Leading With Instinct

We’ve all noticed it. Maybe we’ve even felt it ourselves. Something feels off…but no one says a word. The meeting moves forward, heads nod, decisions get made. Yet, underneath it all, there’s hesitation, concern, even disagreement that never surfaces. It looks like alignment. But sometimes, it’s something far more dangerous. Strategic silence can cripple an organization.In this conversation on the Leading with Instinct podcast, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, unpack the concept of “strategic silence,” inspired by a Benjamin Laker article in Forbes Magazine on why employees stop speaking up and why leaders often miss it.Strategic silence is a hidden cost in organizations, from lost trust to wasted time and massive financial impact. And it can happen to leaders as well as employees, in themselves, and in how they encourage their team to share and engage.Takeaways– Strategic silence isoften self-protection from risk, judgment, or consequence– When leaders ignore or dismiss input, people stop speaking up altogether– Silence in teams creates hidden costs such as lost time, poor decisions, and damaged trust– People may withhold ideas out of fear, especially in environments of uncertainty (like AI and job security)– Leaders must actively notice who isn’t speaking as well as who is– Asking better questions (“What are we missing?”) invites real input vs. surface-level agreement– Horses model shared awareness, where everyone notices, and every signal matters– When concerns are acknowledged, confidence and trust in leadership increase– Internalizing unspoken concerns drains energy and impacts performanceThe Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.Chapters00:48 Introduction02:47 Horses Speak Their Minds10:32 AI’s Influence on Strategic Silence13:02 The Cost of Strategic Silence21:00 Encouraging Sharing27:11 Noticing Tensions and Risks32:40 Listen to the Silence37:59 Closing ThoughtsHelpful Links: Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/

When one thing has ended, and another needs to begin, it can be easy to feel stuck. You can feel the pull to move forward, but uncertainty, hesitation, and competing energy make it hard to act. That in-between space can feel uncomfortable. It can also be the place where real momentum begins.In this conversation on the Leading with Instinct podcast, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, explore what the Year of the Fire Horse represents for leaders stepping into 2026. They talk about movement, freedom, and intentional forward motion—and how horses model these qualities every day. It is an invitation to move with clarity instead of pressure.Change is hard, but usually necessary. Often, leaders know it, but can’t move forward. Katie and Ginny explore how leaders can recognize what gives them energy, what drains it, and how intentional choices create sustainable progress rather than burnout.Shedding your 2025 “Year of the Snake” skin might be hard to do, but it’s important. The Year of the Horse is about understanding when you’re ready to move, trusting your instincts, and stepping forward with clarity, confidence, focus and purpose.Takeaways— Letting go is the first step, while the next step forward requires clarity— Forward motion is easy to do if you will simply do it— Uncertainty is part of change. It’s a sign that you’re paying attention to what matters.— Energy misalignment creates chaos for people and teams— Horses model how intention regulates momentum— Leaders must consider what gives energy and what drains it— Sustainable progress comes from clarity instead of coming from urgency— Self-permission often unlocks the next step— Change works best when others are brought along thoughtfullyThe Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.Chapters00:32 — Introduction/Shedding the Old Skin07:50 — From Snake to Fire Horse15:31— Ready for Hard Change22:03 —Creating Forward Motion 34:26— Questions to Ask Yourself if StuckHelpful Links: Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/

Setting goals in the New Year? Good for you, but be careful. Beating yourself up for goals you didn’t hit is too easy. The hard work comes in setting clear goals from the beginning. If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone. And feeling stuck doesn’t mean you failed. Clarity, movement, and direction matter more than rigid destinations when it comes to actually hitting those marks.In this episode of the Leading with Instinct podcast, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, reflect on the podcast’s one-year anniversary, (a stretch goal in itself!) and unpack what goal-setting actually looks like when leadership, business, and life collide. This conversation weaves together stories of business setbacks and major life disruptions, with lessons learned in the arena with horses. Horses become powerful mirrors, revealing how unclear energy, misaligned intentions, or the wrong goal at the wrong time can stall movement altogether.Rethink success, not as hitting every mark on a timeline, but as staying in motion, adjusting when needed, and choosing goals that fit the reality of the moment.Takeaways-Feeling stuck often means clarity is missing-Direction creates movement; fixation on outcomes can create paralysis-Course correction is leadership in action-Shared leadership and trusted perspectives help prevent unnecessary self-punishment-Breaking goals into directional steps builds momentum and resilience-The “right” goal depends on timing, environment, and current reality-Progress is often quieter and more meaningful than we expectThe Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.Chapters00:34 — Introduction02:52 — One-year anniversary. Goal Achieved!05:39 — Destination vs Direction08:47 — Major life disruptions and forced course correction11:38 — Finding your “herd” for perspective and support14:49 — Ignoring outside pressure to pursue the right path19:09 — Imposter syndrome22:16 — How Horses can show direction25:31 — Setting the right goals32:46— Directional goals vs. rigid outcomes36:00 — Letting go of control and choosing intentionHelpful Links: Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/

