How important is workplace well-being to you? Kelly Mackin, co-founder of the Motives Met platform and author of "Work Life Well Lived," joins Cathleen to talk about human-centred work environments. Kelly shares her understanding of unconscious commitments and the critical need to align our work motives with personal well-being. Drawing from her own challenges in toxic work environments and inspired by her mother's experiences as a pioneering female executive, Kelly emphasises that well-being is a right, not a privilege. Join us as we uncover the "No BS Solution" to workplace well-being, discuss the importance of psychological safety and emotional health, and learn how to design meaningful and human-centred work environments. Don't miss it!

Episode Timeline:

07:20 Only 16% of people are thriving at work, let's change that.

15:27 Reflecting on ambition, needs, success and the burnout cycle.

23:47 Create action plans by considering: goals, support, mindset, boundaries and growth.

30:10 Equip leaders with questions to boost trust and foster safety.

40:06 5-step pathway to thriving in a people-first culture.

54:39 Unconscious commitments often undermine work-life harmony.

01:04:14 Witnessing my mom's work journey taught me the highs and lows of work.

01:13:14 Balancing work, quality time, and freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• Kelly discusses the concept of unconscious commitments, highlighting how individuals consciously striving for work-life balance, might unknowingly overcommit to work to prove their worth.

• Kelly and Cathleen emphasise that well-being is a right, not a privilege. Kelly shares her personal journey from experiencing burnout in a toxic work environment to prioritising her well-being through meditation and cognitive coaching.

• Kelly introduces the "5 Step Motives Met Pathway" to help leaders understand, evaluate, and meet these needs in the workplace by fostering a culture of psychological safety.

ABOUT Kelly Mackin

Kelly Mackin is the author of Work Life Well-Lived: The Motives Met Pathway to No-B.S. Well-Being at Work and cofounder and CEO of the Motives Met Platform and Human Needs AssessmentTM which empowers people to create their best work life and workplace. Kelly’s journey from ill-being to well-being at work ignited her passion and dedication for helping people create health and happiness in their lives through a unique blend of skills. Her expertise spans quantitative research in human behavior to fostering psychological safety, from guiding individuals in mind management coaching to imparting the practice of mindfulness meditation both in and outside of work. As a researcher, she gains insights into significant parts of our lives like values, stress, and emotions to develop frameworks to better understand the world and ourselves to make positive change.

Connect with Kelly :

Website: https://www.motivesmet.com/

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-mackin-52793110/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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Meet Dr. Chris Fuzie, a law enforcement professional turned consultant and educator. Today on Legendary Leaders, Cathleen sits down with Chris to learn about his transformative journey and his commitment to self-education and personal growth. With experience ranging from homicide investigations to hostage negotiation, Chris delivers us a vivid look into leadership dynamics within law enforcement. As you listen, you'll discover Chris's approach to overcoming career setbacks, the importance of stepping out of comfort zones in learning, and the invaluable role of followership. Whether you're keen on leadership theories, fascinated by law enforcement, or want to explore new ways to elevate your career, this episode packs a wealth of wisdom and actionable advice.

Episode Timeline:

08:21 Chris on becoming a police leadership instructor.

15:38 Law enforcement emphasises empathy in action.

20:36 Open-minded police see that people are fundamentally similar.

24:08 Unexpected prison advice on body language effectiveness.

31:20 Leading and following simultaneously in transitional space.

34:23 Leadership is about actions, not titles.

48:12 Teaching young proper policing behaviour and discipline.

59:57 Concerns about workplace contention and authority imbalance.

01:04:20 Organisational culture and cohesion are essential.

Key Takeaways:

• Chris introduces the concept of "liminal leadership," which emphasises the fluid interplay between leading and following. He argues that effective leadership isn't solely about hierarchy or position, but understanding when to lead and when to follow.

• The discussion highlights the importance of focusing on specific desirable behaviours rather than formal titles in creating effective leaders and followers. Chris's approach suggests that nurturing these traits is more impactful than traditional mission statements.

• Chris’s personal journey highlights the importance of persistence and resilience in professional development. Despite facing multiple setbacks and rejections, he has maintained a focus on growth and personal improvement which actually advanced his career.

