Becoming Unshakable

What happens when the identity I hold most proudly becomes the very thing that limits connection? In this solo episode of Becoming Unshakable, I share a moment of reflection that surfaced for me during a retreat I attended in Canada at the end of the year. I went there to speak, but also to listen, learn, and be present as a participant. In the middle of all the meaningful conversations and connections, one simple question from another attendee stopped me cold and stayed with me long after the retreat ended. I have always been comfortable giving, serving, and pouring into others. That part of my leadership feels natural to me. But when I was asked whether I was truly open to receiving what others wanted to give in return, it forced me to look more closely at how often I move past praise, support, and presence without fully allowing it in. I realized that even with the best intentions, refusing to receive can quietly block trust and shared humanity. In this episode, I reflect on why receiving matters just as much as giving, whether we are leading teams, families, or communities. I explore how not allowing others to show up for us can limit their sense of purpose, their contribution, and even the growth of the relationship itself. When we deny others the opportunity to give, we may unintentionally slow progress, connection, and innovation. As I step into a new year, I invite you to reflect alongside me. If you identify as a giver, what would it look like to become a better receiver as well? And how might opening yourself to receive create deeper relationships, stronger teams, and a fuller expression of who we are meant to be?

What does it take to lead with heart in one of the most demanding, misunderstood public service sectors? In this episode of the Leadership With Heart Podcast, I spoke with Billie Jo McCarley, Deputy Director of Operations at the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department. From the moment I saw her speak on a panel, I was drawn to her clarity, purpose, and grounded approach to leading in a system that rarely gets the spotlight it deserves. Her words were honest, her tone firm, and her leadership style deeply human. Billie Jo shares her journey from a union kid in upstate New York to a Marine Corps officer, and now to her executive role overseeing one of the largest utilities in the country. She brings a refreshingly straightforward style to leadership, one rooted in ownership, structure, and service. What resonated most was how she balances military precision with a deep sense of emotional intelligence and faith. Her mantra is simple: understand people, respect their uniqueness, and make hard decisions without ever stripping someone of their dignity. We explored how she builds high-performing teams by focusing on talent, alignment, clarity, and trust. She described her people as "scrappy builders," but also reminded us that every person comes with a story, and our job as leaders is to create a space where that story matters. Whether shifting someone to a better-fitting role or navigating tough conversations with fairness and compassion, Billie Jo never loses sight of the mission: to serve the people of Miami-Dade County with integrity and purpose. Her belief that leadership is not about softening expectations but elevating them through care stayed with me. You can be clear, direct, and firm, and still lead with a heart full of compassion. That's the real balance we're all trying to strike, especially in times of uncertainty, change, and disruption. So here's my question: What does leadership with heart look like in your world, and how are you holding space for others while still pushing them to grow? I would love to hear your thoughts. Share your reflections with me, and let's continue the conversation.

In this episode of the Becoming Unshakable podcast, I sit down with Neri Karra Sillaman, and this conversation stayed with me long after we stopped recording. I first met Neri at the Thinkers50 event in London, where she was recognized as a Radar Award winner. The moment she spoke about her work and her life, I knew I had to learn more. This episode is the result of that instinct. Neri shares her powerful journey as an immigrant entrepreneur and refugee, forced to leave Bulgaria at the age of eleven with her family and only two suitcases. She takes us inside what it means to rebuild life from a refugee camp, to navigate shame, loss, faith, and survival, and to carry those experiences into adulthood. What struck me most was how she reframes being unshakable, not as being unbreakable, but as being flexible, grounded in truth, and willing to live authentically even when life does not go as planned. We talk deeply about faith, worthiness, and the unseen forces that carry us through moments when the future feels impossible to imagine. Neri opens up about the scars that never fully heal, the role of self-awareness in leadership, and how community and compassion can serve as the foundation for both personal healing and business longevity. Her story behind writing Pioneers: Eight Principles of Business Longevity from Immigrant Entrepreneurs reveals how sometimes the work we resist is the work we are meant to do. This conversation is about resilience, but it goes beyond pushing through. It is about receiving as much as giving, about understanding your own worth, and about how early hardship can shape a deep capacity for connection, storytelling, and leadership. It is also a reminder that even in chaos, we can hold a vision for something greater. As you listen to Neri's story, I invite you to reflect on this. What part of your own story, especially the parts shaped by struggle, might actually be pointing you toward the life and leadership you are meant to live?

