Decoding the Unicorn: The Podcast

You can stand in Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza—just steps from the United Nations—and never learn who Dag Hammarskjöld was.No context. No explanation. Just a name on the street.In this episode of Decoding the Unicorn: The Podcast, I explore a strange and unsettling question:How does someone so important become so invisible?Dag Hammarskjöld wasn’t just a historical figure—he helped define modern diplomacy and led the United Nations through some of its most fragile moments. And yet, in the very city where his legacy should be alive and visible, his story is barely told.This isn’t just about a missing plaque.It’s about how history is remembered, and how it quietly fades.In this episode, I share: Why the absence of context in Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza matters  What happens when we reduce a legacy to a name alone  My own efforts to change that—and what I’ve discovered along the way Because sometimes, history isn’t overtly erased. It’s just not explained.***For insider information & spilled tea, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter, The Unicorn Dispatch, here: https://sara-causey.kit.com/2d8b7742ddSara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29th! ✨ #DagHammarskjöld #UNHistory #ForgottenHistory #HiddenHistory #NYCHistory #PublicHistory #HistoricalLegacy #QuietLeadership #Diplomacy #ColdWarHistory #UntoldStories #HistoryMatters #StoryBehindTheName #CulturalMemory #NewYorkCity 

What if the problem isn’t that you don’t know what to do…but that you’ve never really been taught how to know yourself?Let’s talk about self-knowledge—the kind that quietly reshapes your decisions, your relationships, and the direction of your life.Because most people aren’t actually lost. They’re just disconnected from themselves.#selfknowledge #feelingstuck #findyourdirection #personalgrowth #selfdiscovery #innerlife #emotionalintelligence #mindsetshift #lifedirection #clarity #purpose #knowyourself #growthjourney #midlifereflection #authenticliving ***For insider information & spilled tea, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter, The Unicorn Dispatch, here: https://sara-causey.kit.com/2d8b7742ddSara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29th! ✨

With the United States and Israel now at war with Iran, the headlines feel eerily familiar: escalation, retaliation, alliances hardening, and the fear that this could spiral into something much larger.So now that war has begun… what would Dag Hammarskjöld say?After all: history doesn’t just repeat.It warns.Links:https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZThttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1953_Iranian_coup_d%27%C3%A9tathttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1954_Guatemalan_coup_d%27%C3%A9tathttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2289560/episodes/14229543https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_Revolutionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973_Chilean_coup_d%27%C3%A9tathttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusto_Pinochet***For insider information & spilled tea, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter, The Unicorn Dispatch, here: https://sara-causey.kit.com/2d8b7742ddSara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29th! ✨

When you decide to level up in life, not everyone will go with you. And that's OK. They don't have to!Ken Atchity's book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Quit-Your-Live-Dreams/dp/1616086866***Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, The Unicorn Dispatch, here: https://sara-causey.kit.com/2d8b7742ddSara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29th! ✨#levelup #makingchanges #notallfriendshipsareforever 

The holiday season is over and most people are back to the daily grind. Is this really the best time to make a resolution? Nature is still asleep. The ground is fallow. Why do we do this to ourselves?Links:https://source.washu.edu/2019/12/new-years-resolution-wait-until-spring/https://www.bucksfamilynetwork.com/post/why-new-years-resolution-are-best-left-until-spring-mental-healthHousekeeping note: this podcast will be releasing on a monthly basis. I am low on time and my priority is ensuring that Simply Dag releases this summer, so I'll be publishing episodes once per month moving forward. ***Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, The Unicorn Dispatch, here: https://sara-causey.kit.com/2d8b7742ddSara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29th! ✨#newyearsresolutions #newyearnewme #SAD #wheeloftheyear #springisthetimeforchange #letsgobacktobed #hibernationtime 

I think everyone has an "I.G.Y." moment when they're young and then an "End of the Innocence" moment later. My "I.G.Y." moment was when the Berlin Wall came down. My "End of the Innocence" moment was 9/11. This time of the year, as we careen into the holiday season, it's important to remember that peace is possible. So are reconciliation and reunion. These were ideals that Dag espoused and they are as important now as ever. ***Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, The Unicorn Dispatch, here: https://sara-causey.kit.com/2d8b7742ddSara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29, 2026. #DagHammarskjöld #reconciliation #reunion #peace #happyholidays 

