Episodes

  • EP 51 How Crisis Reveals the Leader Within with Frances Robustelli

    EP 51 How Crisis Reveals the Leader Within with Frances Robustelli
    Jan 27 2026

    You're committed to developing your people, but what happens when a crisis hits and you need results now? This is the tension between being patient and decisive—one of the hardest parts of leadership.

    My guest, Frances Robustelli, City Manager of St. Pete Beach, Florida, faced this challenge head-on. Just months into her new role, back-to-back hurricanes devastated her community, shutting down 90% of the city's structures overnight. Crisis revealed exactly where talent lived and where dysfunction amplified chaos—and forced her to make staffing decisions faster than ever before.

    Fran's Framework for Building Healthy Organizations:

    Days 1-60: Listen First

    • Meet with every leadership level, especially mid-management (where culture lives or dies)
    • Share your leadership style and expectations clearly
    • Build trust before implementing anything new

    After 60 Days: Confirm and Commit

    • Share back what you heard—the good, bad, and the ugly
    • Build team commitments together (Fran created 10, let the team vote on which 2 to measure first)
    • Link new tools that the team asks for

    The Secret: Reinforcement Over Complexity

    • Use quarterly all-hands meetings for accountability
    • Create a clear meeting cadence around what matters
    • When things go sideways, ask: "Do we have clarity here?"

    Crisis reveals who we really are as leaders, and authenticity matters. As Fran says, "I'd rather be struck down being the real me than spend my life trying to please everybody." Her approach proves that developing people and delivering results aren't competing priorities—they're woven together.

    Resources Mentioned:

    Connect with Fran Robustelli and the City of St. Pete Beach at stpetebeach.org

    Contact me to learn about building team commitments in your organization

    Visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me @Claire Laughlin Consulting on LinkedIn.

    Thanks for listening!

    New episodes are released weekly—share with others who might benefit!
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Ep 50 The Leadership Retrofit

    Ep 50 The Leadership Retrofit
    Jan 20 2026

    Welcome to Episode 50! We've made it to the top 1% of podcasters—and in this milestone episode, we're talking about why leadership transitions are so hard and what actually needs to change when you move to a new level.

    In this episode, you'll hear about:

    • The Peter Principle: Why people rise to their "level of incompetence" (spoiler: it's not about your capability—it's about operating at the wrong level)
    • The Leadership Pipeline Framework: The three things that must change at every transition—your skills, time allocation, and work values
    • The First Major Passage: Moving from individual contributor to manager, and why you can't keep doing everyone's work while also leading a team
    • The Reality of Working Managers: How to balance your own deliverables with developing your team (even when your organization expects both)
    • The Meeting Problem: Why you're working evenings and weekends, and what needs to shift in how you manage your calendar

    Key Takeaway: What got you here won't get you there. If you're struggling at a new leadership level, that's not failure—it's a sign you're at a transition point and need to retrofit your foundation.

    Resources Mentioned:

    1. The Leadership Pipeline by Ram Charan, Stephen Drotter, and James Noel
    2. New Program Alert: I'm launching a pilot program to help leaders retrofit their foundations! Only 25 spots available. Email support@clairelaughlin.com with "RETROFIT" in the subject line to learn more.

    Join the Conversation:

    What strategies have you used to successfully manage a leadership transition? Or, what challenges have you faced when moving from one role to another? Share your thoughts with me on LinkedIn or Instagram @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

    Don't forget to Subscribe & Share:

    If this episode was helpful, please leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify and share it with a friend or colleague who's leading through change!

    To learn more about my services, subscribe to my newsletter, and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! New episodes are released weekly, and we'd love for you to share them with others who might benefit. Until next time, lead the way!
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • EP 49 Building Your GOAT Mindset with Natalia Rivera-España

    EP 49 Building Your GOAT Mindset with Natalia Rivera-España
    Jan 13 2026
    In this episode, I explore how physical fitness serves as a powerful laboratory for leadership development—and why the lessons you learn pushing your body are the exact skills you need to lead yourself and others well. The Translation Between Fitness and Leadership If you're like most leaders I work with, you've heard yourself say: "I don't leave my desk for lunch." "I don't take breaks." "I don't have time to exercise." Sound familiar? But here's the paradox—when we pause to take care of ourselves, when we refuel and connect, everything else gets better. The discipline, the ability to handle discomfort, the power of shared struggle—these lessons are waiting to transform how you lead. Doing Hard Things Builds Capacity for Everything Else One profound shift that changes everything, is moving from "life shouldn't feel uncomfortable" to "I'm seeking discomfort because that's where growth happens." When you train yourself to show up and do the work every single day, you build a foundation that prepares you for those exceptional moments—the breakthrough idea, the difficult conversation, the crisis that demands your best. And doing hard things has other benefits: Recent research shows that lactate (a result of that burn you feel during intense exercise) actually improves cognition, brain plasticity, and long-term brain healthEmbracing physical discomfort can make you better at handling life's other challengesThe emotional payback is exponential—walking away from doing something hard and feeling impressed and proud of yourself is incredibly powerful The Power of Shared Challenge When you experience something difficult with others—whether in a fitness class or navigating a workplace crisis—it becomes even more meaningful: There's an accountability that happens in community that you can't get working aloneShared struggle creates bonds to the team, the outcome, and the organization itselfPeople remember how you make them feel more than anything else Support and Challenge: The Leader's Balancing Act Great instructors (and great leaders) balance on a fine line where they push you to your threshold without pushing to failure. They bring everyone up with them—sometimes above them—because the spotlight isn't for them. The best leaders create environments where each team member goes home feeling the win was their own, knowing they're capable of more than they thought. Discipline and the Decision That's Already Made Stop making exercise a daily decision. When you truly commit, you stop asking "should I work out today?" and start asking "what time?" This same principle applies to self-care, to showing up for difficult conversations, to being the leader you want to be, even when you don't feel like it. Training yourself to do hard things builds the baseline that allows you to be exceptional when it matters mostSurround yourself with people who will cheer you on and allow you to take that leapBuild a community that makes it hard to NOT show up Resources Mentioned: GOAT Santa Cruz: goatsantacruz.com (mention Claire Laughlin's name for something special!) To learn more about my services and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting. Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! New episodes are released weekly, and we'd love for you to share them with others who might benefit.
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Ep 48 Happy 2026 Friends!