What are the signals your team is receiving from you every single day, even when you think you are not sending any at all? In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, I reflect on my recent work facilitating deep listening sessions inside organizations and what those moments quietly communicate to employees. Again and again, I hear the same response. Something feels different. Something feels like it is shifting. The signal is not a speech or a strategy deck. It is presence. It is being seen. It is knowing someone is actually listening. I talk about why listening is one of the clearest expressions of caring leadership and how intentional signals can change culture faster than most formal initiatives. When people feel heard, they invest more. They stay engaged. They support one another. And they find strength even when work feels heavy or uncertain. This episode also turns inward. I explore the signals our own bodies send us every day and what happens when we ignore them. Unshakable does not mean unhurt or unaffected. It means grounded. It means having tools such as reframing, breathing, and self-awareness that help us steady ourselves before we crumble. As you listen, I invite you to consider this. What signals are you intentionally placing for your team, your family, and yourself? And what might change if you slowed down long enough to truly receive them?

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to talk about resilience as if it is a single gear we should keep turning forever? That question has been sitting with me for a while. I have spent years teaching leaders how to build resilience and how to stay steady when life shakes the ground under their feet. I believe in that work with my whole heart. But lately something has shifted in me. I have been rethinking the way we treat resilience as endless forward motion, almost like we are supposed to sprint through every storm without ever stopping to breathe. In this solo episode, I share an honest look at my own evolution. I talk about the moment I realized that resilience without nourishment becomes a slow drain on our spirit. I describe the trap of powering through, the belief that toughness alone will carry us, and why I am moving toward something I call resilience plus. It is the space where grit meets care, where perseverance is paired with grounding, and where the ability to rise again is strengthened by the willingness to rest, pray, listen, and refill ourselves. I walk through the lessons that hit me during a retreat in Toronto, the ones that helped me see how nourishment is not a luxury but a condition for real resilience. I share what it feels like to stand in front of a room of people who are fully present, fully open, and fully human. I talk about the people who hold me, the friends and family who steady me, and why leadership requires us to build circles where we can be honest, soft, tired, hopeful, and strong in the same breath. This conversation is an invitation to explore your own understanding of resilience. It is a reminder that you can be powerful and weary, strong and tender, grounded and growing. You can fall and rise, and you can take a breath before you do it. And I would love to hear from you. What does resilience plus look like in your own life, and where are you finding the nourishment that helps you stay unshakable?

Have you ever met someone in a fleeting moment and instantly sensed there was a deeper conversation waiting to happen? That is precisely what happened when I met Grantley Morgan at Thinkers50 in London. It was my very first time in the city, and there he was, tucked away in the corner, trying to enjoy a quiet bite before the next wave of conversations. Of course, I walked right up to him, probably catching him mid-chew, and within minutes, we were deep into a discussion about the kind of leadership people return to when the world around them feels uncertain. In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, Grantley and I explore a theme that leaders often overlook. Reliability. We talk about it as something steady, almost quiet, yet absolutely foundational. Grantley calls it positive predictability. That grounded presence where people know how you show up, they see the bar you hold for yourself, and they trust that your intentions match your actions. He describes how this connects with a second trait that leaders often talk about but rarely live consistently. A personal quality bar that never drops, even when pressure mounts. Our conversation moves through the realities of consulting culture, the pressure to prove yourself, the temptation to rush, and the personal work involved in shifting from competition to curiosity. Grantley shares moments where he pushed too hard, went too fast, and learned the hard way about the limits of carrying everything alone. His honesty around pressure, emotional regulation, and the need for shared accountability invites all of us to rethink how we use our influence. What I loved most was the way he frames leadership through clear intention. The idea of stepping away for fuel, stepping back for perspective, and stepping forward once curiosity returns. The way he holds failure as a sign of courage rather than incompetence. And the reminder that reliability has nothing to do with being safe or dull. It is the quality that lets people take bigger risks because they trust the leader beside them. Grantley left me thinking about the future of leadership and how each of us can create the conditions where our teams thrive. What would happen if reliability and excellence coexisted more often in our workplaces? What would it change about how we show up, how we collaborate, and how we carry our own emotional load? I would love to know what this conversation brings up for you. Which part resonates with your own experience of leading or being led? Share your thoughts with me.