Does any of this "advice" sound familiar to you?Just start a business.Just freelance. Pursue self-employment.Monetize a hobby and make it full-time.If someone is unemployed, searching, and scared, this is what they often hear. Unfortunately, most small businesses fail and random visibility ≠ success, trust, new clients coming in, etc. Business gurus sell you using a familiar formula:You're doing _________ wrong.  →  But I know the secret.  →  And it's simple.🤔 Is it though? Let's explore...BLS stats on business failure: https://www.commerceinstitute.com/business-failure-rate/***Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, The Unicorn Dispatch, here: https://sara-causey.kit.com/2d8b7742ddSara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29, 2026. #businessfailure #badbusinessadvice #randomvisibility #salestactics #caveatemptor 

Gratitude is everywhere this time of year... on journals, Instagram posts, Pinterest boards, and inspirational mugs. Everyone talks about how important it is to "practice gratitude," but what happens if that becomes toxic gratitude?Real gratitude doesn’t require you to pretend. It doesn’t demand a smile or erase your struggles or silence your truth.If you’re tired of being told you "should be grateful," or you’ve ever felt guilty for not feeling thankful enough, this episode will feel like stepping back into your own skin.🧹Housekeeping note: the show will be on temporary hiatus until Tuesday, December 9th so that I can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and have some time to focus on Simply Dag.Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, The Unicorn Dispatch, here: https://sara-causey.kit.com/2d8b7742ddSara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29, 2026. 

Ever walk into a job and instantly know: “Oh… I don’t belong here.”That pressure shift. That spiritual eye-roll. That full-body Nope.In this episode, we talk about the unmistakable — and often ignored — feeling of being in the wrong room in your career, your work life, or your creative path. If your job drains you at the cellular level, if you’ve spent years forcing yourself into a shape that doesn’t fit, or if you feel like you’re cosplaying as a functional adult just to get through the day… this one’s for you.Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, The Unicorn Dispatch, here: https://sara-causey.kit.com/2d8b7742ddSara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29, 2026. #DecodingTheUnicorn #IntrovertLife #HSPCommunity #WrongRoom #CareerAlignment  #MeaningfulWork  #AuthenticLiving  

Even if you tried to live a bland, vanilla, unremarkable life, someone would still be offended. 🤷🏻‍♀️So what happens when you stop apologizing for having boundaries? When you finally say “no” — and mean it?In this episode, I’ll unpack the uncomfortable truth: if you’re not a doormat, you’re going to make enemies.If you’ve ever been gaslit for having standards or sticking up for yourself — this one’s for you.Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, The Unicorn Dispatch, here: https://sara-causey.kit.com/2d8b7742ddSara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29, 2026. #Boundaries #DoormatNoMore #SelfRespect #Empaths #Introverts #Creatives #SelfRespect #Integrity #Leadership #PeoplePleasing #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #HealthyBoundaries #Assertiveness #Authenticity #PeaceOverApproval #DoormatNoMore #SpiritualStrength #DecodingTheUnicorn #DagHammarskjöld

Ever find yourself cleaning up chaos you didn’t create? Perhaps you're considering a job or a promotion that will require you to clean up someone else's mess in a department or a company. Or maybe you own your own company and you hired someone who made a royal mess and now you have to clean it up. In this episode, we'll examine:Five things to do when you're handed a disasterFive things NOT to do when you're handed a disaster Because leadership isn’t just about vision and ambition — it’s also about knowing how to mop up with grace.Sara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29, 2026. #Leadership #WorkplaceWisdom #DecodingTheUnicorn #CareerGrowth #LeadershipTips #CrisisManagement #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalDevelopment #WorkplaceRecovery #FixTheMess #CalmLeadership #MindfulManagement #BusinessStrategy #DagHammarskjöld 

Let's pull back the curtain on the “expert economy” — that shiny world where everyone is suddenly a coach, consultant, or “thought leader.” From promises of million-dollar blueprints to endless coaching-of-coaches, I'd like to ask: Who’s actually doing the work anymore?Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo_cult#As_a_metaphorSara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29, 2026. #DecodingTheUnicorn #DagHammarskjold #BusinessAdvicePyramid #CoachingIndustry #Entrepreneurship #Authenticity #CreativeLife #ThoughtLeadership #DoersNotTalkers #PyramidSchemes 

Subtitle: Choosing Your Battles in the Marketplace of IdeasWe live in a world where every rumor, every hot take, and every twisted narrative can feel like a personal call to arms. But do we really need to chase down everything and everyone?Let's examine:Why not every rumor needs your responseHow Dag handled slander and misrepresentation during his lifetimeEight constructive alternatives when frustration with people or organizations flares upIf you’ve ever found yourself exhausted from trying to “set the record straight” again and again, this episode is your permission slip to step back, breathe, and focus on where your voice actually matters.Sara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29, 2026. #DecodingTheUnicorn #DagHammarskjöld #TruthAndRumor #ChooseYourBattles #MarketplaceOfIdeas #SpiritualLeadership #PodcastEpisode #SaraCausey #HistoricalReflection #YouDontHaveToCorrectEveryRecord 

