at a year usually means counting results. This episode asks a different question: How did those moments actually feel in your body and nervous system? Not what happened. But the state you were in before and after. A gentle year-end reflection.

The holiday season often comes with pressure, noise, and hidden stress. This short episode is different. In Episode 101 of Lead Well!, I invite you to a brief resilience break. A guided pause to help your nervous system shift out of stress mode and into a calmer, more regulated state. You can listen while sitting, resting, or even while waiting for the bus. No special setup needed. This episode is meant as a gift. A few quiet minutes for yourself during a busy time of year. ✨ Wishing you a calm holiday season and a gentle transition into the new year.

Episode 100 is a moment to pause. Not to summarize achievements, but to acknowledge influence. In this solo episode, Christine reflects on gratitude. Not as a feel-good concept, but as a stabilizing force for the nervous system, perspective, and leadership. She shares the stories of nine people. Most of them podcast guests. All of them deeply influential. Teachers, mentors, colleagues, and thinkers who shaped how she works, leads, and lives today. This episode is both a thank-you and an invitation. To revisit conversations that matter. And to notice how the people we meet quietly change the direction of our lives.

Deutsche Originalaufnahme - to listen to the English Dub version, forward to chapter 3 at timestamp 00:26:28. In this episode, Dr. Ulrike Stefanowski joins me to explore one of the most underestimated foundations of mental and physical health: sleep. Ulrike is a medical doctor, coach, and founder of INSANO, an institute focused on mental well-being and nervous-system regulation. She combines medical understanding with modern self-regulation methods to help people regain deep rest, calm, and stable energy. Together we unpack… • Why we cannot catch up on chronic sleep loss • What really happens in deep sleep and REM sleep • How our 25-hour internal clock sabotages mornings • Why teens and night owls struggle in an early-bird society • How morning light, movement, and evening rituals set the brain for rest • What to do if you wake up at 2 or 3 AM with your mind racing • Why rumination is strongest at night • How stress hormones and circadian dips influence night-time awakenings • What simple habits reliably improve sleep quality This conversation blends science, practicality, and compassion for all of us who want to feel more rested, clearer, and more grounded.

In this practical and energizing conversation, movement educator and physical therapist Eileen Kopsaftis explains why pain does not have to be a natural part of aging. She shares the most common myths about decline, how the brain loses contact with parts of the body, and why most people unknowingly train in ways that reinforce stiffness instead of reducing it. Eileen demonstrates a simple seated three-plane routine to improve thoracic rotation, release the neck, and support lower back health. We discuss why manual therapy can be supportive but never restores function on its own, how much daily movement is needed, and why strength gains are possible at any age. A hopeful and highly useful episode for anyone who wants to move better, feel better, and age with freedom instead of fear.

Betrayal trauma expert Mr. Jay explains what betrayal trauma really is, why it rewires the nervous system, and how to rebuild safety, trust, and self-worth from the inside out. A powerful, practical conversation on healing, boundaries, and self-leadership.

What if vitality is not about pushing harder, but about listening more deeply? In this conversation with Dr. Deborah Zucker, naturopathic physician, mental-health counselor, and author of The Vitality Map, we explore the nine keys to deep vitality. Deborah shares her own health crisis, the wake-up call that changed her life, and the foundational skills most of us were simply never taught: attunement, listening to inner feedback, embracing our shadows, and cultivating “easeful discipline.” We talk about burnout, overwhelm, early warning signs, micro-resilience practices, and the courage to honour your Deep Yes. This episode is especially relevant for leaders navigating high pressure environments, busy professionals on the edge of exhaustion, and anyone who wants to reconnect with their own wellbeing as a daily practice.

What does it take to move from surviving to truly thriving after trauma? In this powerful episode, Dr. Dawnmarie Risley-Childs, a psychiatrist, author of The Offering, and self-proclaimed “Hope Dealer”, shares her personal journey through childhood abuse, complex PTSD, and the radical act of forgiving without forgetting. Together, we explore how trauma shapes the nervous system, how healing can begin through the body, and why reclaiming your personal power as a woman means no longer settling for crumbs.

In this episode, Christine explores The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz — a timeless guide to personal freedom and self-leadership. These four simple yet profound principles can transform the way you relate to yourself and others: Be impeccable with your word Don’t take anything personally Don’t make assumptions Always do your best Christine connects each agreement to her NeuroPositive framework, showing how Presence, Perspective, and Progress can turn these ideas into daily practice.

