Leading Human

In this episode, Chad, co-founder of Big Self School and part of the Leading Human podcast team, discusses the transformative power of the Enneagram in long-term relationships. He highlights the common communication pitfalls couples face and how understanding each other’s Enneagram types can facilitate deeper connections and growth. This episode also previews the upcoming Enneagram Couples Retreat on February 14th, 2026, in Chattanooga, designed to help couples understand their partner's core motivations and foster compassionate understanding.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:47 Understanding Relationship Dynamics07:59 The Power of the Enneagram14:01 Enneagram for Couples Retreat21:33 Conclusion and Call to ActionIf you're in Chattanooga this February, check out our Enneagram for Couples Retreat here. Early bird and 2 for 1 pricing while supplies last and ends December 17, 2025.We do trainings all over. We'll bring a communication workshop in person or online. https://bigselfschool.com/trainingsDon't just take it from us, hear what others are saying: https://bigselfschool.com/testimonials.Book a chemistry call. Learn more about what we do, how we might support you, and if the fit is right: https://calendly.com/shelley-bss/disc...

In this podcast episode, Chad Prevost, executive coach and co-founder of Big Self School, delves into the fundamentals of building trust within organizational teams. Chad highlights common communication mistakes that erode trust, such as making vague requests, assuming commitment when it hasn't been clearly given, and handling feedback poorly. He explains the importance of clear, committed communication and outlines a six-element framework for making effective requests, including the necessity of naming the timeframe and conditions of satisfaction. Chad offers strategies for constructive feedback through the SBIA framework (Situation, Behavior, Impact, Ask), emphasizing the importance of daily conversations in trust-building. The episode underscores that effective communication and mutual accountability lead to better organizational outcomes and a healthier workplace environment.We do trainings all over. We'll bring a communication workshop in person or online. https://bigselfschool.com/trainingsDon't just take it from us, hear what others are saying: https://bigselfschool.com/testimonials.Book a chemistry call. Learn more about what we do, how we might support you, and if the fit is right: https://calendly.com/shelley-bss/disc...

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad welcomes leadership expert and author Jim Karloff to discuss his book, 'The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success.' Jim shares his journey in leadership, the inspiration behind his book, and how the six pillars—compassion, empathy, stability, focus, humor, and the crucial element of integrity—can be effectively implemented in any organization. Tune in to explore the nuances of these pillars, learn from Jim's professional experiences, and gain insights into building a resilient, people-first team in today's rapidly changing world.00:00 Introduction to Jim Karloff and His Leadership Philosophy00:55 Jim's Journey to Writing 'The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership'03:28 Unveiling the Six Pillars04:26 The Importance of Integrity in Leadership05:38 Identifying and Addressing Leadership Weaknesses07:39 The Role of Compassion and Empathy in Leadership09:29 A Real-Life Example of Compassionate Leadership15:49 Building Trust and Loyalty Through Integrity16:33 Balancing Empathy and Accountability in Leadership17:44 Supporting Employees Through Personal Crises20:25 Challenges of Maintaining Integrity in Leadership23:58 The Importance of Organizational Culture25:22 Rapid Fire Leadership Insights31:38 Book Giveaway and Final ThoughtsWant a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

In this episode of Leading Human, we sit down with David Spinks, a renowned community builder, coach, and storyteller, to explore his journey of cultivating resilience, belonging, and inner alignment. From founding CMX to dealing with burnout and anxiety, David shares his personal experiences and insights on finding enoughness and leading with heart and clarity. Tune in to hear about his transition from a high-achievement culture, dealing with personal crises, and the importance of authenticity and alignment in leadership. Learn how to navigate challenges, balance ambition, and tap into clean fuel to create meaningful impact in your life and communities.00:00 Introduction to David Spinks01:16 David's Journey to Enoughness02:51 The Turning Point: Burnout and Sabbatical04:15 Facing Personal Challenges06:31 Coaching Leaders Through Inner Work07:25 The Parable of the Second Arrow11:10 Community Leadership and Emergence15:32 Authenticity and Alignment in Leadership19:23 Navigating Transitional Periods20:24 Balancing Ambition and Ego22:16 Dirty Fuel vs. Clean Fuel26:28 Radical Responsibility in Leadership30:09 Rapid Round Wrap-Up32:41 Final Thoughts and ResourcesWant a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

Join us in this episode of Leading Human as we delve into the importance of team norms, emotional intelligence, and collaborative culture with Vanessa Drucker, author of 'The Emotionally Intelligent Team.' Discover how the right practices can transform team dynamics, optimize interactions, and enhance performance. Vanessa shares insightful stories and practical steps on building psychologically safe and emotionally intelligent teams. Make sure to watch this episode to learn the secrets of high-performing teams and how to implement them in your organization.00:00 Introduction to Emma AI and Today's Guest00:36 The Power of Team-Based Tools01:43 Introducing Vanessa Druskat and Her Work09:46 Vanessa Joins the Conversation09:57 The Importance of Emotional Norms in Teams10:24 Real-World Example: Engineers' Transformation16:09 Building Psychological Safety in Teams17:20 The Role of Leaders in Team Culture18:49 Implementing Team Norms and Accountability23:42 Measuring and Changing Team Culture25:43 Team Building Exercises: Getting to Know Each Other26:46 Establishing Team Norms28:06 The Role of the Leader in Team Culture30:16 Dealing with Difficult Personalities32:48 The Importance of Belonging in Teams40:28 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights on Team Dynamics44:34 Conclusion and ResourcesWhere to find Vanessa Druskat's groundbreaking book.Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