What happens when innovation is shaping your life in ways you never see? That is the question at the heart of this conversation with Portia Lane Child, Director of Innovation and Strategy Services at BAE Systems. While most of us recognise the consumer brands that dominate our daily world, far fewer realise how deeply companies like BAE Systems influence the systems that keep us connected, protected, and moving. Portia's work lives in that fascinating space, where advanced engineering meets national mission, and where the innovations you never hear about are often the ones shaping your future. During our discussion, Portia shares how she helps steer innovation inside one of the world's most complex aerospace and defence organisations. She talks about the human side of innovating within a massive enterprise, the challenge of moving ideas across technical and organisational silos, and the lessons she learned growing up as a lobster fisherman's daughter that still guide how she builds teams and champions new ideas. Her story about creating an internal accelerator that changed how the business nurtures ideas is a powerful reminder that innovation only takes root when people feel supported to experiment, communicate, and stretch beyond familiar boundaries. We also explore the shifting incentives shaping today's innovators, from the pressure of short-term financial cycles to the growing importance of longer horizons in the age of AI. Portia opens up about what it really takes to move from idea to impact inside a mission-driven organisation, why customer conversations matter more than ever, and how modern innovators can develop the resilience and curiosity needed to operate in fast-moving technical environments. My guest also shares inspiring reflections on the inventions that shaped her, the role models who sparked her imagination, and the breakthroughs she believes the world needs most.

Have you ever wondered how some people keep standing even when life seems determined to knock them flat? That question lingered with me as I spoke with Dave Munson, the founder and CEO of Saddleback Leather Co., whose journey is marked by sharp turns, risk-taking, loss, grit, faith, and a remarkable ability to get back up again. This conversation reminded me that the path to becoming unshakable is rarely smooth. It is formed through moments that challenge our identity, stretch our resolve, and reveal what we truly rely on when everything around us feels uncertain. Dave brought stories that moved from the deserts of Mexico to the busy floors of his factory, from being a young volunteer teacher dreaming up a rugged bag to building a global brand rooted in people-first values. He talks openly about the setbacks that shaped him, including financial loss, near closures, a cartel theft of an entire truckload of products, and the intense pressure of keeping a business alive during COVID when travel bags suddenly fell to the very bottom of consumer demand. What struck me was his response each time. He chose gratitude, service, and faith as his grounding tools. He decided to stand up quicker with each hit instead of staying down. The heart of this episode unfolds as Dave shares how compassion has shaped his leadership. From standing beside employees during personal crises to hiring people who are often overlooked in society, he paints a picture of leadership that meets people where they are and walks with them. He also speaks candidly about his own process of unlearning, particularly the need to relinquish self-reliance and trust others to grow alongside him. His story is full of uncomfortable growth, unexpected blessings, and a willingness to pivot when the world shifts beneath his feet. It made me reflect on what anchors each of us and how we choose to rise. As you listen, consider your own sense of grounding. What helps you get back up when life hits you in ways you never saw coming? And if something Dave shared resonates with you, I would love to know your thoughts. What part of this conversation helps you reflect on your own journey toward becoming unshakable?