Ever wonder what happens after you walk away from the job matrix? When the title, the paycheck, and the tidy calendar disappear—and you’re left staring at the open sky thinking, “Now what?”In this episode, I'll dive into the price of nonconformity and what it’s really like to navigate the liminal space—that raw, in-between season where the old life has ended and the new one hasn’t fully taken shape.This isn’t a “five steps to instant clarity” kind of episode. It’s honest. It’s tender. And it’s for anyone standing on that foggy shoreline, wondering what comes next.🌿 Listen If:You’ve recently quit or are thinking about leaving a traditional jobYou feel lost, unanchored, or like you’re “flying by the seat of your pants”You want a realistic, soulful perspective on transition seasonsYou’re craving reassurance that the fog doesn’t last foreverLinks:https://theintercept.com/2022/07/29/bank-of-america-worker-conditions-worse/https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vz3HKkVrJE4Sara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29, 2026.  #PriceOfNonconformity #LiminalSpace #LeavingTheMatrix #CreativeLife #DecodingTheUnicorn #PodcastEpisode #LifeTransitions #PurposeOverPaycheck #WhatNow 

Is gossip really harmless? Or is it one of the most destructive forces in how we remember—and forget—people? In this episode, I explore how gossip, even about historical figures like John F. Kennedy or Dag Hammarskjöld, is not just idle chit-chat. It corrodes truth, dehumanizes its subjects, and conveniently protects those in power. Gossip doesn’t just distort; it overwhelms. And when people get weary of sorting through contradictory stories, they fall into indifference.Drawing on Elie Wiesel’s powerful warning that indifference is more dangerous than anger and hatred and the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, I unpack how gossip creates decision fatigue, numbs compassion, and erases memory. Indifference is never neutral—it’s always on the side of the aggressor.Links:https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/wp-content/uploads/satevepost/mutiny-of-brando-1963.pdfhttps://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/ewieselperilsofindifference.htmlhttps://www.kennedysandking.com/john-f-kennedy-articles/241 Sara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29, 2026. #Gossip #DagHammarskjöld #JFK #Indifference #Podcast #DecodingTheUnicorn

Are you stuck in a job that drains you, wondering if there’s something more? ➡️ Why work isn’t the same as a calling.➡️ If you're "job hugging," can you take some time to consider what you feel meant to do?➡️ As Wayne Dyer always said, "Don't die with your music still inside."Sara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29, 2026. #DagHammarskjold #DecodingTheUnicorn #Vocation #CareerChange #BurnoutRecovery #WorkWithPurpose

Shortly after midnight on September 18, 1961, Dag Hammarskjöld’s plane went down near Ndola in Northern Rhodesia (today Zambia), cutting short both his life and his final mission to broker peace in the Congo. What was meant to be a daring act of shuttle diplomacy—flying directly into hostile territory to meet Moïse Tshombe—ended instead in fire, wreckage, and unanswered questions.Links:Part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2451415/episodes/17810545David Talbot's book: https://a.co/d/cQTxQl1#DagHammarskjöld #CongoCrisis #ColdWarHistory #Diplomacy #Peacekeeper #history #LegacyOfPeace #DagHammarskjold #decodingtheunicorn 

September 1961. UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld boards a plane into one of the most dangerous conflicts on earth: the Congo Crisis.Independence had unleashed chaos—rebellion, assassination, mercenaries, foreign powers all clawing for control of a nation rich in minerals and rife with instability. In the middle stood Hammarskjöld, trying to hold the line for peace while the Cold War raged around him.This episode sets the stage for his final journey. The stakes, the players, the madness. To understand what happened to Dag Hammarskjöld, you must first understand the fire he was flying into. #DagHammarskjöld #DecodingTheUnicorn #CongoCrisis #ColdWarHistory #UNHistory #HistoryPodcast #PoliticalHistory #AfricanHistory #MysteryAndHistory #WorldAffairs #DiplomacyMatters #HistoryUncovered #IntoTheFire #SecretHistory  All passages from Decoding the Unicorn: A New Look at Dag Hammarskjöld © Sara Causey.Sara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29, 2026. 

Do you have a dream or goal that feels too big because you can’t figure out how it will ever happen? You’re not alone. Many of us get stuck waiting for a step-by-step manual before we even start. The thing is: most great things in life don't arrive with a completed blueprint of how you'll get from Point A to Point B.Whether you’re writing a book, starting a business, or picturing the fulfillment of a personal vision, this episode will help you reconsider “how paralysis” and take the next step with confidence.#DecodingtheUnicorn #goals #dreams #DagHammarskjöld #trust #TypeA #TypeBSara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will release globally on July 29, 2026. 

