Live To Lead

In this episode, we’re talking about contagious leadership. The kind that shapes culture, calls out misalignment, and refuses to protect comfort over truth. This is not about being liked. This is about being responsible for the environment you help create every single day.If you’ve ever felt the tension between keeping the peace and doing what is right… this conversation is for you. 

Stop waiting for the perfect conditions to make a move. Leadership isn’t about timing. It’s about courage. In this episode, Kristin breaks the mindset that keeps high performers stuck in dead-end roles or environments where their contributions are overlooked. Learn the three signals that it’s time to plan your next chapter without abandoning your current responsibilities or letting loyalty to your team hold you back. It’s time to lead your life, not just your job.

High-performing leaders are often blind to the most critical risk in their organizations: the quiet erosion of talent and trust. In this episode, we uncover why the strongest people leave long before boards even notice, the hidden patterns that signal cultural decay, and what it takes for senior leaders to see, act, and protect what matters most. By the end, you will walk away with three actionable strategies to preserve your top talent, strengthen your culture, and lead with precision under pressure.

You're fast. You're sharp. You see three moves ahead while everyone else is still processing move one. And somehow, that's become your biggest leadership problem.In this five-minute wake-up call, Kristin Browning breaks down why the traits that made you exceptional are now holding your team back. If you've ever wondered why your high-performing, fast-moving leadership style creates more questions than clarity, or why your team waits for you instead of taking initiative, this episode will flip your entire approach.This isn't about slowing down. It's about leading smarter.

It's a new year. Same boardroom. Same seat. But are you the same leader?In this power-packed episode, Kristin Browning challenges the myth that transformation requires complete reinvention. The truth? The best leaders don't overhaul everything in January. They make strategic micro-shifts that create exponential impact.In under 10 minutes, you'll discover: Why consistency got you to the boardroom, but evolution keeps you relevant The three questions every established leader needs to answer in 2026 How to identify the ONE approach that will unlock disproportionate results The trap most leaders fall into (hint: it's treating learning like the finish line instead of the starting block)This isn't about New Year's resolutions or reinventing your values. This is about taking what you already know and leading differently because of it.Perfect for executives, senior leaders, and anyone who's ready to stop collecting leadership advice and start implementing it.

In this episode of the Live To Lead podcast, Kristin Browning delves into the profound connection between leadership and self-awareness. Reflecting on the lessons of 2025, Kristin shares personal insights on how physical signals can guide us in aligning with our core values and making impactful decisions. Tune in to explore the importance of listening to your body, setting boundaries, and embracing small adjustments for authentic leadership. Whether you're an executive or aspiring leader, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help you navigate the challenges of the new year with courage and clarity.

The best leaders don’t chase titles, they chase impact. In this episode, we’re calling in the ones who wake up ready—ready to do what’s right, to receive feedback with humility, and to lead like people actually matter. Because they do. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence. It's for the leader who knows progress doesn’t happen without people, and that the real flex is showing up consistently with integrity, care, and courage. If you're that kind of leader—or you're becoming one—this conversation will meet you right where you are and lift you even higher.

In this episode of Live to Lead, Dr. Mike Durnin—keynote speaker, mentor, and president of Via Crucis Leadership—joins us to talk about what it truly means to be a servant leader, especially in the face of chaos, challenge, and toxic environments.With over 40 years of leadership experience, Dr. Durnin shares practical insights and lived wisdom for leaders who want to make a lasting impact while staying grounded in purpose, people, and personal values. Whether you’re leading a team, influencing from the middle, or navigating systems that don’t always honor servant leadership, this conversation will encourage and equip you to keep showing up.

What happens when a high-performing leader decides the traditional 9-to-5 isn’t enough? Kristyn Drennen, co-founder and CEO of TransformCXO, joins us to talk about building a company that empowers leadership teams across the country to scale faster and exit stronger. As a Fractional Integrator, Chief Transformation Officer, and strategic growth advisor, Kristyn is redefining what it means to lead with both heart and rigor.In this conversation, we unpack the most common mistakes leaders make, how toxic workplaces stunt progress, and what it takes to create real transformation within an organization. Kristyn shares why she left the traditional career path, what frustrated her most about corporate life, and how leaders can break free from limiting environments to build something extraordinary.If you’re a business owner, leader, or someone navigating a challenging workplace, this episode is packed with insights to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re cruising on a smooth path or clawing your way through the rough, every step of your journey as a leader is shaping you. In this episode, we unpack how the terrain you’re walking through—easy or hard—is not just part of leadership, it is the leadership classroom. Tune in for a powerful reflection on resilience, perspective, and leading with presence no matter what lies ahead.

In this special episode of Live to Lead, I sit down with the man who shaped my leadership journey—my father. A seasoned leader who rose through the ranks with grit, vision, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right, he shares wisdom earned through decades of experience. Together, we dive into today’s toughest workplace challenges: cultures that reward mediocrity, ignore toxicity, and neglect the human side of leadership. Through the lens of my doctoral research on workplace bullying and mobbing, we explore how real leaders protect their people, demand excellence, and hold the line on values—even when it’s hard. This is a raw, real, and timely conversation for anyone ready to lead with courage in environments that desperately need it.