In this solo episode of Becoming Unshakable, I invite you to join me for a quiet reflection on how our past experiences can shape and strengthen who we are becoming. I talk about my love for fall, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, and how those simple moments remind me of the beauty of change. Each fallen leaf tells a story of what was, and each season reminds us that growth often begins with letting go. I share why I no longer believe in leaving the past behind. Our pasts are full of lessons, proof of our resilience, and reminders of how much we have already overcome. When I look back on my own life, I see the obstacles that once felt impossible but now serve as evidence of what I'm capable of. Those memories keep me grounded and confident when new challenges arise. This episode is all about using what came before to propel us toward what's next. It's about finding power in reflection, gratitude in growth, and peace in knowing that everything we've lived through has prepared us for what lies ahead. I hope this short conversation helps you see your own past in a new light and gives you the courage to keep moving forward with strength and purpose.

In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, I had the privilege of welcoming two inspiring guests, Mary Beth Sandin and Kristina Fusella. It was my first time hosting two people at once, and the conversation felt like sitting down with old friends who have walked similar roads of challenge, growth, and self-discovery. Together, we explored what it means to stay grounded when life feels uncertain and why asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather an act of genuine strength. Kristina shared how her Taekwondo practice has shaped her understanding of balance, both physically and emotionally. Her reflections reminded me that being unshakeable is not about staying perfectly still, but about finding stability while in motion. Mary Beth brought a different kind of insight, showing how self-awareness, preparation, and allyship can create calm even in moments of chaos. Hearing both of them speak so openly about fear, confidence, and connection felt deeply human. What stayed with me most was our discussion about grace, vulnerability, and the quiet courage it takes to ask for support. We discussed the unrealistic expectations women often place on themselves, the importance of having allies, and how small moments of encouragement can have a profound impact. If you are someone trying to hold it all together, this conversation will remind you that strength often begins the moment you decide to reach out.

When you’ve led people through war zones, you learn what unshakable leadership really means. In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, I sit down with retired Army officer, author, and speaker Clay Novak to explore what happens when compassion meets combat. With five tours of duty across Iraq and Afghanistan, Clay has lived the reality of leading under pressure, where calm, clarity, and connection can mean the difference between chaos and survival. Clay shares how he trained his soldiers to stay grounded when every instinct told them to panic, and how that same mindset applies to leadership in everyday life. From progressive training and mental discipline to emotional recovery after loss, he reveals the human side of service, the part that depends on empathy, humility, and self-awareness. We also dive into the balance between toughness and tenderness, and how leaders can be both unyielding and kind. Clay talks about moments of vulnerability that built trust within his teams and how those same lessons guide his life and writing today. His reflections show that emotional courage is just as vital as physical endurance, and that compassion is often what holds everything together when the pressure is highest. Together, we explore how real leaders build resilience, why asking for help is a sign of strength, and how compassion becomes a force multiplier in any environment, from the battlefield to the boardroom. Clay’s honesty and wisdom reminded me that courage isn’t about having no fear, but about standing firm in integrity when everything around you feels uncertain.

In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, Heather reflects on a moment that reminded her what true leadership looks like from the inside out. Fresh from speaking to 13,000 nurses at the Atlanta World Congress Center, she shares how an experience that looked glamorous on the surface, with makeup, stage lights, and a long line of people waiting for hugs, became a powerful reminder that self-leadership is not selfish. It is essential. Heather unpacks what it means to prepare so thoroughly that you can show up fully. For her, deep preparation is an act of care, allowing presence to replace pressure and connection to replace performance. As she recounts her time with the nurses, she explores the toll that constant caregiving takes and how compassion fatigue quietly chips away at strength. Her message to them, and to all of us, is clear: when you care for yourself as intentionally as you care for others, you become the calm in the storm, the unshakable center that others can rely on. Through raw honesty, Heather shares her own turning point, the realization that the success she had built came at the cost of the people she valued most. That moment of clarity became the foundation of her teaching: align your life with your true values, lean on your team, ask for help, and give yourself permission to rest. Strong self-leadership is grounded in awareness, humility, and care. This episode invites you to look inward, to question the beliefs that keep you on autopilot, and to remember that balance is not weakness, it is wisdom. When you prepare with intention, lead with presence, and live in alignment with what matters most, you do not just survive the chaos. You become unshakable within it.