Confidence isn’t a permanent state for most leaders. Even highly capable leaders can find themselves questioning decisions, second-guessing instincts, or wondering if they truly belong in the moments that matter most. These “imposter thoughts” are likely familiar to you, and more common than most people realize. They are certainly more real than most leaders will want to admit.In this conversation on the Leading with Instinct podcast, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, are talking about our common fears of inadequacy. Drawing from real client experiences, research, and their work facilitating leadership development with horses, they talk about what imposter thoughts actually look like in practice, how they affect decision-making, and why even highly successful leaders wrestle with them privately.Through powerful stories from the arena, Ginny and Katie reveal how horses immediately reflect internal confidence and the lack of it, without judgment, bravado, or performance. Leaders who hesitate, overthink, or avoid uncertainty see those same patterns mirrored back to them by the horses. Takeaways-Imposter thoughts affect leaders at every level, including CEOs-Fear of failure often drives hesitation and overthinking-Horses reflect real confidence, not performative confidence-Speaking self-doubt out loud reduces its power-Grounded confidence comes from internal and external alignment-Past successes can be used to interrupt imposter thinking-Physical posture and breath influence confidence-Clear expectations reduce anxiety and hesitation-Community support weakens isolation and doubChapters00:28 Snowy Days02:28 Introduction04:23 We’re all Imposters09:59 Fear of Public Failure13:43 Confidence in Context15:06 Stories of Client Experiences26:03 Building Self-Image33:03 Physical Confidence41:39 Closing Thoughts and Contact InfoHelpful Links:Korn Ferry’s Workforce 2024 Global Insights Report: https://www.kornferry.com/about-us/press/71percent-of-us-ceos-experience-imposter-syndrome-new-korn-ferry-research-findsWorkplace Impostor Thoughts, Impostor Feelings, and Impostorism: An Integrative, Multidisciplinary Review of Research on the Impostor Phenomenon : https://journals.aom.org/doi/abs/10.5465/annals.2023.0100?journalCode=annalsWorkplace ‘impostor thoughts’ may have a genuine upside: https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/workplace-impostor-thoughts-may-have-a-genuine-upsidePsycho-Cybernetics: Updated and Expanded (The Psycho-Cybernetics Series) :https://www.amazon.com/Psycho-Cybernetics-Updated-Expanded-Maxwell-Maltz/dp/0399176136
Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.

Some seasons of leadership feel like a sprint. But every so often, something forces you to take a breath, slow your pace, and pay closer attention to what’s happening around you. That pause can feel uncomfortable, but it often reveals the very clarity you’ve been missing. Fast is fine, but speed without intention isn’t progress at all.In this conversation on the Leading with Instinct podcast, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, explore why slowing down is often the smartest, most strategic move a leader can make. Using stories from the horse world, neuroscience insights, and real-life leadership experiences, they unpack how urgency can create misalignment and how intentional deceleration helps teams move faster, with fewer mistakes and far more clarity. They share practical tools from equine training experiences, such as energy check-ins, five-minute resets, and the “stop your feet” cue that teams can use to prevent chaos before it starts.When leaders slow down long enough to see clearly, they regain momentum with purpose, accuracy, and authenticity.Takeaways-Slowing down prevents mistakes that speed often creates-Horses model relaxed readiness, not wasted energy-Leaders can use pauses to assess and realign-Rushing can cause systems to compensate in unhealthy ways-Energy check-ins reduce stress transfer to teams-Soft focus creates better awareness and decision-making-Intentional pacing leads to better long-term outcomes-Authenticity suffers when leaders rush into changeThe Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.Chapters00:34 – Introduction: Global travel and reconnecting01:56 – Leroy’s story and “slow down to go fast”04:20 – Research: why speed creates mistakes08:51 – Tech, AI, and the myth of faster = better11:55 – Horses mirroring human energy18:24 – “Stop your feet” and preventing chaos25:58 – Neuroscience, stress transfer, and energy check-ins31:04 – Final reflection: slow is smooth, smooth is fastHelpful Links: Slow Management/ScienceDirect.com: Leading With Instinct_Go Slow to Go FastThe Fifth Discipline, Peter Senge :https://a.co/d/bFEF4tvTo Go Fast Your Company Needs to Slow Down, https://chiefexecutive.net/to-go-fast-your-company-needs-to-slow-down/Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/

