Episodes

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...

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...

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...

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...

"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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa tackle the essence of commitment, sharing a powerful definition: Commitment is what we do long after the mood has left us. As the excitement of the new year fades and goals or resolutions star...

In this reflective episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the idea of joy—both personal and professional. Inspired by a recent conference Susan attended, they discuss how the concept of joy didn’t initially resonate with her and ...

Sleepless nights happen to the best of us, especially during stressful seasons of leadership. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share personal stories of restless nights and how stress has impacted their ability to recharge. T...

Do you ever feel like all eyes are on you or that people are saying unkind things behind your back? Susan and Tessa unpack this common leadership worry and offer a refreshing perspective: most people aren’t scrutinizing your ...

Susan and Tessa revisit the excitement of the new year and ask the big question: Have your resolutions, goals, or "one word" already taken a backseat? It's easy to lose momentum as the weeks roll on, but they’re here to remin...

In this week's episode, "Are You an Influencer as You Lead with Intention?", Susan and Tessa explore what it means to inspire and empower those around you, while discussing the critical difference between simply being a boss ...

"What's Your Leadership Legacy?" challenges you to consider the lasting impact you want to make as a leader. Susan and Tessa delve into the profound question of how we leave our mark, emphasizing the importance of intentional...

In the last episode of the year, "New Year, New Opportunity" invites you to hit pause and reflect on your leadership journey. Inspired by Mel Robbins’ quote, “You don’t know where you are going until you know where you have b...

Ever found yourself dreading a task because of a past negative experience? In this eye-opening episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the hidden struggles leaders face when anxiety sneaks in—whether it’s from a tense meeting, a t...

When adversity strikes or things go wrong, how do you respond? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore our natural tendencies to spiral into doom-and-gloom, worry, or frustration when faced with challenges. They unpack the b...

What do you do when your best-laid plans fall apart, an initiative flops, or a decision backfires? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the messy side of leadership, exploring how to handle failure and frustration witho...

In this episode, Susan starts the show sharing a vulnerable story about navigating frustration during a medical procedure and how her assumptions shaped her experience. This reflection sparks a deep conversation with Tessa ab...

Appreciation shouldn’t be confined to a single day or week. It’s a daily practice that transforms campus culture. In this thoughtful episode, Susan and Tessa explore the importance of showing gratitude every day and ask, "Why...

Educators are often so focused on serving others that they neglect their own well-being. In this heartfelt episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the importance of self-care, reminding leaders that they deserve "first-class care"...

Overthinking can paralyze even the strongest leaders. In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the traps of fear, doubt, and overwhelming thoughts that can lead to indecision. Through relatable stories, memorable quotes, and p...