Most people talk about fear of failure, but what about fear of success? For many, the idea of actually achieving their goals feels just as intimidating as falling short. In this episode, I'll explore five common signs that you may be holding yourself back, not because you’re afraid to fail, but because you’re afraid to succeed.Link:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah_complexYou can find Sara's books on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/sarasbooksonamazon. #FearOfSuccess #PersonalGrowth #SelfSabotage #DecodingTheUnicorn #MindsetShift #Leadership #Creativity #Motivation #DagHammarskjöld 

Ever worked at a company that "valued feedback" and touted an "open door policy" only to discover it was all bunk? Too many managers allow their own ego to rule the show and offices are set up like Survivor dog-eat-dog competitions. But there is a better way and Dag Hammarskjöld implemented it at the United Nations. If you're tired of bosses who don't listen and act like tyrants, tune in!You can find my award-winning biography of Dag Hammarskjöld on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZT. #DagHammarskjöld #badbosses #workplacehorror #activelistening #decodingtheunicorn #corporateamerica #workersdeservebetter 

Peer pressure. Criticism. Trendiness. If you know you're doing the right thing and staying true to your code of ethics, can you hold the line even under scrutiny? Dag Hammarskjöld certainly did, and we should, too. Sara's award-winning biography of Dag can be purchased on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZTHer forthcoming project, Simply Dag, will be available next summer.#DagHammarskjöld #ethics #stayingtruetoyourself #standup #decodingtheunicorn #SimplyDag 

(But it feels scary)In this episode, let's talk about willingness—not just the kind that nods politely from the sidelines, but the kind that stands up, takes a deep breath, and walks straight into the unknown.Dag Hammarskjöld wasn’t campaigning to become Secretary-General of the United Nations. In fact, his name wasn’t even in circulation—until it was. When the call came, he could’ve said no. But he agreed to the job. And with that, a man who cherished solitude, mountain air, and scholarly contemplation stepped onto the world stage during one of the most volatile eras in history.Whether you're at a crossroads, navigating a personal pivot, or simply feeling the nudge that there’s more ahead for you, this conversation is an invitation. Not to force change—but to welcome it.Link to the story I mention:https://www.today.com/video/creators-of-fake-feel-good-social-media-posts-speak-out-244297797575Sara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZT #DagHammarskjöld  #CourageToChange  #DecodingTheUnicorn  #WillingToGrow 

In this special episode of Decoding the Unicorn, let's celebrate the 120th birthday of Dag Hammarskjöld, whose remarkable life and legacy continue to inspire us today. Join me as I honor Dag's birthday by sharing an exclusive passage from my next Hammarskjöld project, Simply Dag.Whether you're already acquainted with Dag Hammarskjöld or just discovering his extraordinary journey, this episode serves as a meaningful tribute, a quiet celebration of a man whose timeless words and actions continue to resonate deeply.Tune in, reflect, and celebrate Dag Hammarskjöld's life—and perhaps, discover a little of your own story reflected in his. 💙#daghammarskjöld #decodingtheunicorn #simplydag #happybirthday #biography 

There's nothing worse than a manager or an official who's incapable of saying, "I'm sorry. I screwed up." Dag Hammarskjöld offers us an excellent example. When it was time for a victory lap, he credited his entire team. If something hit the fan, however, he took responsibility openly. No blame games. If you are running a company, a department, a branch, an office, etc., you must know how to take responsibility in a way that counts.Sara's award-winning biography of Dag can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Unicorn-New-Look-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld-ebook/dp/B0DSCS5PZT#DagHammarskjöld #responsibility #accountability #businessethics #customercare #decodingtheunicorn 

What happens when people feel seen and understood?In this episode of Decoding the Unicorn: The Podcast, I'll discuss something deceptively simple: belonging. Whether you’re managing a corporate team, collaborating on a creative project, or just trying to make it through day-to-day life, the need to feel valued is universal.#DagHammarskjöld #DecodingTheUnicorn #Belonging #Appreciation #CorporateCulture #QuietLeadership #EmpathyAtWork #EmotionalIntelligence #HumanFirst #Leadership #TheArtistsWay 

In a world obsessed with hustle, noise, and nonstop stimulation, what happens when we choose silence?In this episode, I'll explore the transformative power of quiet and stillness, particularly in politics, diplomacy, and the corporate world.Whether you’re an introvert who craves calm or a busy creative who struggles to slow down, this conversation invites you to reimagine stillness not as absence, but as presence.And yes, my attempts at quiet while recording this episode were foiled by Mother Nature. Oh, the irony!#DagHammarskjöld #StillnessMatters #QuietTime #CreativeMind #SoulCare #IntrovertLife #MindfulMoments #SacredSilence #SlowLivingSara's book Decoding the Unicorn: A New Look at Dag Hammarskjöld is available now! Click here to buy it on Amazon. 