Sometimes the simplest truths hit the hardest. A new Gallup study has revealed that what followers crave most from their leaders isn’t strategy or pay—it’s humanity. These four things matter most: hope, trust, compassion, and stability. But why are these qualities so difficult to deliver, and how can they change the way we lead, live, and connect?In this conversation on the Leading with Instinct podcast, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, explore the powerful Gallup study through the lens of their equine-assisted leadership work. Together they unpack why these four human needs are the foundation of real leadership and how horses, as natural truth-tellers, reflect what happens when our energy, intentions, and actions fall out of alignment. They also share deeply personal and practical stories that show what it looks like to rebuild hope and trust, both in the arena and within organizations.The conversation is a reminder that leading with instinct isn’t about control—it’s about courage, connection, and creating space for others to succeed alongside you.The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.Takeaways-Hope is the emotional foundation that connects today’s work to tomorrow’s outcomes.-Trust grows through consistency, honesty, and transparency.-Compassion means listening deeply, asking questions, and caring about people beyond their performance.-Stability comes from routines and reliability that anchor teams through change.-Command-and-control leadership may feel safe but often erodes engagement and confidence.-True leadership requires vulnerability and the courage to let go of control and build a partnership.-Energy matters: your team (and your horse) feel what you bring into the space.-Culture shifts begin with self-awareness and presence, not new systems or slogans.-Giving people hope doesn’t mean avoiding reality; it means creating belief in what’s possible.-Meeting human needs isn’t “soft.” It’s a strategic essential that drives results and retention.Chapters00:50 – Finding Presence & Setting the Stage02:31 – What Followers Need Most: Insights from Gallup07:00 – The Real Challenges of Human-Centered Leadership11:42 – Lessons from the Arena: Hope, Trust, and the Power of Connection18:40 – Control vs. Trust: Stories That Change How We Lead26:38 – Rebuilding Confidence—With Horses and Teams32:58 – Practical Takeaways: Leading with Instinct and ImpactHelpful Links:  Gallup Study: The Four Things Followers Need: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/251003/strengths-based-leadership-things-followers-need.aspxGinny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

Leaders often rely on quick decisions and familiar patterns, but lasting impact requires something deeper. Transformation begins when we quiet the noise, notice what is happening in the moment, and open ourselves to what is emerging. Presencing mastery offers a way to unlock clarity, trust, and authentic connection.In this conversation on the Leading with Instinct podcast, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, are joined by Lissa Pohl, Chief Engagement Officer at the Engagement Quotient and a pioneer in Equine Assisted Learning (EAL). Drawing from her recent article in the International Journal of Presencing Leadership and Coaching, Lissa explains how presencing moves beyond mindfulness and presence, offering a path to access deeper somatic and relational intelligence. The focus turns to how horses act as clean feedback experts, showing leaders how to disrupt default behaviors, shift from predatory to relational approaches, and practice leading from the future that wants to emerge. These small shifts help leaders build resilience, foster trust, and create the space for genuine transformation in their organizations and relationships.The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.Takeaways-Presencing is deeper than mindfulness. It’s accessing a state of stillness where new possibilities can emerge.-Horses model presence naturally and offer clean, non-judgmental feedback.-Equine Assisted Learning brings leadership concepts from the head into the whole body.-Relational leadership shifts us away from unconscious predatory habits.-Leaders must integrate intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual intelligence.-Clean feedback creates calm, clarity, and authentic learning.-Presencing helps leaders respond in the moment rather than relying on old patterns.-Everyday practices like pausing, observing, and asking curious questions build presencing skills.-These approaches create clarity and connection even in complex situations.Chapters00:40 Introduction/Meet Lissa Pohl3:10 Unpacking Presencing Mastery08:00 The Body as Intelligence15:09: Learning Presencing from Horses22:00 Horses as Clean Feedback Experts25:53 From Predatory to Relational Leadership33:06 Practical Steps for PresencingHelpful Links:  Article - The Effectiveness of Equine Assisted Learning to Develop Presencing Mastery : https://revues.ulaval.ca/ojs/index.php/ijplc/article/view/54168Lissa Pohl, The Engagement Quotient: https://enqcoaching.com/Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