Jodi O. Brown has lived the kind of story most of us hope we never face. What began as a picture-perfect life shifted overnight when she learned the symptoms she had been ignoring were signs of a brain tumor wrapped around her brainstem. One surgery became three. Five days in hospital became thirty-five in neurocritical care. The journey would grow to twenty-six surgeries, with complications that could have shattered anyone’s sense of self. Instead, Jodi found a different path. She learned to take life one minute at a time, to find meaning inside the mess, and to choose the next small step when the finish line felt impossible to see. In this conversation on Becoming Unshakeable, Jodi introduces the concept of anti-fragility, illustrating its application to human life as well as to systems and economies. Resilience helps us bounce back. Anti-fragility enables us to grow stronger in the face of stressors, setbacks, and uncertainty. Jodi explains how she closed the door on one life and opened another with new rules, new rhythms, and a daily practice of grace with deadlines. Feel the pain, name it, and then set a time to stand up again, even if the first step is tiny. Sometimes, it feels like committing to attending a class where you cut paper shapes, because having someone to be accountable to can pull you through when your willpower runs dry. We also step into a new season unfolding in real time. Jodi became an empty nester yesterday. The quiet is startling. She walks us through the emotions of a house that suddenly sounds different and the choice to reimagine marriage, travel, and daily rituals with hope. Her definition of becoming unshakeable fits the heart of this show. Adversity is not an interruption to your story. It is your story. The practices you bring to ordinary days prepare you for the extraordinary ones. Faith underpins her steadiness. Hope keeps her moving. She shares lessons from a childhood shaped by leadership teachings and a father who modeled genuine care, the kind you feel when a leader knows your name and your story. Every interaction is an opportunity to change a life. That line threads through everything here. It is the reason people follow, the reason cultures feel safe, and the reason care will never go out of style. If you are barely holding on, Jodi’s message is simple and actionable. Permit yourself to mourn what you lost. Set a clear deadline to rise. Make one small commitment to another human and keep it. One step can change the direction of a hard season. One light can change the way a room feels. Jodi chooses to be that light, and she invites you to do the same. Stay to the end for a generous gift. Jodi offers a complimentary e-copy of her memoir, “The Sun Still Shines,” for listeners who email her. It is an honest account of pain and purpose, and a reminder that even in the hardest chapters, the light is still there, waiting to be seen.

In this episode of Becoming Unshakeable, I sit down with Jim Matuga, Founder of InnerAction Media, to explore a side of leadership that often goes unspoken: followership. Jim brings a refreshing perspective that challenges the assumption that leadership is the only role worth aspiring to. Instead, he makes a compelling case for the power of humility, steadfastness, and the influence that comes from being an excellent follower. For him, excellence and mediocrity cannot coexist, and creating a culture that values both leaders and followers is essential for building organizations that thrive. Jim shares stories from his own career, including the moment he realized that having a title doesn't mean you are equipped to lead. Being thrust into leadership without preparation forced him to confront his own shortcomings and inspired him to dedicate decades to studying, practicing, and teaching leadership grounded in service. He discusses the weekly culture conversations he holds with his team, drawing on lessons from John Maxwell and his own experiences, to ensure that values don't just hang on the wall but are lived out in everyday practice. One of the most potent parts of our conversation is Jim's story of intentionally removing the lid on his business. He set a goal to build a company that would not rely on him by 2030, which meant facing uncomfortable truths, opening the books, and developing successors. That level of transparency and trust not only changed the company's culture but also allowed his team to thrive in new ways. Jim also shares his "10 percent rule," the idea that under challenging conversations, the most essential truth often goes unspoken. Learning to voice that final 10 percent, he believes, is where leaders find real breakthroughs. As we close, Jim reflects on how he stays grounded in times of chaos. For him, faith, discipline, and a holistic focus on health, relationships, and purpose keep him steady when circumstances are uncertain. His message to anyone who feels like they are barely holding it together is to act with intentionality. Reconnect with your purpose, take one step forward, and trust that progress will come from movement. This conversation is a powerful reminder that becoming unshakeable is not about perfection or position; it's about embracing resilience. It is about humility, resilience, and the daily practice of choosing excellence and equipping others to rise alongside you.