What kind of leader runs toward the fire?In this episode, I'll explore the often-overlooked truth of Dag Hammarskjöld’s role as Secretary-General of the United Nations: it was not just diplomatic, but dangerous. When others fled war zones, Dag stepped into them. Any trip could have been his last, but he saddled up anyway. Where is this kind of courage in modernity?Sara's award-winning book, Decoding the Unicorn: A New Look at Dag Hammarskjöld, is available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/dYsncvJ#DagHammarskjöld #SecretaryGeneral #UNHistory #LeadershipMatters #CongoCrisis #Peacekeeper #WhenOthersRanAway #DecodingTheUnicorn #CourageOverComfort

People are tired of the seemingly permanent state of warfare. Where is diplomacy? Where is that person like Dag Hammarskjöld who will advocate for finding common ground rather than rushing to hit the war button?? #DagHammarskjöld #DecodingTheUnicorn #PermaWarFatigue #PeaceIsPower #NoMoreEndlessWars #diplomacy #diplomacymatters

In this episode of Decoding the Unicorn: The Podcast, I'll discuss what a lot of creators are too afraid to say out loud: what happens when you put your heart into a project and it goes absolutely nowhere.This episode is about giving yourself permission:to try something newto have a "box office flop"to walk away without shame or hustle-fueled martyrdomWhether you’ve launched something that fizzled or you’re quietly holding on to a project that no longer fits, this episode offers you a soft place to land—and a reminder that real creativity isn’t about success at all costs. #DecodingTheUnicorn #DagHammarskjöld #LetItGo #PivotWithGrace #OnlineCourseTruth #CreativeDiscernment #CreativeClarity #CreativeFreedom 

In this episode of Decoding the Unicorn: the Podcast, I'll explore the quiet, often unconscious force that shapes so much of how we see the world: projection. When the facts are few, our minds rush in to fill the gaps—sometimes with empathy, other times with fear, fantasy, or fragments of our own past.Whether it’s assuming someone’s coldness means they dislike us, or interpreting silence as rejection, or projecting heroism or villainy onto a person based on a sliver of their behavior—this episode reminds us that humility and curiosity are better guides than "certainty."#DecodingTheUnicorn #DagHammarskjöld #ProjectionPsychology #MindfulLiving #EmotionalIntelligence #SeeClearly #InnerWork #HumanNarrative #SpiritualGrowth #SelfAwareness #MythVsReality #UnpackingProjection #StorytellingWisely #CompassionateCuriosity #LeadershipWithHeart📚 Grab your copy of Decoding the Unicorn – the award-winning biography of Dag Hammarskjöld: https://a.co/d/2PlTHHL

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is back off. Allow a situation to breathe. Let people show you who they are and what they are willing and able to give.In this episode, I explore the quiet strength of restraint. What happens when you stop micromanaging the moment? What shifts when you choose to observe instead of intervene? Drawing inspiration from Dag Hammarskjöld’s own ability to lead without dominating, I reflect on the art of holding space—of letting people show you who they are, without scripting the outcome.This one’s for the overthinkers, the fixers, the perfectionists, the (recovering) Type As (like me), the ones who feel the weight of always having to manage the room. You don’t.Tune in and exhale.#DecodingTheUnicorn #DagHammarskjöld #IntrovertWisdom #QuietLeadership #ObserveDon’tControl #LetPeopleBe #EmotionalIntelligence #HoldSpace #PodcastLife #WriterLife #INFJThoughts #ModernMystic #HistoryWithHeart #MicromanagersAnonymous  📚 Grab your copy of Decoding the Unicorn – the award-winning biography of Dag Hammarskjöld: https://a.co/d/2PlTHHL✨ Subscribe for more insights into diplomacy, leadership, and the art of inner strength.

