The Dips of Doubt

The Dips of Doubt

Dips of Doubt are normal and to often we think we are the only ones struggling. We hope that when you feel overwhelmed, inadequate, or just plain unsure our podcast will help.

We know being a leader can be lonely, so our sessions will provide you with quick tips, strategies, and insights for your ...

Recent Episodes

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Leadership Footwear
226
June 24, 2026

Leadership Footwear

What kind of “shoes” are you leading in: stilettos, flip-flops, or trail runners? In this fun episode, Susan and Tessa use footwear as a creative metaphor for leadership styles, exploring the difference between being polished but restrictive, too casual, or grounded and adaptable. They talk about how leaders can get stuck in optics, lose accountability in over-familiarity, or build the kind of flexible, supportive presence that helps teams move forward with trust. The conversation is a playful b
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Triggers
225
June 22, 2026

Triggers

What do you do when someone pushes your buttons and your first instinct is to react? In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack emotional triggers and share practical ways leaders can stay grounded, thoughtful, and in control. They walk through five tools for managing triggers: naming the feeling, slowing your body, buying time, redirecting to purpose, and taking the exit ramp when needed. The conversation also adds the power of breathing, paraphrasing, and staying curious so you can respond instea
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Mandates
224
June 17, 2026

Mandates

What do you do when a mandate lands on your desk and you do not fully agree with it? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore how leaders can stay honest, flexible, and effective when they are asked to carry out decisions they did not make. They discuss the difference between a mandate that conflicts with your ethics and one you simply do not love, and how leaders can still champion the work while adding care, creativity, and support. The conversation includes practical examples like software ro
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Rose Colored Glasses
223
June 15, 2026

Rose Colored Glasses

What if the biggest shift in leadership is not what is happening around you, but how you choose to see it? In this episode, Susan and Tessa talk about “rose-colored glasses” as a leadership mindset that helps you respond with grace instead of frustration. Using a tense airport line as the starting point, they explore how perspective shapes energy, behavior, and the way leaders treat people. The conversation encourages listeners to notice when they are wasting energy on negativity, pause, and cho
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Art on the Wall
222
June 10, 2026

Art on the Wall

What if the walls around you could actually help your team think bigger? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore how art in the workplace can do more than decorate a space — it can spark creativity, shape identity, and influence motivation. They discuss ideas like success walls, failure walls, and other visual cues that help leaders and teams stay inspired and intentional about the environment they are creating. The conversation is a reminder that what you surround yourself with matters, and th
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Just Reply
221
June 8, 2026

Just Reply

What happens when a simple email turns into a leadership test? In this episode, Susan and Tessa talk about response time, how to handle follow-up thoughtfully, and why a quick “received” or clear expectation can reduce confusion and frustration. They explore the importance of closing the loop, presuming positive intent, and setting communication norms that work for your team. This conversation is a practical reminder that strong communication is not just about replying fast—it is about replying
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About the Host

Tessa Brock Profile Photo
Tessa Brock

Tessa is a passionate, engaging and inspiring speaker, facilitator and coach who tackles the tough topics of Organizational Culture, Trauma Responsive Approaches, Communication, and Reflective Practice with a balance of expertise, honesty, and humor. Tessa has worked with schools through Fortune 500 organizations to enhance interpersonal interactions. Using her Self-Aware Leadership Model and through her genuine and authentic manner, Tessa skillfully uses story to drive home key concepts that make a lasting impression. Tessa has a Master’s degree, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), is Infant/Toddler Mental Health Endorsed Level III (IMH-E III), and is a Certified Executive Coach. Through powerful keynotes, workshops and coaching, Tessa actively coaches, trains, and consults with organizations and schools to enhance relationship-based and trauma-responsive skills and strategies used with professionals, students, and parents. The Neurosequential Network acknowledges that Tessa has completed NMT Training Certification through the Phase I level. She is an international speaker and national consultant.

Reviews

Deeply Relevant and Informative

"I listened to the episode about finding balance to refill your leadership cup and it really resonated for me the importance of walking the talk; if we are always telling our teams the importance of b…"

MD | Sept. 29, 2024

Helpful Reminders

"I loved the episode about celebrating wins! It can feel so easy to celebrate those around us but often we forget to celebrate ourselves! This episode had some great reminders for how to honour and re…"

Meg | Sept. 29, 2024
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