In today’s episode of Becoming Unshakeable, I’m doing something a little different. This is one of my solo shows where I answer questions that listeners have sent directly to me. It’s my way of making sure your voice is part of this conversation, because even though I cannot see you when you listen, I want to stay connected to what matters most to you. In this episode, I respond to three powerful questions. We explore how to continue showing care when upper management pressures or restrictions get in the way, how to balance compassion with clear expectations and accountability, and what to do when your calendar is so full of other people’s needs that you feel like you are losing yourself in the process. These are real-life situations, and they all connect back to what it means to be grounded in who we are and how we present ourselves. Becoming unshakeable is not about never being rattled. It is about staying calm and centered when the world feels off its rocker. It is about making intentional choices to lead with clarity, care, and accountability. As you listen in, I invite you to reflect on your own sphere of influence, your daily practices for grounding, and the ways you might bring both compassion and strength into your leadership.

Welcome to this episode of Becoming Unshakeable! If you’ve been a follower and fan of Leadership with Heart, you’re in exactly the right place. From here on out, Becoming Unshakeable will be the new name of my show—and I can’t wait to bring you invaluable insights on what it means to lead with clarity, compassion and courage. Ed Rahill’s story begins with a grandmother’s steady voice and a childhood that could have gone either way. He learned early that fear can freeze your future, and that believing in something bigger than ego keeps you moving when life tilts. In this conversation, we trace his path from broken-home beginnings to the relay anchor leg that changed everything, where a single decision to run for dignity and team turned self pity into grit. That moment became a template for how he leads himself and others. We follow Ed into boardrooms and high-stakes turnarounds, where respect and clarity, open doors that force will never crack. He explains the quiet moves that earn trust, how to disagree with grace, and why every person wants to feel seen and essential. His “mile relay” philosophy becomes a leadership framework. Receive the baton of wisdom, run your leg with courage, then pass it on stronger. Caring leadership shows up not in slogans, but in the way you help people take ownership of the win. Then there is the race. A coast-to-coast endurance run, arrests, breakdowns, and a moment on the shoulder of the highway where he almost quit. Ed describes turning the ignition with a new rule for life. One mile at a time. That mindset set a record and reset his compass. Preparation mattered. Faith mattered. Choosing courage over fear mattered most. If you are becoming unshakeable right now, Ed’s lesson lands simply. Go back to your first principles, remember who taught you to stand tall, and act from values instead of ego. Write down your story from the start and look for the pattern of growth. Lead yourself first, speak with respect, and move one mile at a time.

Welcome to this episode of Becoming Unshakeable! If you’ve been a follower and fan of Leadership with Heart, you’re in exactly the right place. From here on out, Becoming Unshakeable will be the new name of my show—and I can’t wait to bring you invaluable insights on what it means to lead with clarity, compassion and courage. In this conversation, I sat down with my friend and powerhouse leader, Susan Frew. Susan’s path runs from corporate leadership at AT&T Wireless across the Caribbean to small business ownership, reinvention, and now her work as a top AI speaker. She embodies what Becoming Unshakeable is all about. We talk about the moments that tested her, the choices that reshaped her, and the practices that keep her steady when life speeds up. Susan shares how being a young international VP in Grenada and St. Vincent taught her to build from scratch, lead across cultures, and become her own IT department. She opens up about the seasons that didn't fit, what she unlearned about “being everything to everyone,” and why finding work you truly love changes your energy, confidence, and results. We get honest about ADHD as a superpower, the discipline of protecting your circle from gossip, and the surprising role sleep hypnosis and mindset work have played in her growth. If you are barely holding it together, this one will meet you right where you are. You will hear practical self-leadership tools, a fresh take on career reinvention, and a grounded vision for using AI to serve people with integrity and kindness. Listen in for fuel, clarity, and a reminder that you can move forward, even on the hard days.