In this episode of Decoding the Unicorn: The Podcast, let's turn down the noise and tune into something far more radical: rest. 💤Downtime isn’t laziness—it’s medicine. Whether you're a sensitive soul, a creative powerhouse, or just someone trying to keep up with the chaos of modern life, rest is not optional. It heals. It replenishes. It’s necessary.If you've ever felt guilty for slowing down or unsure how to give yourself permission to be still, this one’s for you. Let’s normalize rest, celebrate quiet, and remember that even unicorns need a nap sometimes. 🦄💙#DTUPodcast #RestIsProductive #CreativeRecovery #SlowLiving #MentalHealthMatters #BurnoutRecovery #UnicornWisdom #PermissionToRest #HealingThroughRest #SelfCareIsSacred #StillnessIsPower #IntrovertLife

The bane of any introvert's work existence: groupthink.Managers may imagine it’s cozy and convenient . . . but it can be catastrophic.Key thoughts:✔️ Dag pushed against groupthink and cult-like tactics.✔️ There has to be a "solution" better than "everyone takes the talking stick during the meeting." 😖✔️ We can learn things even when we disagree with each other.Tune in, breathe deep, and join the quiet resistance.📚 Grab your copy of Decoding the Unicorn – the award-winning biography of Dag Hammarskjöld: https://a.co/d/2PlTHHL✨ Subscribe for more insights into diplomacy, leadership, and the art of inner strength.#Introverts #Groupthink #DagHammarskjöld #DTUPodcast #QuietLeadership #HSP #UNHistory #DecodingTheUnicorn 

What does it really mean to be an introvert in the modern workplace?In this episode of Decoding the Unicorn, we explore how introversion shows up at work—with Communication & Career Coach / fellow introvert, Madeline Schwarz. From "you're too quiet" to "lead this presentation for me," introverts and HSPs have to navigate a veritable minefield in Corporate America. Topics:✔️ How introversion is misunderstood in the workplace.✔️ When introverts feel pressured to "perform extroversion" just to get by. ✔️ Navigating high pressure / high stress environments, public speaking opportunities, etc., while introverted. ✔️ What can be done other than the old "just put yourself out there" advice that's not helpful.Links:https://www.madelineschwarzcoaching.com/get-clearhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-schwarz-coach/https://www.instagram.com/madeline.schwarz/https://www.facebook.com/madelineschwarzcoachingSara's book Decoding the Unicorn: A New Look at Dag Hammarskjöld is available now! Click here to buy it on Amazon. 

Today’s episode is short and sweet—because life threw a few curveballs, and I chose to roll with it. I'm talking about the difference between what actually happens and the story we create around it. Inspired by Dag Hammarskjöld’s own self-awareness and relentless inner work, this episode explores how he used personal triggers not as excuses, but as invitations to grow.How can we separate the raw facts from the narrative?How do we stop ourselves from spinning into old patterns (like Chicken Little)?And how did Dag approach personal development not as punishment, but as purpose?This one’s a quick listen—but it might shift the lens through which you see your day.You can find Dag's journal, Markings, here: https://a.co/d/7qrCM3Q📘 Want to learn more about Dag Hammarskjöld?Check out my award-winning book Decoding the Unicorn: A New Look at Dag Hammarskjöld👉 https://a.co/d/gp5fvrk🔔 Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell icon to follow this series.💌 Join the Unicorn Dispatch for updates and reflections: https://sara-causey.kit.com/2d8b7742dd #DagHammarskjöld #SelfAwareness #InnerWork #MindsetShift #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #DecodingTheUnicorn #SpiritualGrowth #StoryVsEvent #TriggeredButWise #PodcastWisdom #ConsciousLiving #ModernMystic #LegacyAndLeadership #ShortAndPowerful 

In this episode of Decoding the Unicorn: The Podcast, I'll dive into the classic novel The Ugly American and its portrayal of American "diplomacy" abroad during the Cold War. The book may have been published in 1958, but its message about cultural insensitivity and the failure to understand local customs still resonates today.I’ll also explore how this contrasts sharply with Dag Hammarskjöld’s approach to diplomacy during the same era. While others bulldozed their way through international relations, Dag exemplified cultural sensitivity, respect, and curiosity—traits that helped him connect with leaders around the world.Join me as we unpack the Ugly American stereotype, what Dag can teach us about quiet strength and diplomacy, and how cultural sensitivity remains a crucial skill in our interconnected world.Links: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289560/episodes/14539216https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ugly_American#DagHammarskjöld #CulturalSensitivity #TheUglyAmerican #DiplomacyMatters #LeadershipLessons #DecodingTheUnicorn #QuietStrength #GlobalAwareness #HistoricalInsights