In this solo episode, Christine Schickinger explores a timeless communication method that helps you say less - and mean more: the Pyramid Principle by Barbara Minto. If you’ve ever been told to “get to the point,” or struggled to make your ideas heard, this method will transform how you structure your thoughts, presentations, and even emails.

Bianca D’Alessio is one of New York’s top real estate leaders, a TV personality from Selling the Hamptons, and the author of Mastering Intentions: 10 Practices to Amplify Your Power and Lead with Lasting Impact. In this episode, we talk about why purpose and intention matter more than goal-chasing, how to quiet the “brain bully” that sabotages success, and how to play the long game in leadership and life.

When success turns hollow, how do you find your way back to purpose? Christine talks with lawyer-turned-novelist Anusia Gillespie about burnout, healing, and her debut novel Soul Toll, which blends ambition with spiritual awakening.

What if your creativity didn’t have to please anyone but yourself? In this inspiring conversation, Amandine de Gaspari—a neurodivergent, purpose-driven coach—talks with Christine Schickinger about embracing your authentic voice, finding freedom in creativity, and redefining what it means to “be too much.”

In this inspiring episode of Lead Well!, I talk with Kevin Field, co-founder of WeFayo – a free platform connecting over 180 communities across the U.S. for families and individuals living with medical conditions or special needs. Kevin shares how his journey with his wife’s Crohn’s disease and raising a child with special needs turned into a mission: building a place where no one has to navigate health challenges alone.

What if respect and safety were the standard in every home? In this episode of Lead Well!, I speak with Sabrina Osso, founder and CEO of Osso Safe, about her mission to create safe environments where people live, learn, work, and play. Sabrina shares her powerful story as a survivor of violence, how her one-woman show grew into a movement, and why safety at home impacts every part of our lives - from school to the workplace. We also talk about her Home Safe Home children’s book, the Osso Safe property certification, and the small but impactful ways anyone can intervene to give power back to victims.

What if the answers you’ve been searching for were already inside you? In this conversation with Jamie Lerner, Integrating Wellbeing Therapist and co-author of The Ever Loving Essence of You, we explore how to shift the stories that keep us stuck, tap into our intuition, and build more authentic connections — with ourselves, others, and even nature.

In this episode of Lead Well!, Christine talks with Rebecca Bush, a specialist in dyslexia who brings both professional expertise and lived insight into what it means to learn differently. We explore: Why dyslexia is about much more than reading difficulties The hidden strengths of dyslexic thinkers – from creativity to problem-solving Practical ways to support children and adults with dyslexia How workplaces can better include neurodiverse talent Whether you’re a parent, teacher, leader, or someone navigating dyslexia yourself, this conversation will inspire you to see learning differences through a new lens.

When I asked Letitia Blanker how she was doing, she answered with two words: “I am.” In this conversation, Letitia opens up about a season when everything seemed to land at once: her father’s sudden illness, the end of a 20-year relationship, selling her home, losing her job—and then a breast cancer diagnosis just one month later. What surprised both of us: cancer didn’t break her. It gave her structure and even purpose for a time. We also talk about: Why she always wears purple, and what it means to her Discovering she’s highly gifted at 58, and how that reframed her story Her dream of becoming a different kind of funeral guide Living with the aftermath of loss while still moving forward It’s not a tidy story. But it’s an honest one—and if you’re in a hard stretch yourself, I think Letitia’s words will feel like company.

This week I talk to Pia Mailhot-Leichter. Her book "Welcome to the Creative Club: Make Life Your Biggest Art Project" is part memoir, part manifesto, and part gentle rebellion against the myth that “creativity” belongs only to the gifted few. We talk about: How Pia rediscovered her creativity on a Trans-Siberian journey Why neuroscience shows your best ideas come during rest (hello showers & daydreams!) The courage it takes to share meaningful creations — and why vulnerability connects us all Practical ways to create space for imagination, even in busy lives Why life itself is an “active sport” and you are the creative director of your own story

Apologies for the suboptimal audio. This topics seems so important we still decided to publish it. What really happens in the psychoanalyst’s office? Silences, dreams, and breakthroughs that can change a life. In this powerful conversation, Joan K. Peters shares her rare decision to reveal the private world of her psychoanalysis in her memoir Untangling. Twice in her life, Joan entered the deep work of exploring her psyche - once in her twenties, and again in her sixties. She opens up about loneliness, nightmares, family trauma, and the discoveries that brought her freedom. This episode is an invitation to look at the signals of your own psyche, and how awareness can lead to profound healing.