ABOUT Dr. Chris Fuzie

Dr. Chris Fuzie, Ed.D., is an expert in leadership and followership with a distinct focus on behavior-based approaches to personal and professional development. He is an author, educator, and consultant known for his work in reshaping traditional leadership paradigms through his innovative concepts and models. Dr. Fuziee's professional contributions are particularly influential in areas where leading and following are seen as interconnected and dynamic processes.​

Professionally, Dr. Fuziee is dedicated to reshaping traditional leadership paradigms, blending academic insights with practical, behavior-based approaches. His books, like "Liminal Space: Reshaping Leadership and Followership," reflect his commitment to helping individuals and organizations navigate complex interpersonal landscapes.

​As a trainer and mentor, Dr. Fuziee is known for his engaging and approachable style. He is direct yet empathetic, combining deep theoretical knowledge with practical applications. His background in education and real-world experience equips him to connect with diverse audiences, making complex concepts accessible and actionable.

Connect with Chris :

Website: https://www.cmfleadership.com/

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chris-Fuziee-ed-d-m-a-ol-37587934/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CMFLeadership

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090255232861

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisFuziee/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cmfleadership/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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Imagine reclaiming 20% of your time every week—time you never knew you could have but desperately need. In this episode of Legendary Leaders, your host Cathleen and her guest, the insightful Andy Brown, explore the transformative power of effective delegation and the hidden costs of emotional overdraft. Andy, a seasoned business advisor and author of the bestseller Emotional Overdraft, shares his journey from corporate stress to meaningful change and the impactful lessons he learned along the way. Join us for a compelling conversation on recognising and addressing the invisible costs of leadership, and empowering yourself to delegate for a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Episode Timeline:

09:35 Emotional costs impact business profitability significantly.

12:38 Recognise and address your emotional overdraft.

19:34 Create a personal board of supportive advisors.

26:48 Prioritise important tasks over easy ones.

40:29 Market dictates a business's true value.

44:19 Delegation frees time for strategic business growth.

01:01:26 Don't sacrifice happiness for business success.

01:08:10 Limiting clients to maintain quality and health.

01:11:52 Fully recharge to effectively manage and delegate.

Key Takeaways:

• Andy highlights the importance of delegating tasks that others can handle, allowing leaders to focus on high-value activities that only they can perform.

• The concept of "emotional overdraft" is crucial for leaders to understand and manage. Recognising behaviors that contribute to emotional exhaustion and addressing them can prevent burnout and improve overall well-being.

• Andy and Cathleen emphasise the significance of structuring a business to allow for personal time and family involvement.

ABOUT Andy Brown

Andy has over 30 years’ experience as an award-winning adviser and coach for people-based businesses. He’s also a podcast host and the author ofAmazon #1 best seller, ‘The Emotional Overdraft: 10 simple changes for balancing business success and wellbeing’ a book for entrepreneurs, leaders and founders that articulates the often overlooked mental and physical costs of leadership.

Connect with Andy :

Website: https://emotionaloverdraft.com/

Buy the book in the US: https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Overdraft-balancing-business-wellbeing/dp/1788605136/

Buy the book in the UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emotional-Overdraft-balancing-business-wellbeing/dp/1788605136/

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andybrownprofile/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andybrownauthor/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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How can overcoming your fears and doubts help you develop more authenticity in leadership? Cathy sits down with Kelly L. Campbell, a former CEO turned trauma-informed leadership coach, and author of "Heal to Lead, Revolutionising Leadership Through Trauma Healing."

Together, they explore the crucial signs that indicate a need for change, discuss the impact of unresolved trauma on leadership and the transformative power of conscious feedback. Kelly shares her personal healing journey, including her profound experiences with plant medicine like Ayahuasca, and her reflections on creating supportive growth environments. Tune in and be prepared to transform the way you approach leadership and personal development.

Episode Timeline:

• 01:18 Transformative leadership addresses trauma in professional spaces.

• 12:56 Childhood trauma: abuse in the home.

• 23:53 Exploring fringe modalities after selling business.