You thought you explained it clearly. You handed off the project. But what came back wasn’t at all what you envisioned. Sound familiar? Whether you’re leading a team, onboarding new employees, or collaborating with clients, one truth remains: people can’t meet expectations that were never clearly set. And clarity isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.In this conversation, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, explore the leadership blind spot that hinders productivity, fuels frustration, and undermines success: unclear expectations. What emerges is a practical, and energizing conversation about bridging the gap between what leaders expect and what teams deliver.Through stories from the horse arena, the workplace, and their own coaching and leadership experiences, Ginny and Katie unpack how assumption bias, generational shifts, time pressure, and poor communication keep leaders from setting their people up for success. They also offer real tools for change. You’ll find simple, effective ways to align your vision with your team’s actions and outcomes.This is a reminder that no one performs well in the dark. Clear expectations fuel confident action. When leaders lead with clarity, context, and curiosity, everyone moves forward.The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.Takeaways-Assumption bias often causes leaders to overestimate what others understand or know.-Today’s workforce, especially Gen Z, craves clarity and context, not micromanagement.-Without clearly defined success, frustration and rework are inevitable for both leaders and team members.-Leaders often unintentionally skip the clarity step due to time pressure or lack of leadership training.-Psychological safety is key: create a culture where asking for clarification is welcomed, not judged.-Regular check-ins help reinforce expectations and prevent disconnects.-Tools like kickoff meetings, shared language, and aligning daily tasks with big-picture goals foster ownership and engagement.-Preparing people well is foundational, not optional, for strong performance and cultureChapters00:46 Preparing Expectations04:35The Expectation Gap12:46 Taking Time for Efficiency15:04 Leadership Training for Leaders19:44 Solutions to Clarify Expectations22:38 Defining Success32:44 Why Does This Matter?35:44 Actionable Steps to Improve Clarity of ExpectationsHelpful Links:  Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

There was a time when everyone wanted to be the boss. It was part of the career trajectory from the moment someone entered the workforce. That is changing. The next generation has seen what being “the boss” has meant to others, and seen the impact leadership has had, both in good and bad ways, on those around them. More and more, aspiring to leadership may not be the goal.  In this conversation, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, talk about the new phenomenon of 'conscious unbossing' and its implications for leadership in a cross-generational workforce.They discuss why millennials and Gen Z are hesitant to take on leadership roles, the importance of mentorship, and how organizations can create engaging opportunities for emerging leaders. They correlate this behavior and the way business leaders may be responding to behavior that they see in their horses and in their equine-assisted workshops.  Katie and Ginny highlight the need for a paradigm shift in how leadership is perceived and developed, drawing parallels between human leadership dynamics and horse herd behavior.The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.Takeaways-Conscious unbossing reflects a shift in how younger generations view leadership.-72% of millennials prefer individual contributor roles over management.-Leadership roles are often perceived as thankless and burdensome.--Mentorship plays a crucial role in preparing future leaders.-Organizations need to create supportive cultures for leadership development.-Engaging learning experiences can enhance leadership skills.-Shared leadership models can alleviate the pressure on individual leaders.-Confidence is key for younger generations to step into leadership roles.-Work should be enjoyable and fulfilling for all employees.-Understanding generational perspectives is essential for effective leadership. Episode Resources:“Why Gen Z is Saying No to Management”https://www.kornferry.com/insights/this-week-in-leadership/why-gen-z-is-saying-no-to-management “Conscious Unbossing: Rebuilding the Leadership Pipeline for a New Generation”https://www.ddiworld.com/blog/conscious-unbossing “No One Wants to Be a Leader”https://www.fastcompany.com/91357457/why-its-still-great-to-be-a-leaderChapters00:38 Understanding Conscious Unbossing08:36 The Impact of Generational Perspectives on Leadership09:38 The Role of Mentorship in Leadership Development11:58 Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders14:35 Creating Engaging Leadership Opportunities21:58 Examples through Equine Experiences28:27 Action Steps for Emerging Leaders36:12 Conclusion and Call to ActionHelpful Links:  Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