What if you’re not actually stuck — you’re just tuned into the wrong timeline? In this episode, I talk with Wendy Paquette, Reality Architect and master of energetic congruence, about how leaders (and anyone) can shift from outdated programming into an aligned, soul-led life.

Feeling burned out? Discover how nature can reset your nervous system and restore your energy. In this episode, award-winning landscape architects Elizabeth Boults and Chip Sullivan, authors of Wisdom of Place, share their R.O.O.T. method—a simple, science-backed way to reduce stress and reconnect with the world around you.

George Dubec has seen it all — from the disco era to scheduling Tony Robbins. In this episode of Lead Well!, I talk with The Ultimate Networker about what it takes to build authentic relationships in business and life — and why it matters more than ever today.

Can a dandelion heal your stress? Master healer and urban forager Megan Edge shares how to use nature as medicine—right in the middle of the city. From foraging lavender and seaweed to hugging trees and talking to plants, this conversation will shift how you see the natural world around you.

What does it take to become the #1 salesperson in the world—three times? In this powerful conversation, Holly A. Moe reveals it’s not about numbers, it’s about people, purpose, and mindset. In this episode of Lead Well!, Christine and Holly explore: Why growth mindset is more than a buzzword The surprising key to lasting sales success How personal transformation fuels professional impact Why EQ is a top performance predictor—and how to build it Holly shares her journey from top performer to founder of Matters of Growth, and why helping others grow is her deepest mission.

Feeling burned out or stuck on a path that no longer feels right? You’re not alone. In this inspiring conversation, Christine sits down with leadership coach and speaker James Robbins to talk about his personal journey from burnout to breakthrough—and the deeper work of discovering your true path. You’ll hear: – What led James to question his career in ministry – How burnout showed up in his body before his mind caught on – Why many of us follow outdated “maps” for success – What it really takes to lead with purpose, energy, and courage This episode will help you reflect, realign, and find your own call to climb.

In dieser besonderen deutschsprachigen Episode von LeadWell spreche ich mit Julien Gapin – Trainer für Deeskalation und Experte für Aggressionsmanagement mit über 25 Jahren Erfahrung in der Psychiatrie. Vom Hochsicherheitsbereich bis in die Wirtschaft: Julien zeigt, warum Beziehungsebene alles ist – und wie wir Menschen auch in emotional extremen Situationen erreichen können. Was du in dieser Folge lernst: Warum logische Argumente im Stress völlig ins Leere laufen Wie du mit wenigen Worten eine aggressive Situation entschärfst Was es wirklich braucht, damit Menschen sich gesehen fühlen Wie du dieses Wissen auch als Führungskraft im Alltag nutzen kannst

Can meditation replace sleep? Not quite — but both are essential. In this episode of Lead Well!, I unpack the real differences between meditation and sleep — how they affect your brain, your hormones, and your nervous system. You'll learn why both are vital, but in totally different ways. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel clearer after meditating than after a full night’s rest — this one’s for you. You'll learn: Why meditation is relaxation for the mind How sleep restores the brain physically What happens in your EEG, hormone levels, and stress system Practical ways to use both for more energy, clarity, and resilience

She let her spirit take over — and everything changed. In this powerful conversation, Christine interviews Lori Pappas — a tech entrepreneur turned global humanitarian — about transformation, resilience, and reconnecting with the “wise woman within.”

I thought I was just tired.
Until I couldn’t focus, couldn’t feel — and couldn’t smile. In this deeply personal episode, I share my own story of burnout:
What led up to it, what it felt like from the inside, and what finally helped me find my way back. If you’ve ever wondered whether you might be heading toward burnout — or how to support someone who is — this episode is for you.

What if your stress speaks louder than your words? In this short and powerful episode, Christine explores how your inner state influences everyone around you—whether it’s your team, your partner, or your dog.
She shares real-life stories from her work with animals and leaders, explains the “Go First” principle, and gives you a practical 10-second reset to help you regulate your energy before any interaction. Whether you're leading a team or trying to calm your horse, this episode will help you show up with more presence, clarity, and calm.