• 31:12 Trauma integration is essential after impactful experiences.

• 47:09 Engaging with "safe spaces" for genuine inclusivity.

• 52:08 Embody vulnerability and lead compassionately.

• 55:13 Rethink regeneration by healing trauma for progress.

• 01:05:09 Reflection and introspection for conscious feedback.

Key Takeaways:

• Kelly highlights the importance of identifying unsustainable personal behaviours and situations triggered by physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual stress. Significant indicators include physical health issues, consistent feedback from others, and personal self-awareness.

• Kelly introduces the TLC concept - Trauma, Leadership, and Consciousness - emphasising its role in fostering compassionate and conscious workplaces. She advocates for a trauma-informed approach to giving feedback, which involves seeking consent, offering support, and prioritising the recipient's well-being.

• Kelly shares her personal journey of healing from childhood trauma, emphasising the role of alternative therapy methods and plant-based medicines like Ayahuasca. She underscores the importance of integration after transformative experiences, which is crucial for personal development and lasting change.

ABOUT Kelly L. Campbell:

A former CEO turned Trauma-Informed Leadership Coach to emerging and established leaders who know they are meant for more, Kelly L. Campbell (they/she) instigates change and impact. She is the author of Heal to Lead: Revolutionizing Leadership through Trauma Healing (Wiley). An inspiring keynote speaker, they have written for Forbes and Fast Company and currently write for Entrepreneur and on Substack, “The New TLC: Trauma, Leadership, and Consciousness.”

A longtime conservationist, Kelly was trained by Al Gore as a Climate Reality Leader in 2017. Most recently, they became certified as a Reiki Level III Practitioner. Kelly’s vision is for more than half of humanity to heal its childhood trauma so that we may reimagine and rebuild the world together

Connect with Kelly:

Website: https://klcampbell.com/

Substack: https://kellylcampbell.substack.com/

Book: https://klcampbell.com/heal-to-lead-book/

Leadership Quiz: https://klcampbell.com/leadership/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/agency-growth-consultant

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kelly.l.campbell/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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How do you retain your top talent? Cathleen is exploring the world of talent attraction and retention with Gerry Gadoury. Join them to learn about the nuances of becoming a "destination employer" and cohesive approaches to hiring and retaining top talent. Gerry shares his incredible journey from a Marine Corps leader to a successful entrepreneur, and how he's overcome significant setbacks and a life-altering injury. Whether you're an employer looking to reduce turnover or a listener seeking leadership advice, this episode is packed with valuable lessons that apply across industries. Tune in and learn how to create a workplace where employees feel valued, heard, and motivated to grow.

Episode Timeline:

• 06:34 Admire your youthful curiosity and bold experimentation.

• 12:37 Marine Corps leadership benefits small business operations.

• 20:40 Reflect, adapt, and improve through after action reports.

• 26:49 Lack of executive interaction diminishes role appeal.

• 33:35 Entrepreneurial drive stemming from trauma.

• 45:44 Unexpected recruiter journey.

• 52:25 Employee retention depends on alignment, growth, and fulfilment.

• 01:07:28 Interview should be a mutually beneficial conversation.

• 01:11:57 Finding suitable candidates requires a thorough, diverse search.

• 01:22:09 Salary discussions can cause recruiting challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Gerry emphasises the significance of companies evolving into "destination employers" to attract and retain top talent. This involves understanding and aligning employees' aspirations with organisational goals, fostering a genuine employer brand, and maintaining an inclusive company culture.

• Gerry's personal story, which includes overcoming a debilitating neck injury that led to a drastic change in his career and lifestyle, highlights the virtues of resilience and adaptability. His journey shows the importance of persevering through adversity and continuously evolving both personally and professionally.

• From his Marine Corps experience, Gerry emphasises the importance of decisive action in high-pressure situations and the value of small-unit leadership. He stresses that enabling employees to feel heard and valued by engaging in authentic conversations can significantly bolster organisational effectiveness and employee satisfaction.

