In this enlightening episode, Elena sits down with professional coach Derek Mulhern to discuss the intricacies of personal growth, leadership, and the essential human connections that ground us, especially in tumultuous times. As we approach the end of the year and reflect on our journeys, Derek shares his unique insights on how to navigate the complexities of life, relationships, and leadership.

Check out Elena’s website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you.

Derek's journey from agriculture to coaching has shaped his understanding of the significance of self-love and the necessity of slowing down. He shares his personal breakthrough, a realization that life isn’t just about "sprinting" toward goals or "zoning out" in the chaos. He emphasizes the importance of being present and taking joy in the moments between our busy schedules. The conversation delves deeply into how we can cultivate more meaningful relationships, especially when faced with differing viewpoints. Derek emphasizes the importance of approaching conversations with empathy, curiosity, and love, promoting an environment of understanding and connection amidst division.

As the year draws to a close, Elena and Derek delve into end-of-year reflection practices that inspire personal breakthroughs. They discuss the importance of reviewing the past year's experiences, asking introspective questions, and creating space for growth to uncover valuable lessons. The conversation touches on the liberating notion of defining one's professional role, especially for entrepreneurs and CEOs, with the invitation to challenge traditional job expectations.

With the holiday season approaching, Derek's heartfelt advice to "chill out" serves as a gentle reminder to find peace, be present, and acknowledge the love that persists even amidst challenges.

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Derek Mulhern:

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

This podcast was produced by the following amazing team:

Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer

Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron’s music via Instagram)

Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this thought-provoking episode, Elena engages in a deep and insightful conversation with seasoned leadership coach Nephi Niven. Together, they unpack the intricacies of navigating hard conversations - those challenging but essential dialogues that arise in both professional and personal contexts. They explore the pressing issues facing today’s executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations.

Check out Elena’s website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you.

The episode offers a structured framework for approaching difficult conversations, emphasizing five key elements: clarity of purpose, self-awareness, shared agreement, vulnerability, and the importance of repair. Nephi shares his transformative journey from a thriving career in photography to becoming a leadership coach, demonstrating how coaching can empower leaders to cultivate compassionate and inclusive work environments.

Nephi underscores the importance of approaching difficult conversations with clarity and purpose. He highlights the role of self-awareness and emotional intelligence as critical components for creating productive discussions. Understanding one’s own emotional state, he explains, is key to setting the stage for a more constructive exchange. He also shares how establishing shared agreements at the outset of tough conversations can lay the foundation for respectful dialogue, reinforcing the necessity for vulnerability and courage when addressing conflicts.

Nephi emphasizes the need for leaders to embrace difficult emotions and foster healthy conflict within their teams, especially during times of crisis. He advocates for a somatic, body-based approach to leadership development, and reminds us that humor and joy are vital tools in this process. The power of coaching and its profound impact on organizational culture and effectiveness are highlighted throughout the conversation.

This empowering discussion equips leaders with essential skills while inspiring them to seek support and build more humane workplaces. Tune in to explore the vital intersection of leadership, emotional well-being, and the potential for transformative change within organizations.

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Want to hear more from Elena? Click here!

Learn more about The C-Suite Collective

Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn

Nephi Niven:

Website | LinkedIn

This podcast was produced by the following amazing team:

Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer

Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron’s music via Instagram)

Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this episode, Elena engages in a deep and thought-provoking conversation with Katherine Folk-Sullivan, a PCC-credentialed coach and certified trauma-informed coach. They explore the intricate dynamics of humility in effective leadership, the vital role it plays in fostering a culture of openness and growth within organizations, and the ongoing journey of personal and collective growth in the realm of anti-racism.

Check out Elena’s website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you.

Katherine shares her transformative journey into coaching and her deep commitment to anti-racism work. What started as a personal exploration to address her own challenges evolved into a passion for guiding others through their journeys. She candidly reflects on the discomfort she experienced when stepping into the role of an anti-racism expert, confronting her self-perception in light of her colleagues' experiences. Her insights serve as a reminder that anti-racism is a continuous journey, urging all leaders - especially those from privileged backgrounds - to approach it with humility and an awareness of the spiritual costs of oppression.

Katherine advocates for shifting the focus from binary conversations around racism to fostering personal relationships and cultural humility. She encourages listeners to practice open-heartedness and connection, even with those who hold opposing views, suggesting that true leadership involves recognizing our tendency to 'other' others and instead choosing to engage in meaningful dialogue.

In today’s polarized world, Katherine emphasizes the importance of nurturing personal relationships and fostering cultural humility. Her call for connection and dialogue serves as a powerful reminder of the role open-heartedness plays in bridging divides and cultivating understanding.

This episode will leave you empowered and reflective, offering valuable insights into your own growth edges. Katherine’s wisdom challenges us all to lead with humility and compassion in both our personal and professional lives. Don’t miss this insightful episode, which encourages you to voice your leadership and take meaningful action within your communities.

Let’s Get Social!

Want to hear more from Elena? Click here!

Learn more about The C-Suite Collective

Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn

Katherine Folk-Sullivan:

Website | LinkedIn

This podcast was produced by the following amazing team:

Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer

Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron’s music via Instagram)

Jo van Eeden, Project Manager