In this episode, I open up about what it truly means to become unshakeable. Not perfect. Not untouchable. But rooted in a steady strength that grounds you and steadies the people around you. I share why this evolution from Leadership with Heart to Becoming Unshakeable is not just about the world’s needs, but also about my own. Like many of you, I needed more clarity, more calm, more centeredness. Letting go of perfection and embracing purpose has given me freedom from anxiety, fear of judgment, and the impossible pressure to prove myself. Together, we will explore the difference between resilience and unshakeable strength, the power of self-leadership, and the importance of aligning daily actions with your deepest values. I will also share personal reflections, from raising four children (and why being called 'Super Mama' makes me cringe) to learning to love my own voice and curly hair. These moments demonstrate that unshakeable leadership stems from embracing authenticity, not striving for perfection. You will leave this episode with practical steps to build your own unshakeable core, including a simple values alignment practice to try this week. When you are clear on your purpose, confident in your values, and flexible in your approach, you not only withstand change but also thrive in it. You create calm in the midst of it.

Welcome to one of the first guest episodes of Becoming Unshakeable! If you’ve been a follower and fan of Leadership with Heart, you’re in exactly the right place. From here on out, Becoming Unshakeable will be the new name of my show—and I can’t wait to bring you invaluable insights on what it means to lead with clarity, compassion and courage. What does it really take to live bravely and lead with your whole self? In this heartfelt conversation, I sat down with my dear friend Kimberly Davis, Founder of Brave Leadership and author of Brave Leadership: Unleash Your Most Confident, Authentic, and Powerful Self to Get the Results You Need. Kimberly opens up about the wake-up calls that changed her life, from personal loss during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to making the bold decision to sell her home in Texas and move her family to Costa Rica. She shares how bravery is not about being fearless, but about making clear choices, standing in your values, and permitting yourself to live fully. Together, we explore what it means to become unshakeable when life throws curveballs. We discuss leaning into self-leadership, making powerful decisions even when they are intimidating, and discovering practices that keep you grounded when your world feels uncertain. Kimberly’s story is a reminder that courage is contagious. When we choose to show up authentically, we permit others to do the same. If you have ever wondered how to step into your own brave choices, whether at work, in life, or in leadership, this episode will inspire you to stop waiting for permission and start living the life you want now.

Welcome to the second episode of Becoming Unshakeable! If you’ve been a follower and fan of Leadership with Heart, you’re in exactly the right place. From here on out, Becoming Unshakeable will be the new name of my show—and I can’t wait to bring you invaluable insights on what it means to lead with clarity, compassion, and courage. When I began planning the very first guest episode of Becoming Unshakeable, I thought carefully about who could help bridge the journey from Leadership with Heart to this new season of resilience and self-leadership. The choice came quickly. My longtime friend and inspiring leader, Rich Gassen, was the perfect person to join me. Rich has spent more than a decade as a supervisor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and he has always impressed me with his steady commitment to growth, learning, and values-based leadership. His personal mantra, “show up and participate,” has guided him through every challenge, from a serious health scare to leading a major team relocation. What struck me most in our conversation was how Rich has never stopped being a learner. He constantly seeks out new knowledge, applies it to his work, and shares it generously with his team and colleagues. During our conversation, Rich opened up about what being unshakeable means to him. For him, it is about leaning on his values, staying grounded in creativity and curiosity, and never losing sight of the whole person he is leading. He reflected on how compassion and transparency shaped the way he guided his team through difficult times, and how active listening allowed him to support others in moments when life outside of work was weighing heavily. His approach to leadership is deeply human, rooted in the belief that progress matters more than perfection. Rich also spoke about what he had to unlearn on his leadership journey. Moving from a technical role into a supervisory position meant realizing that he didn't need to have all the answers. Instead, he learned to listen more, ask better questions, and empower his team to find solutions themselves. That shift not only helped him grow but created more resilient, capable people around him. What I love most about Rich’s story is how authentic it is. He does not pretend to be perfect. Instead, he focuses on showing up every day, aligning with his values, and creating the conditions for others to thrive. That mindset is at the heart of what it means to be unshakeable.