Decoding the Unicorn: The Podcast - Episode 8 - Recognition, Appreciation, & Gratitude in the Workplace with Special Guest Erika MigliaccioIn this episode, I sat down with the Founder & Principal Consultant at Upstream HR Strategies  Erika Migliaccio to explore the powerful trio of recognition, appreciation, and gratitude in the workplace. Why do so many formal recognition programs fall flat? The corporate world must do better!Key Topics:✅ What's the difference between recognition and appreciation? Why does this matter?✅ A lot of companies have formal recognition programs yet most employees don't feel satisfied. There's clearly a disconnect. Why do so many leaders miss the mark?✅ After assuming the job of Secretary-General, Dag Hammarskjöld took the time to meet every UN employee personally. That amounted to about 4,000 people! Nowadays, we so often hear managers say, “Nope, I don’t have time.” What are some practical ways that leaders can create a real connection with their teams whether they are remote, hybrid, or fully in the office?✅ How can leaders become more intentional about creating meaningful moments of appreciation?✅ Appreciation, recognition, and psychological safety are intertwined. Dag was practicing concepts like workplace gratitude and psychological safety back in the 1950s! How does genuine recognition contribute to a culture where employees feel safe to speak up, take risks, and innovate?✅ How can managers balance all of their competing components, e.g., strict deadlines, solid performance goals, great customer service, etc., and still ensure that recognition and gratitude don’t fall to the wayside?✅ Many managers still assume that a paycheck is “enough” appreciation. How do you help leaders shift their mindset to see appreciation as a core part of effective leadership?Links:https://getgreetingsofgratitude.com/https://upstreamhr.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/eamigliaccio/ ***📖 Pick up a copy of Sara's award-winning biography Decoding the Unicorn today on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0D9xM3b. 💌 Join the Unicorn Dispatch newsletter: https://sara-causey.kit.com/2d8b7742dd#WorkplaceGratitude #EmployeeRecognition #DagHammarskjöld   #AppreciationMatters #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanCenteredLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #TeamCulture #ModernLeadership  #DecodingTheUnicorn #IntrovertLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #LeadershipPodcast #QuietLeadership #GratefulWorkplaces #RecognitionVsAppreciation 

In this episode of Decoding the Unicorn: The Podcast, I'll explore the quiet strength of Dag Hammarskjöld in the face of mass opinion—especially from the media. How do you stay true to your inner compass when the world is loud with critique? Dag’s life offers a masterclass.We can take inspiration from how Dag handled being both revered and reviled, often in the same breath. He knew how to discern which opinions mattered—and which didn’t. This episode isn’t just about Dag, though. It’s about you.How do you deal with other people’s judgments, unsolicited advice, or internet chatter? What does it mean to live with integrity when everyone feels entitled to weigh in?🦄 As always, we'll seek to decode the unicorn—not to place him on a pedestal, but to learn how he walked the path with grace under pressure.#DagHammarskjöld #Leadership #IntrovertLeadership #Opinions #MediaCriticism #QuietStrength #DecodingTheUnicorn #INFJLeaders #DecodingTheUnicornPodcast #EthicalLeadership #UNHistory #LiveWithIntegrity

In this episode, I'm joined by my special guest, Jen Recla. We'll discuss ways to navigate change and uncertainty in the workplace because *gestures broadly* we seem to be in uncertain times across the board. Key topics: ✔️ Leaders must deal with uncertainty on a regular basis. What's the biggest mistake they make when doing so?✔️ How can managers help morale and trust when things feel unsettled?✔️ Dag Hammarskjöld led the UN through some of the most volatile moments in history, but he stayed calm and focused on service. How can modern leaders avoid Chicken Little syndrome and maintain integrity even in a pressure cooker?✔️ Why a people-first mentality is so important even in times of crisis.✔️ How can a business focus on practicalities while not allowing the needs of its employees to fall to the wayside?✔️ Some managers believe that they need to have all the answers - that if they were to say, “I don’t know” or “I’m not sure,” they would lose the respect of their team. How can they adopt a mindset of curiosity and adaptability without losing credibility?✔️ Change fatigue is real. How can we deal with it?Links: https://www.jenrecla.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferrecla/ ***📖 Pick up Decoding the Unicorn today on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0D9xM3b. 

In this episode, I dive into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of Dag Hammarskjöld’s legacy: the danger of idolizing and martyrizing him to the point of erasing his humanity.Dag was a remarkable leader, diplomat, and thinker, but he was also a human being with complexities, insecurities, and worries. Too often, people want to place him on a pedestal or label him as a martyr for world peace. But when we reduce him to an untouchable ideal, we risk losing sight of what made him truly inspiring—his human qualities, his struggles, and his quiet, steadfast courage.Join me as I push back against the narrative that seeks to turn Dag into a graven image. Let’s talk about why it’s essential to remember the real Dag—the man who worked tirelessly, navigated impossible challenges, and remained deeply human through it all. We’ll explore why keeping him real not only honors his legacy but also makes his story more relatable and inspiring for those who seek to live with integrity and purpose.Tune in for an honest, thoughtful exploration of why Dag was—and always will be—so much more than just an idol or a martyr.📖 Read Decoding the Unicorn: https://a.co/d/0D9xM3b. 