It’s all too common to size people up based on their generation before we ever give them a chance. We assume intentions, habits, and beliefs based on age, and in doing so, we miss out on real connection and real collaboration. What if we set aside those assumptions? What if we focused less on when someone was born and more on what they bring to the table?In this episode, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, explore the complexities and opportunities of leading multi-generational teams. They discuss the unique challenges posed by differing values, communication styles, and historical contexts that shape each generation's approach to work. The conversation emphasizes the importance of curiosity, empathy, and understanding in fostering collaboration and innovation within diverse teams. Drawing parallels with horse herd dynamics, they highlight the need for leaders to recognize and leverage the strengths of each generation to create inclusive and effective work environments.This podcast might just change the way you see your team and the stories you’ve been telling yourself about who they are.The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.Takeaways-74% of the global workforce will be millennials and Gen Z by 2030.-Five generations are currently working together in the workforce.-Generational bias can undermine collaboration and trust.-Understanding historical context is crucial for appreciating generational values.-Curiosity and empathy are key to effective leadership.-Stereotypes can negatively impact team dynamics and performance.-Horses can teach us valuable lessons about leadership and teamwork.-Knowledge transfer is essential as older generations retire.-Creating inclusive environments enhances employee engagement.-We often have more in common across generations than we realize.Episode Resources:https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/genz-millennial-survey.htmlChapters00:47 Introduction to Multi-Generational Leadership01:59 Understanding Generational Dynamics in the Workplace06:19 Challenges of Communication Across Generations13:23 Curiosity and Empathy in Leadership15:07 Stereotypes and Their Effects on Team Dynamics18:22 Learning from Horses: A Metaphor for Leadership21:54 The Importance of Knowledge Transfer31:47 Understanding Another’s Perspective37:30 Closing Thoughts and Call to ActionHelpful Links:  Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

We’ve all had those moments where we “just knew”. We had a feeling, perhaps a “gut feeling” that one direction was right and another was not. There’s no proof or evidence that can help you know for sure. But there is a a tug toward action that gets acted upon, or ignored. Looking back on these moments leads us to understand that is often true that those instincts were valid.In this conversation, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, talk about the intersection of mental health awareness and the healing power of horses. In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month in May of 2025, they share personal stories of how horses have provided emotional support during challenging times, discuss the stigma surrounding mental health, and emphasize the importance of mindfulness and emotional regulation in both personal and professional settings. The conversation highlights practical strategies for improving mental well-being and encourages listeners to seek support and foster connections in their communities.The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.Takeaways-Horses can provide emotional support and healing.-Personal experiences with grief can shape our relationship with horses.-Organizations can benefit from removing stigma around mental health.-Horses help regulate emotional states and promote connection.-Mindfulness practices can enhance productivity and well-being.-Grief can stem from various life experiences, not just loss of loved ones.-Setting boundaries is crucial for mental health.-Community support is vital for navigating mental health challenges.-Engaging with nature can significantly improve mental well-being.Episode Resources:Horses Helping Seniors: https://horseandrider.com/horse-health-care/horses-helping-seniors/SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a 24/7 treatment referral and information service.988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7, confidential support for people in distress.FindTreatment.gov helps people seek treatment for mental and substance use disorders.National Institute of Mental Health outlines additional mental health services.Get trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). You can be the difference through MHFA, a course that teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use challenges. APA Article: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/06/coping-chaotic-workplace https://www.heartmath.org/resources/downloads/heart-heart-communication-horses/ https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/s0749-3797(98)00017-8/pdfChapters01:03 Introduction 02:32 Personal Stories of Healing Through Horses05:40 The Role of Horses in Emotional Regulation12:45 Understanding Mental Health and Stigma18:20 Navigating Grief and Emotional Support26:38 The Healing Power of Nature and Horses35:06 Practical Strategies for Mental Health Support39:10 Conclusion and Call to ActionHelpful Links:  Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