Ever find yourself in meetings where you're more of a spectator than a contributor? This episode dives deep into those moments when your presence feels undervalued and your voice goes unheard. We’ll explore the signs that you may be in the wrong room, why retreating might actually be your soul’s SOS, and how to assess if the problem lies within you—or the team around you. From underprepared colleagues to stagnant conversations, I’ll guide you through high-level strategies for reclaiming your voice or knowing when it’s time to respectfully bow out. This one’s for the professionals ready to stop shrinking and start showing up where they’re meant to lead.

In this episode, we sit down with Carmen Orr, a seasoned operations leader and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience, to explore the evolution of leadership, the power of values-driven leadership, and the impact of emotional intelligence on team dynamics. As Senior Vice President at Think2Perform, Carmen specializes in Fractional COO services and leadership development, helping organizations align with their core values to achieve sustainable growth.Carmen shares her journey from the financial services sector to leading small and mid-size businesses, offering valuable insights into aligning personal and organizational values. She discusses the importance of bringing your best self to work, leading through resistance, and maintaining composure during high-pressure moments. Reflecting on her leadership evolution, Carmen reveals the most significant lesson she’s learned and how it’s shaped her approach today.Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your leadership journey, Carmen’s wisdom will inspire you to build a culture of accountability, excellence, and purpose within your team. Tune in for a transformative conversation on leadership, fractional operations, and how to scale effectively in today’s business world.

Let’s get real—are you thriving in your career, or just tolerating it? Are you stuck in a role that keeps you boxed in, stagnant, or painfully comfortable? If you wake up dreading the workday, feeling unseen, undervalued, and unchallenged, it’s time for a serious gut check.In this episode, we’re cutting through the excuses and calling out the silent compromises you’ve been making. You’re not getting any younger, and your career isn’t a waiting room—it’s a playing field. If you’re not growing, developing, and making an impact, then what the heck are you still doing there?It’s time to hang in spaces where you are seen, where you matter, and where you give yourself the same shot at success that you so easily give to others. No more tolerating—it’s time to elevate.Listen now and make the move.

Are You Choosing Not to See? – A Power-Packed 5-Minute Leadership Wake-Up CallIn this episode of the Under 5 Series, we tackle a leadership blind spot that can cost you everything—your credibility, your influence, and your top talent. Are you truly seeing the common denominators in your team's feedback, or are you dismissing critical signals for change?Whether you're a C-suite leader or a business owner, your most trusted players are your integrators—the ones who execute on your vision. But if you're too focused on defending the status quo, taking things personally, or simply refusing to see what’s right in front of you, you risk losing the very people who drive your success.In just five minutes, we’ll challenge you to remove the blinders, recognize the patterns, and respond with clarity. Because leadership isn’t just about having a vision—it’s about being willing to see.Listen now and ask yourself: Are you choosing not to see?

In this first episode of our workplace bullying series, we dive into the subtle and overt behaviors that create toxic environments, explore the psychological impact on employees, and discuss strategies for fostering a culture of respect and accountability.

In this episode, we’re breaking through the barriers of opposition and reclaiming our power. When someone tries to block your influence or limit your success, it’s not a setback—it’s fuel for your next move. Tune in to learn how to turn resistance into resilience, outmaneuver the doubters, and own the room, no matter who’s trying to hold you back.

Welcome to Under Five Minutes, the podcast for go-getters who are ready to crush it in their workplace or business. In each fast-paced episode, we drop powerful, no-BS strategies to help you become the driver of your career—commanding respect as a credible expert and lean authority. No fluff, just the real talk you need to dominate. Ready to take control? Let’s get started.

As leaders, we’re wired to deliver excellence-driving results, meeting deadlines, and juggling responsibilities that leave little room for much else. But what happens when the vision you’re working so hard for isn’t your own? When the relentless pull of your true passion refuses to be ignored?In this episode of Live to Lead, it’s raw, real, and a wake-up call: time and opportunity won’t align on their own-you have to create the space to build.

Are you feeling stuck and wondering how to move forward in your career or business? It is time to shake things up. In “Stay Ready: Breaking Stagnation in Your Career and Business,” we dive into the strategies you need to stay ahead of the game. From mastering industry trends to building a personal brand that shows you are ready for more, this episode is your wake-up call to leave complacency behind and embrace growth.What You Will Learn:• How to recognize and break free from stagnation in your career or business• Why continuous learning is the ultimate way to stay relevant• Actionable strategies to prepare for promotions, new opportunities, or bold career changes• How to connect with innovative organizations and position yourself as a top contenderGet ready to fuel your ambition, take charge of your professional journey, and step confidently into your next big opportunity. Do not wait for success. Stay ready to make it happen.