In this episode, I'm joined by Founder & CEO of Grapevine Software, Zach Wright. Key topics:✔️ The news stories telling us that remote work is dead, RTO is king, and that all employees now somehow prefer hybrid arrangements. 🤔 Is this true?✔️  Dag believed that leadership was about service, not status. In a fully remote environment, how can leaders make sure that employees still feel seen, valued, and appreciated outside of the typical brick-and-mortar office?✔️ Some companies rely on AI for feedback and/or they toss out a $5 gift card and assume that's enough to say, "You've done a great job." How can organizations use technology yet not become impersonal?✔️ When working with a global team, how can you practice cultural sensitivity? Links:You can find Zach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-wright-mba/And Grapevine here: https://www.grapevinesoftware.io/***📖 Pick up Decoding the Unicorn today on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0D9xM3b. 

aka: TTW Dag met all 4,000 employees at the UN. When Dag Hammarskjöld became Secretary-General of the United Nations, he did something that no one expected—he took the time to meet every single UN staff member, from the basement to the top floor. That’s over 4,000 people. Individually!This wasn’t a publicity stunt. It wasn’t about ego. It was about connection.Yet, despite this, myths about introverts and highly sensitive people (HSPs) persist. We’re often told we need to “come out of our shells” to be effective leaders, that we need to be louder, bolder, or more extroverted to succeed. But Dag’s leadership shows us a different path—one that values thoughtfulness, quiet confidence, and deep engagement over shallow charisma.In this episode, we’ll explore: ✅ How Dag Hammarskjöld shattered the myth that introverts can’t lead ✅ The power of intentional, personal connection in leadership ✅ Why you don’t have to change who you are to be effective—you just need to lead on your own termsI'll also read an excerpt from Decoding the Unicorn, where I recount Dag’s building tour and what it reveals about his character.So if you’ve ever been told you’re “too quiet” to lead—this one’s for you.📖 Read Decoding the Unicorn: https://a.co/d/0D9xM3b.  

When you think of a leader, do you picture someone loud, brash, and commanding? Society often equates leadership with extroversion (especially in the West), but history tells a different story. In this episode, I'll challenge the myth that leaders have to be loud in order to be effective. I'll explore how introverted leadership works, particularly by studying the example of Dag Hammarskjöld, and why it’s often more impactful in the long run.Key topics:✅ Why society assumes leaders must be extroverted—and why that’s wrong✅ How introverts like Dag Hammarskjöld shaped history through quiet leadership✅ Why introverted leaders excel in high-stakes situations✅ Practical strategies to lead authentically without faking extroversion✅ How to find the right balance between speaking up and leading through actionIf you've ever felt like you didn't fit the traditional leadership mold, this episode is for you. It’s time to embrace the power of quiet leadership and redefine what it means to lead.🎧 Listen now and discover how to harness your introverted strengths to make a lasting impact.

In a world that rewards loud voices, where does that leave the quiet leaders? Today, politics, business, and media glorify "charisma" over competence, mistaking performance for wisdom. But what if true leadership doesn’t look like the loudest voice in the room?In this episode, we'll explore the bias toward extroverted leadership, why it's failing us, and how leaders like Dag Hammarskjöld offer a desperately needed alternative.Topics include:✅ How modern leadership favors showmanship over substance✅ Why introverts and deep thinkers are overlooked—and why that’s dangerous✅ How Dag led with intellect, integrity, and quiet strength✅ What today’s world can learn from his leadership in a crisis✅ Practical takeaways for embracing introverted leadership in your own lifeIf you’ve ever felt like your quiet nature was a disadvantage in leadership, this episode is for you. Let's challenge the extrovert bias—and redefine what real leadership looks like.Links:https://thisibelieve.org/essay/16608/For more, please check out Decoding the Unicorn: A New Look at Dag Hammarskjöld. Click here to buy it on Amazon. 

Welcome to Decoding the Unicorn: The Podcast. What is this? Who am I? What can you expect?New episodes forthcoming in March!***You can find my book Decoding the Unicorn: A New Look at Dag Hammarskjöld on Amazon.

Get ready to uncover the real Dag Hammarskjöld. Decoding the Unicorn: The Podcast goes beyond the history books to explore Hammarskjöld’s leadership, spirituality, and the myths that have shaped his legacy.Subscribe now and be the first to hear new episodes. You can find Sara's book Decoding the Unicorn: A New Look at Dag Hammarskjöld on Amazon.Episodes drop in March!