ABOUT Gerry Gadoury:

Gerry is a twenty-five year veteran of the Tech Professional Services industry. In that time he has been a recruiter, sales person, manager, consultant, trainer, executive, speaker, business owner, and best-selling author. Through all of it his primary focus has been on building successful teams.

Whether Technical, Sales, or Recruitment, Gerry has recruited, trained, and led diverse teams to successful outcomes. Utilizing that experience Gerry created the Destination Employer Methodology to empower Startup, Scaleup, and early stage companies to consistently Attract, Recruit, and Retain the top-talent they need to fulfill their critical missions.

Connect with Gerry:

Website: www.redbeardsol.com

Email: gerryg@redbeardsol.com

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrygadoury/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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Are you ready to revolutionise your approach to leadership and talent retention? Join host Cathleen O'Sullivan as she delves into transformative leadership strategies with Claire Chandler, president and founder of Talent Boost also known as the ‘leadership therapist’. In this enlightening episode, Claire shares invaluable insights on aligning people strategies with business goals, creating sustainable growth, and fostering genuine employee engagement.

Get ready to uncover key takeaways from Claire's latest book, "Growth on Purpose," learn about the critical role of HR in today's business landscape. We also explore the nuances of personal and professional development to ensure that your talent is retained even as your business grows

Here are the Highlights:

09:25 HR should empower growth, not just enforce compliance.

14:17 HR should separate compliance from talent management.

23:11 External advisors gain credibility over internal voices.

35:49 Entrepreneurs face boundless possibilities, unlike employees.

39:50 We are all human, vulnerable, and flawed.

46:56 Writing the book improved Claire’s business methodology.

51:22 Avoid comparison; embrace authenticity and entrepreneurial generosity.

55:59 Embrace inner child for pure creative joy.

01:10:54 Word-of-mouth referrals attract the best talent.

01:15:03 Organisations evolving roles to match employees' talents.

01:30:38 Leaders: Connect human-first to strengthen team performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Claire Chandler emphasises the need for HR to transition from compliance-focused roles to strategic partners in organisations.

• Building genuine trust requires leaders to be self-aware, engage authentically with employees, and foster psychological safety.

• Cathleen and Claire explore the therapeutic benefits of writing as a form of personal and professional development.

ABOUT Claire Chandler

President and founder of Talent Boost, Claire Chandler deeply believes that leaders shape cultures, and stronger cultures drive greater success. She specialises in helping businesses expand without losing their best talent. Leveraging 30 years of experience in people leadership, human resources, and business ownership, Claire advises purpose-driven executive leaders looking to achieve perpetual growth. Claire’s services include keynote and motivational speaking, cultural integration and strategic alignment, thought partnership, talent ecosystems, leadership retreat facilitation, performance acceleration, executive and cohort coaching, organisational assessment and design, team dynamics and alignment, and growth

readiness.

Claire holds a certificate in strategic HR leadership from Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, a master’s degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and a bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University. She has appeared as a guest on more than 150 podcasts, is the author of several books on leadership and business strategy, and is a contributing writer for Forbes. She received the 2023 Best of America Small Business Award as Best Entrepreneur—Business Consulting.

Connect with Claire:

Website: https://www.clairechandler.net/

Book: https://www.growthonpurpose.com/

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairechandlersphr/

Twitter: https://x.com/TalentBoost

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talentboostllc

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: www.cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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How do you handle setbacks and challenges? Do you struggle, or do you stay afloat? Cathleen sits down with Russell Harvey, known widely as the resilience coach. With a career spanning over two decades in learning and development, Russell brings a wealth of experience and personal anecdotes that illustrate the profound impact of balancing humanity, data, and processes within organisations. Tune in to explore the essential components of resilience, strategies to adapt in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world, and the importance of building a robust support network. Get ready to embrace change and discover the keys to thriving through adversity with actionable advice and heartfelt stories that will inspire you to become a legendary leader.

Episode Timeline:

• 01:07 Handling setbacks and understanding resilience as a tool.

• 09:13 Leadership involves resolving dilemmas ethically, creatively and adaptably.

• 11:50 Resilience is springing forward with learning, not bouncing back.

• 27:33 Adaptability is openness to change, not action.