Ever walk into a room charged with your own momentum, only to feel the energy fall flat? In this episode, we dive deep into Momentum and Energy in Mixed-Enthusiasm Rooms. You will learn how to recognize the emotional impact of being surrounded by low-energy vibes, protect your momentum like the asset it is, and subtly shift the room’s dynamic with emotional leadership. Discover why not everyone is on the same chapter of their journey, and how that diversity can actually fuel your growth. Most importantly, we show you how to stay rooted in your ‘why,’ and leverage your personal energy to crush your goals, no matter the room. This isn’t just about navigating the vibe, it is about owning your space and thriving. Let’s go!

Join us for a candid discussion on the delicate balance of developing thick skin while maintaining healthy boundaries. As leaders, we often encounter tough challenges that test our resilience, but it's equally important to recognize when thick skin crosses into tolerating mistreatment. In this episode, we explore the necessity of standing firm on our expectations for how we're treated in our professional spaces. If you're ready to draw a line in the sand and reclaim your professional dignity, this conversation is for you. Let's navigate the path to confidence and resilience while honoring our right to be treated with fairness and kindness.

In this episode, we dive into the essential art of knowing when to step back. Whether you're a busy leader or someone navigating the complexities of life, giving yourself grace and space to reevaluate, readjust, and evolve is crucial. Join us as we take a hard look at what's working and what's not within our personal and professional spheres. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a critical practice to ensure that our efforts in serving others also serve us. Get ready for a tough but necessary conversation about how you're navigating your life and how you're being valued in return.

Have you ever faced criticism that left you feeling disheartened, overwhelmed, or unsure of your own abilities? We all encounter critics in various aspects of our lives, whether it's in our personal relationships, professional endeavors, or creative pursuits. This podcast is here to empower you to handle criticism with confidence and transform it into a catalyst for growth and improvement.

Welcome to today's podcast on "Leading Yourself First." In this episode, we will explore the importance of self-leadership and why it's crucial to lead yourself first before leading others. As a leader, you have the responsibility to guide and inspire those around you. However, before you can effectively lead others, you must first lead yourself. Self-leadership is about taking ownership of your actions, making conscious decisions, and being accountable for your results. It's about developing self-awareness, managing your emotions, and staying focused on your goals. Join us as we discuss the essential qualities of self-leadership and learn how to cultivate these skills to become a better leader.

Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your leadership journey, this podcast will offer practical wisdom to help you lead with confidence, clarity, and grace. So join me on this journey of self-discovery and growth as we explore the power of grace within, as a leader.

Welcome to our podcast, where we explore the art of navigating through stuck areas. Life is full of challenges and obstacles that can leave us feeling stuck and unsure of how to move forward. Whether it's a personal issue, a career roadblock, or a relationship problem, we all face moments when we feel trapped and unable to make progress.But what if we could learn how to navigate through these stuck areas and emerge stronger and more resilient? What if we could use these moments as opportunities for growth and transformation?

When our plans start to play out we may find ourselves at a crossroad, which undoubtedly confuses us. Tune in to find out why I think this happens and how to solve for it! 

It is time to quit losing your motivation and mojo because you get stuck on how to apply and invite in the “new” into your life. Sometimes people get stuck merely because they are inspired by something because it finally feels good to be inspired, but the “thing” that inspired them to begin with may or may not be designed for them. Then a crazy thing happens, which I call “application confusion.” People tend to get stuck and spiral out because they do not know how to apply the new “thing” into their lives or they realize it wasn’t designed for them because there is something better and more customized for their passion work! Tune in now and let’s uncover how to flip the script and getting you moving into application and action! Tune in now! 

You have to think differently and perfect your voice. Let's talk about it together in under five minutes.

It is a mistake to think all of the conditions must be perfect in order to get something off the ground or make a necessary shift. Let's discuss why this is not true.

Your situation is going to change, but it is up to you to make it happen. See you on the other side of the podcast!  Enjoy!

You have to be true to the calling of "change." If your soul and heart needs you to pivot, you must take the necessary forward steps to adjust up towards the change. Let's have a conversation.

Quit paying attention to other people and re-shift your focus on your own deserved results! Let's chat for 5 minutes about this vital topic!

Your attention and time is not FREE! Be selective. Let's talk about why by tuning in now.

Never stop challenging yourself! Tune in now and let's talk about why it is important to keep pushing forward.

It is not always easy to embrace the dedication, strength and bravery to make bold decisions towards change. However, it is necessary. I know you know the depth of the changes and shifts you need to make, so if you are looking for an easy tackle on how to do that along with a boost of motivation...tune in now.  Let's go! 

It takes time to gain traction and that is perfectly OK! Let's chat together in 2021!

Take the time necessary to reflect. Why is this important? Tune in now and find out.

Make this crazy year the one for you!

Let's not be a victim during trying times, let's conquer them.

Let's re-evaluate resistance!

Let’s reclaim our focus, shall we?

Do you have unhealed and unprocessed feelings you need to address? Let’s talk.