Pankaj Singh is a leadership strategist and founder of Singh Leadership, where he helps high-achieving professionals transform burnout into clarity and purpose using neuroscience-informed frameworks like the Purpose FactorIf Leading Human is where emotional intelligence meets organizational impact, then Pankaj Singh is your kind of guest. A former C-suite leader who began his journey training under a lama, Pankaj now empowers leaders to transform reactive pressures into purpose-driven presence.In this episode of 'Leading Human', Chad welcomes Pankaj Singh, a leadership strategist and founder of Singh Leadership, to discuss turning stress into strategic clarity, the role of purpose in leadership, and how mindfulness can unlock better decision-making. Pankaj shares his journey from a stressful professional experience to developing neuroscience-informed frameworks like the Purpose Factor and the Inner Compass Journey. The conversation covers how leaders can reframe chronic stress, the importance of being present, and specific practices such as micro journaling and mindfulness exercises. Pankaj also discusses the PROGRESS and PIVOT frameworks, and the significant impacts of aligning personal purpose with organizational goals on productivity and employee retention.01:09 Pankaj Singh's Stressful Turning Point02:49 Understanding Chronic Stress and the Brain04:50 Mindful Micro Practices08:07 The Purpose Factor Framework10:12 Micro Journaling and Reflection15:01 The PIVOT Framework for Mindfulness17:37 Impact of Mindfulness on Productivity20:36 Understanding Your Audience21:07 Organizing Your Life: Emotional and Relational Aspects21:26 The Importance of Relationships22:32 Aligning with Your Purpose23:01 The Role of Fulfillment in Coaching23:11 The 14-Week Journey23:34 Practicing Mindfulness and Meditation25:21 Balancing Technology and Humanity26:58 Augmented Intelligence and AI Tools27:15 Conscious Data Framework29:43 Micro-Journaling and Presence33:23 Final Thoughts and ResourcesConnect with PankajWant a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

In this episode of 'Leading Human,' host Chad Prevost sits down with Dr. Eva Selhub, a Harvard-trained physician and bestselling author, to explore the intersection of cutting-edge neuroscience and ancient wisdom. Dr. Selhub shares her journey from conventional medicine to studying resilience and the mind-body connection after a life-changing experience. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, stress management, and creating healthy habits for leaders. Dr. Selhub outlines six pillars of resilience and provides practical tips on how to translate scientific understanding into everyday practices that enhance performance and well-being. The conversation also delves into the significance of intuition in leadership and how to balance it with data-driven decision-making. Dr. Selhub emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness, compassion, and how to recognize and manage fear-driven behaviors. Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to lead with empathy, adapt to stress effectively, and create a thriving work culture.01:23 A Life-Changing Experience02:06 Exploring Mind-Body Medicine03:40 Transition to Leadership and Coaching04:47 Understanding Emotional Intelligence12:18 The Science of Stress and Resilience16:55 Practical Habits for Leaders17:58 Understanding Stress and the Brain18:32 Managing Stress with Self-Compassion and Mindfulness18:44 Activating the Vagal System19:19 The Role of Neuroplasticity in Stress Management19:40 Practical Techniques for Stress Reduction22:04 The Importance of Intuition in Leadership23:01 Balancing Intuition with Data24:26 Recognizing Fear-Driven Behavior24:46 The Power of Self-Awareness in Leadership27:32 Rapid Fire Wrap-Up33:38 Morning Luxuriating and Final ThoughtsFind her at her website hereMore about Dr. Selhub's course here.Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad interviews Radhika Dutt, author of 'Radical Product Thinking' and the forthcoming book 'Escaping the Performance Trap.' Dutt challenges the conventional wisdom of goal-setting in performance management, arguing that tools like OKRs and KPIs often backfire. Instead, she introduces an alternative framework focused on detailed vision statements, puzzle setting, and puzzle solving, which encourages continuous learning and adaptation. The conversation explores the history of goal-setting, its limitations in complex environments, and practical steps for implementing Dutt's approach. Author of Radical Product Thinking, a speaker and entrepreneur, Radhika Dutt has participated in 5 acquisitions, 2 of which were companies she founded. She's an advisor on Product Thinking to the Monetary Authority of Singapore. She's also an MIT grad with SB and M.Eng in EECS, and speaks nine languages.01:12 Challenging Traditional Management03:38 The History and Problems with Goal Setting07:25 Alternative Approaches to Alignment14:56 Implementing Puzzle Setting and Solving20:30 Overcoming Resistance to Change26:23 Lightning Round and ConclusionRadhika's LinkedIn profileRadhika’s WebsiteRadical Product Thinking (website for the methodology and Radhika’s first book)Speaker reelLinks to the OHL framework/ toolkitWant a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad converses with Jen Mueller, a seasoned sports broadcaster, leadership coach, and host of Talk Sporty to Me. Jen shares her unique experiences of interviewing athletes while cooking, and how these interactions reveal vulnerability and human connection. The discussion delves into critical leadership communication strategies, emphasizing the importance of timely, clear, and meaningful feedback. Jen draws parallels between leadership in sports and business, highlighting the role of clear objectives and the nuances of giving accurate praise and constructive feedback. She also provides actionable advice on preparing for and handling challenging conversations, the significance of learning from setbacks, and fostering a resilient team culture.Jen Mueller is a business communication expert and the founder of Talk Sporty to Me, where she helps companies level up their communication skills with actionable strategies inspired by her 25-year career as a sports broadcaster.An Emmy-award-winning producer, Jen is in her 16th season as the Seattle Seahawks sideline radio reporter and has spent 18 years with the Seattle Mariners on ROOT SPORTS. She’s known for building strong relationships, delivering meaningful content in short bursts, and expertly handling post-game interviews (while dodging Gatorade baths!).01:11 The Power of Vulnerability in Cooking Interviews01:57 Leadership Communication: A Daily Discipline03:30 The Importance of Clear Objectives in High-Stress Situations05:26 The Dangers of False Praise and Generic Feedback09:08 Setting Clear Expectations and Accountability16:00 Handling Difficult Conversations with Empathy18:54 Learning from Setbacks and Building Resilience21:51 Common Pitfalls in Leadership Feedback24:40 Lightning Round: Quick Insights with Jen MuellerCheck out Jen's impactful and entertaining work here:https://www.youtube.com/@TalkSportyToMehttps://www.instagram.com/TalkSportytoMe/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmuellertalksporty/Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

