Episodes
Oct. 8, 2025
Did I squash you?
In this episode, Susan and Tessa share a vivid story about a lizard on the road to spark real talk about the unintended impact leaders sometimes have on others. Even with the best intentions, our words or actions can “squash”...
Oct. 6, 2025
Wash, Rinse, and Repeat
In this episode, Susan and Tessa tackle the challenge all leaders face: how to keep important messages fresh when repetition feels relentless. They break down the “wash, rinse, and repeat” philosophy, being clear, reinforcing...
Oct. 1, 2025
Who Gets Their Way?
In this episode of Dips of Doubt, Susan and Tessa dig into what happens when passionate perspectives collide and everyone wants things done their way. Through a real-world committee story, the hosts explore how stubbornness, ...
Sept. 29, 2025
Highlight the Wins
In this uplifting episode, Susan and Tessa share why focusing on small victories can make all the difference for leaders feeling overwhelmed. With stories about recognizing the everyday wins—like a clean building, a heartfelt...
Sept. 24, 2025
Believe in you!
In this uplifting episode, Susan and Tessa dive deep into the importance of self-belief, especially for leaders facing setbacks, doubt, and criticism. Through vulnerable stories, from high school math classes to challenges in...
Sept. 22, 2025
Who is in Your Leadership Circle?
Who do you surround yourself with and how does it shape who you are as a leader? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dig into the powerful influence of your leadership circle. Reflecting on lessons from early teaching days and p...
Sept. 17, 2025
The Buck Stops With You
In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore what it really means to take responsibility as a leader when tough conversations and blame come your way. They share personal stories—from being accused of not communicating clearly to...
Sept. 15, 2025
What You Permit You May Be Promoting
What do your silent choices really say about your values as a leader? In this episode, Susan and Tessa take listeners behind the scenes of workplace culture, where unsaid words and overlooked actions send messages louder than...
Sept. 10, 2025
How is the Weather?
In this interesting episode, Susan and Tessa use the metaphor of weather to navigate the ups and downs of team dynamics. Drawing on classics like forming, storming, norming, and performing, they bring each stage to life, such...
Sept. 8, 2025
Wanna switch?
In this Monday episode, Susan and Tessa explore the surprising power of asking for what you want. Inspired by a moment on an airplane, they discuss why so many people hesitate to “shoot their shot” and how self-doubt, fear of...
Sept. 3, 2025
Try Water
In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the simple but powerful habit of staying hydrated and why it matters for leaders. They share personal stories, from forgotten water bottles to dramatic lessons about dehydration’s im...
Sept. 1, 2025
Remember to Pause!
In this episode, Susan and Tessa talk about why taking a purposeful pause is the secret to productive, mindful leadership. They share real-life stories about juggling busy schedules, the pressure to keep moving, and the momen...
Aug. 27, 2025
Do You Keep an Open Mind and Ask Questions?
In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the real power of curiosity in leadership. They discuss how thoughtful questioning, such as “tell me more” or “what ideas do you have?”, can shift the focus from quick fixes to deeper ...
Aug. 25, 2025
Be The First to Say Hello
A single “hello” can change the tone of an entire day. In this episode, Susan and Tessa uncover the quiet but powerful impact of being the first to greet others. From a smile in the hallway to a quick check-in that shows genu...
Aug. 20, 2025
Has Fatigue Already Robbed Your Team's Energy?
Feeling drained before the day even begins? In this episode, Susan and Tessa tackle what happens when fatigue steals away the spark that leaders and teams need to do their best work. Susan shares a game-changing meeting ritua...
Aug. 18, 2025
Are You a Fair Leader?
Fairness in leadership isn’t about keeping score or handing out identical treatment—it’s about building trust in the unseen moments and setting a standard your team can believe in. In this episode of Dips of Doubt , Susan and...
Aug. 13, 2025
Ferris Wheels, Merry Go Rounds and Spinning Tops
Some leadership challenges feel less like a straight path and more like an amusement park ride you didn’t choose—spinning, looping, and returning to the same spot over and over. In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the exh...
Aug. 11, 2025
Leadership and Courage
In this episode of Dips of Doubt, Susan and Tessa explore what it really means to lead with courage. They discuss the challenges of speaking the truth, having difficult conversations, and creating a culture of clarity and res...
Aug. 6, 2025
Sitting with Discomfort
Some days, leadership feels like climbing a hill that keeps getting steeper—your legs burn, the air thins, and you wonder if you’re ever going to reach the top. In this vulnerable and energizing episode, Susan and Tessa talk ...
Aug. 4, 2025
How Do You Start and End Your Day?
In this honest episode of Dips of Doubt, Susan and Tessa share transparent reflections on the routines that shape their mornings and evenings as leaders. Susan explains how early morning exercise and a quiet start set her up ...
July 30, 2025
What's Your Impact?
On this episode of Dips of Doubt, Susan and Tessa explore the difference between what you intend as a leader and how your actions are actually experienced by your team. With honest stories, including a lesson learned from fee...
July 28, 2025
Culture and Change
Imagine this: the principal's office is empty. The nameplate is gone, the atmosphere feels lighter, and whispers of "finally" float down the hall. But just as the door closed on one chapter, a new one opens—and in walks you ....
July 23, 2025
It's Not About Titles
In this episode, Susan and Tessa challenge the idea that leadership is defined by position. They explore how true leadership is rooted in humility, collaboration, and the willingness to put ego aside. A title doesn’t automati...
July 21, 2025
Tips to Avoid Communication Breakdowns
Susan and Tessa dive into one of the most overlooked but critical leadership skills—clear communication. Using Warren Buffett’s quote, “The most important investment you can make is in yourself. And one of the best ways to do...