• 39:35 Repeated experiences taught self-care and practical tasks.

• 48:16 Personal challenges taught resilience.

• 56:51 Leaders need training on managing emotions during change.

• 01:03:38 Team gathers situational awareness through conversations.

Key Takeaways:

• Russell emphasises fostering a supportive community and maintaining continual communication are crucial for organisational resilience. Leaders must consider emotional intelligence and open dialogue to manage their teams and create a resilient culture effectively.

• According to Russell, resilience encompasses multiple components: attitude, purpose, confidence, adaptability, support network, meaning, and energy. Resilience involves a combination of being open to change, maintaining a positive attitude, and leveraging one’s support network for energy and strength.

• Both Cathleen and Russell discuss the importance of adaptability and agility, especially in the face of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA). Leaders need to be proactive in their decision-making, maintaining situational awareness and clarity amidst change.

ABOUT Russell Harvey:

Russell Harvey, "The Resilience Coach", is a dynamic and engaging Leadership Coach and Facilitator, Public Speaker, Managing Director, NED, Podcaster, and Radio Host. With over 20 years of experience in Learning, Leadership, and Organizational Development, Russell has specialised in Resilience and VUCA for the past 18 years. Russell's areas of specialisation include Resilience in our modern world of uncertainty

and ambiguity, executive coaching and leadership development, talent management and career coaching, facilitation, change leadership, and creativity. He has worked with a wide range of clients, including NHS, BT, The Co-operative Group and Bank, WM Morrisons, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and many more.

Connect with Russell:

Website: https://www.theresiliencecoach.co.uk/

Social Media Links:

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/theresiliencecoach/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/russelltheresiliencecoach

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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In a world where chaos often reigns, the power of maintaining a ready position can make the difference between success and failure. Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down to talk strategic planning and leadership with special guest Justin Bookey, author, marketing strategist, Emmy-nominated content creator, and global table ping pong player. Whether you're navigating high-stakes business decisions or seeking personal growth through unique experiences, this episode embraces continual learning - turning failures into stepping stones, and achieving excellence by focusing on the present task.

Episode Timeline:

• 02:25 Balancing career and passion enriches leadership perspective.

• 11:28 Ping pong universally fosters connection and memories.

• 23:36 Meet people where they are and learn deeply.

• 31:46 Ping pong and career philosophy overlap remarkably.

• 38:11 Focus on identity, impact, and having fun.

• 43:31 Understanding rhythm to manage conversation effectively.

• 51:20 Master fundamentals to execute advanced skills efficiently.

• 01:02:29 Focus on the present task with excellence.

• 01:13:59 Justin's book helps overcome self-doubt.

Key Takeaways:

• Justin and Cathleen discuss the importance of maintaining a "ready position" in chaotic situations. This involves being constantly prepared to adapt to changing conditions and optimising responses based on probable events.

• Failure is an integral part of growth and competitive endeavours. Both Cathleen and Justin discuss how readiness and striving for excellence are more important than the mere pursuit of success.

• Both Cathleen and Justin highlight the significant impact of family values and support on individual growth and leadership styles. Justin's diverse upbringing in a supportive, open-minded family with exposure to various cultures and unique experiences shaped his empathetic and balanced leadership approach.

ABOUT Justin:

Justin Bookey is a former lawyer, an award-winning marketing strategist, and a global ping-pong player. He’s had the good fortune of learning from some of the best and brightest in several arenas while working with leaders at Disney, Sony, Honda, Qualcomm, XPRIZE, and more. After practising communications law for several years in Washington, DC, he transitioned to web content development. He’s earned Emmy nominations for feature documentaries he produced, and Telly, Viddy, and ADDY awards for digital marketing campaigns he spearheaded. He is the author of Ping Pong Leadership, a powerful guide to success at any table For leaders, entrepreneurs, and competitors of all kinds.

Connect with Justin:

Website::https://www.pingpongleadership.com/contact

Buy the Book Ping Pong Leadership: https://amzn.eu/d/2pHAc47

Social Media Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookey/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/PingPongLeadership

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebookey

X: https://x.com/thebookey

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebookey

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.