In this episode of 'Leading Human,' host Chad Prevost welcomes Scott Allen, a seasoned leadership development strategist, certified emotional intelligence coach, and Enneagram teacher. Scott delves into his book, 'The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence,' which correlates the nine Enneagram types to core EQ skills, offering a pathway to radical self-awareness. The conversation explores Scott's insights on how integrating the Enneagram with emotional intelligence can lead to profound personal and professional growth, highlighting the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Chad and Scott also share personal anecdotes and practical advice for embracing emotional awareness to enhance decision-making, relationships, and stress management.00:00 Introduction to Scott Allender00:06 Scott Allen's Background and Achievements01:41 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence05:00 Scott's Journey with Emotional Intelligence and the Enneagram06:28 Understanding Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence07:51 Personal Insights and Enneagram Types13:17 Integrating Emotions, Body, and Mind16:25 Coaching Leaders on Emotional Intelligence21:04 Exploring EQ Buckets and Self-Perception23:45 Emotional Repression and Anger25:36 Discovering the Enneagram26:11 Understanding Envy and Healing27:05 The Complexity of Type Four29:45 Practical Applications of the Enneagram31:48 Challenges and Benefits of Enneagram Awareness33:46 Path to Genuine Transformation40:52 Integrating Head, Heart, and Body43:35 Final Thoughts and ResourcesCheck out Scott's book, Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence here. And his Enneaflip, a quick resource for understanding type to type communication.Want a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.

In this episode of Leading Human, Chad sits down with EQ-research pioneer Joshua Freedman.Who’s our guest?Joshua Freedman — co-founder & CEO of Six Seconds, the world’s largest emotional-intelligence network.Why listen?Led EQ programs in 50+ countries and helped seed regional teams now serving 7 million+ learners.Author of 5 books and creator of 6 validated EQ assessments that turn “soft skills” into hard data.Partnered with brands like FedEx, U.S. Navy, HSBC, Intel, Amazon, and the UN to produce measurable gains in the people-side of performance.Co-architect of the POP-UP Festival with UNICEF World Children’s Day—free EQ activities for kids worldwide.Origin story highlightsFirst discovered EQ as a teacher/administrator at Nueva School (later profiled by Daniel Goleman).Serial entrepreneur—once a licensed building contractor—and former theater stage manager/tech director.Big ideaEmotions are data, not baggage. When people realize they have agency over that data, freedom, authenticity, and purpose ignite.Expected takeawaysA simple framework to measure and grow EQ.How compassionate wisdom boosts both well-being and bottom-line results.Practical tips for weaving EQ into teams, kids’ programs, and your own daily choices.🎧 Tune in to learn how mastering emotions can transform performance—and why, for Joshua, inspiring “compassionate wisdom” is more than a mission statement; it’s a measurable practice.Check out Joshua Freedman's 6 Seconds organization here.Here's his 2011 classic: The Heart of LeadershipAnd his 2010 on organizational change with EQ: Inside Change: Transforming Your Organization with Emotional IntelligenceWant a communication and wellbeing workshop that actually sticks? Whether you’re building trust or leveling up team accountability, we’ve got you. Book a call to ask questions and learn more about improving how your team communicates here.