We’ve all had those moments where we “just knew”. We had a feeling, perhaps a “gut feeling” that one direction was right and another was not. There’s no proof or evidence that can help you know for sure. But there is a a tug toward action that gets acted upon, or ignored. Looking back on these moments leads us to understand that is often true that those instincts were valid.In this conversation, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners,  explore the concept of intuitive intelligence and its significance in leadership and decision-making. They discuss how intuition can complement rational and emotional intelligence, the challenges leaders face in decision-making, and share personal experiences that highlight the importance of listening to one's gut feelings. The conversation also delves into the lessons learned from horses about intuition and instinct and offers practical strategies for leaders to enhance their intuitive intelligence.The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.Takeaways-Intuitive intelligence can be developed and sharpened.-Decision-making is a significant challenge for many leaders.-Intuition is a skill that complements analytical thinking.-Horses can teach us valuable lessons about intuition.-Our brains are wired for survival, not success.-Listening to our gut feelings can lead to better outcomes.-Intuition is based on experience and pattern recognition.-Data overload can hinder effective decision-making.-Self-awareness is key to recognizing intuitive signals.-Engaging with trusted advisors can validate gut feelings.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:52 The Role of Intuition in Decision-Making08:06 Understanding Intuitive Intelligence10:18 The Intersection of Logic and Emotion15:42 Lessons from Horses on Intuition25:47 Trusting your Gut Feeling31:02 Action Steps: Striking the Balance Between Intuition and Data 33:44 Conclusion and Future DiscussionsHelpful Links:  Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

Change can be good. It can stretch us, it can push us out of our comfort zones, pull us into new opportunities. Never ending change, however, can be crippling. Especially change that leaves us feeling out of control, out of touch and in fear for what's next. In 2025, now more than ever, change is changing our lives.In this conversation, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, host an authentic conversation about the challenges leaders face in navigating rapid and complex changes in their organizations. They explore how horses can teach us about resilience and adaptability in the face of change, while sharing personal experiences related to change. The conversation emphasizes the importance of acknowledging fear and anxiety associated with change, and offers strategies for managing these feelings while leading teams effectively.Takeaways-Success isn't just about what you know, it's about adaptability to change.-Change can create anxiety and confusion.-Staying ahead of change can seem impossible.-Fear is a real feeling that needs to be addressed.-Change affects everyone differently, and it's important to acknowledge that.-Horses demonstrate incredible resilience to change.-Relaxed readiness helps in navigating uncertainty.-Adaptability Quotient (AQ) is essential for leaders.-Acknowledging the reality of change is the first step in managing it.Chapters00:38 Introduction to Leading with Instinct 01:54: Current State of Change05:12 Navigating Change in Leadership11:47 Lessons from Horses on Change Resilience18:42 Understanding Adaptability and Change27:45 Discussion about AQ (Adaptability Quotient)30:30 Strategies for Managing Change EffectivelyThe Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners, and KatieTheCoach.com.Helpful Links: Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

Sometimes, the hardest step to take in business is the first step. The fear that leaders face in starting something new can keep great ideas at bay. But when you dedicate yourself to a mission or a cause, you surround yourself with the right team, and you set up deadlines and expectations to take that first step, then the second step has a chance to follow. It is with this idea of launching something new that we welcome you to the first episode of the Leading With Instinct Podcast. In this pilot episode, hosts Ginny Telego of Collaboration Partners and Katie Navarra-Bradley of KatietheCoach.com introduce themselves to you and to the spirit behind equine experiential leadership development. This episode focuses on the purpose of the Leading With Instinct podcast. The show promises to teach the importance of collaboration in leadership and how experiences with horses can provide valuable insights into instinctual leadership. Katie and Ginny discuss the challenges leaders face today and emphasize the need for adaptability and self-care, two things that can be learned through equine experiential development and training. Takeaways-Collaboration is key to achieving potential.-Success involves adaptability and understanding communication styles.-Horses serve as role models for instinctual leadership.-Rest is essential for productivity and well-being.-Many workers do not utilize their PTO effectively.-Adaptability is crucial in today's fast-paced environment.-Leaders often feel isolated and need support.-Experiential learning can lead to personal growth.-Creating a supportive culture enhances team dynamics.-Listeners are encouraged to share topics for future episodes.Chapters00:33 Introduction to Leading with Instinct03:11 Launching the Podcast07:40 The Importance of Collaboration in Leadership11:15 Learning from Horses: Instincts and Leadership16:20 What to Expect with Leading with Instinct--------The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners, and KatieTheCoach.com.Helpful Links: Katie Navarra : https://katiethecoach.com/Ginny Telego: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/