Episodes
April 16, 2025
Ouch, That Hurt!
Taking risks is part of leadership but what happens when the outcome stings? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into a powerful article Tessa shared, sparking a vulnerable conversation about stepping into opportunity, faci...
April 14, 2025
We Made It to 100!
It’s a celebration! In this milestone episode, Susan and Tessa reflect on the incredible journey to 100 episodes and express heartfelt gratitude to the people who helped make it all possible—family, friends, special guests, a...
April 9, 2025
Reasons and Seasons
Not every "no" is the end of the road. In fact, it might just be the redirection you needed. In this heartfelt episode, Susan and Tessa kick off the conversation with a personal story about a missed opportunity that, at the t...
April 7, 2025
You Don’t Have to Prove Yourself to Anyone
Leadership often comes with the pressure to perform, to be liked, and to constantly prove your worth. But what if that mindset is doing more harm than good? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dig into the emotional weight leade...
April 2, 2025
Two Important Words – Thank You
In the fast-paced world of leadership, it’s easy to overlook the power of two simple words: Thank you. But do they really matter? Shouldn’t staff just do their jobs without expecting recognition? In this episode, Susan and Te...
March 31, 2025
Do Your Thoughts Derail You?
In this powerful episode, Susan and Tessa explore the power of our thoughts with the quote, "We become what we think about." Susan shares a personal story about how receiving a poor medical test result affected not just her m...
March 26, 2025
The Devil is in the Details
In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the chaos of leadership and the challenge of managing endless details. Using the metaphor of a snow globe, they remind us that even in the middle of a storm, the snow eventually sett...
March 24, 2025
Are You a Professional and How do You Know?
What does it truly mean to be a professional? As leaders, we often assume professionalism is understood, but it requires continuous teaching, modeling, and reinforcement. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the three p...
March 19, 2025
I Saw What You Did
In this powerful episode, Tessa kicks off the conversation with a story about a flight attendant who effortlessly blended playfulness, relationship-building, and firm expectations to create a positive experience for passenger...
March 17, 2025
Are You a Leader Others Want to Follow?
Leadership is tough, and every day presents new challenges. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into what it means to be a “diamond leader” by exploring the qualities that make leaders worth following. They discuss the impo...
March 12, 2025
Silence Is Golden
As a new leader, knowing when to speak up and when to stay silent can be a challenge. In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the struggles of stepping into leadership and the pressure to share ideas, give input, or voice ob...
March 10, 2025
Your Intentions Are Good But Your Timing of the Delivery is Bad
Have you ever given feedback at the wrong time and instantly regretted it? In this episode, Tessa shares a personal story about holding back her instinct to critique her daughter’s swim performance because sometimes timing is...
March 5, 2025
Are You Delegating as a Leader?
As leaders, we often feel the pressure to do it all, but should we? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the power of delegation, drawing insights from Chris Donnelly’s Step by Step newsletter. They explore a thought-pr...
March 3, 2025
Are You Really an Impartial Listener?
As leaders, are we truly listening or are we letting our biases choose a side before we hear the full story? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the importance of impartial listening when working with staff, students, an...
Feb. 26, 2025
Procrastination-We've All Been There!
As leaders, we have all asked the question, should I just do this tomorrow? Susan and Tessa dive into the all-too-relatable feeling of overwhelm when the "to-do list" keeps growing and motivation seems out of reach. They shar...
Feb. 24, 2025
Fortunately and Unfortunately
Tessa kicks off this episode with a storytelling game where each twist flips between "fortunately" and "unfortunately," challenging everyone listening to find the silver lining in every setback. This playful exercise reflects...
Feb. 19, 2025
Do You Let Fatigue Get the Better of You?
As a leader, you’re constantly moving from one challenge to the next, but are you taking care of yourself in the process? In this episode, Susan and Tessa ask the tough questions: Are you eating? Taking breaks? Breathing? Lea...
Feb. 17, 2025
Does it Stink to be a New Leader?
Stepping into leadership is exciting, but let’s be real, it can also be overwhelming, frustrating, and downright exhausting. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share their differing perspectives on what it feels like to be a ne...
Feb. 12, 2025
Thoughts About Helping Those Going Through a Tough Time!
As leaders, we are often the ones others turn to in times of crisis. But what do you say when a staff member is facing a personal tragedy? How do you offer support without overstepping? In this heartfelt conversation, Susan a...
Feb. 10, 2025
You Are Okay and You Don't Have to Be Perfect.
"I'm a recovering perfectionist and an aspiring good-enoughist." — Brené Brown Perfection is a heavy burden, especially for leaders. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the inner chatter that tells us we have to be the...
Feb. 5, 2025
What Is Your Feedback Style?
Is the traditional "Sandwich Model" of feedback—praise, critique, praise—really the best way to help your staff grow? In this important episode, Susan and Tessa dissect this well-known method, sharing why it might not be as e...
Feb. 3, 2025
It's about the journey!
What do leadership, waiting tables, and training orca whales have in common? More than you think! In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore how leadership mirrors the service mindset of a waiter or waitress—anticipating needs,...
Jan. 29, 2025
Who's to Blame?
When mistakes happen, do we instinctively look for someone to blame, or do we assume best intentions and focus on solutions? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the blame game mindset and how it can derail progress, mo...
Jan. 27, 2025
What Do You Do When You Have a Bad Day?
Bad days are inevitable, even for leaders. Like a crashing wave, they can knock us down, but the tide eventually recedes, giving us the chance to rise again. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share personal stories of struggle...