    Ep 48 Happy 2026 Friends!
    Jan 6 2026

    Welcome to Episode 48 of THIS Leader! As we step into 2026, I'm inviting you to pause before diving headfirst into another year of endless demands and obligations.

    In this episode, you'll hear:

    • The Power of Intentional Reflection: Why getting clear on what you truly want - not what you think you should want - changes everything about how you lead and live
    • Your Multiple Roles as Opportunities: How each role you play (leader, partner, parent, friend) is a chance to understand yourself better and show up with more generosity and joy
    • Questions That Matter: Reflection prompts to help you envision your best days, strengthen your relationships, and identify where you can bring more patience, grace, and lightness to your life
    • Permission to Dream Bigger: Why this year isn't about more achievements, but about creating more meaning, connection, joy, and impact

    Key Reflection Questions from the Episode:

    1. What will your best days look like in 2026?
    2. Where can you let go of your grip a little and start enjoying the ride more?
    3. Who in your life deserves more appreciation or a more consistent listening ear?
    4. What new experiences will you invite into your life this year?
    5. What would make this year feel significant to YOU?

    Join the Conversation:

    What practices help you stay grounded during overwhelming times?

    Please share your thoughts with me on LinkedIn or Instagram @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

    Don't forget to Subscribe & Share:

    If this episode was helpful, please leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify and share it with a friend or colleague who's leading through change!

    To learn more about my services, subscribe to my newsletter, and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! New episodes are released weekly, and we'd love for you to share them with others who might benefit.

    Until next time, lead the way!
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Ep 47 The Power of Non-Verbal Communication with Dr. Jared Fujishin

    Ep 47 The Power of Non-Verbal Communication with Dr. Jared Fujishin
    Dec 30 2025
    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jared Fujishin—who wrote his PhD dissertation specifically on nonverbal communication—to explore how leaders can close "the trust gap" between their good intentions and actual connection with their teams. You might spend hours crafting the perfect message, but if your nonverbal signals are sending a different story, your carefully chosen words won't land. Jared breaks down the often invisible ways leaders accidentally communicate disinterest or unavailability, even when their hearts are completely in the right place. Start with Authenticity: The Inside-Out Approach Before diving into techniques and tactics, Jared emphasizes three foundational steps: Connect to your purpose first. Are you genuinely finding joy and meaning in your work? Authentic nonverbal communication flows from this inner alignment, not from memorizing gestures or "hacks." Link back to that purpose when you don't feel like it. On tough days when fires are blazing, and your inbox is overflowing, reconnect with why you're there and what matters most. Then apply the practical strategies. Once your heart is in the right place, specific nonverbal skills become tools to express what's already inside you. Strategy #1: Facial Expressions—Your Smile Opens Doors Your face is often the first thing people notice, yet it's the hardest element for you to monitor yourself. A genuine smile and "happy eyes" create approachability and signal safety to your team. Bring intentional warmth to meetings, even when you're exhausted Read the room—match your expression to the emotional context Remember: people can tell when you're smiling, even on phone calls, because it changes your vocal tone Strategy #2: Timing—Responsiveness Communicates Value In our age of instant responses from AI and bots, delays can feel like dismissal. How quickly you respond—and what you say when you do—tells people whether they matter to you. Acknowledge immediately, even if you can't solve it immediately. Reply quickly to say "I see this, it's on my radar, and I'll get back to you by [specific time]." Think from their perspective. If something is important enough for them to reach out to you, it deserves a timely acknowledgment—even if it's not your top priority. Use time to level the playing field. Quick responses signal respect and reduce the power gap between you and your team. Strategy #3: Artifacts—Put the Devices Away This is the game-changer. Physical objects in your environment—especially phones and laptops—communicate priorities louder than your words ever could. Research on "The Mere Presence Effect" shows that simply having a phone face-up on the table during a meeting drastically reduces how connected, seen, and valued people feel—even if you never look at it. When the phone is flipped face-down or put away entirely, trust and engagement skyrocket. Practical applications: Close your laptop when someone enters your office Flip your phone face down (or better yet, put it in a drawer) Set up your office to be welcoming—comfortable seating, no massive desk barrier between you and others Create physical accountability systems (Jared built a box with his son where he deposits his phone and watch when he gets home) The Big Takeaway: Be Fully Present In our hyper-connected, always-distracted world, being truly present with another human being might be the greatest leadership gift you can offer. Your team doesn't need perfection—they need you to show up fully, put down the screens, and communicate through every channel available that they matter. Resources Mentioned: Learn more about Jared's work at fujifirm.com To learn more about my services and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting. Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! New episodes are released weekly, and we'd love for you to share them with others who might benefit.
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Ep 46 Leading Through Resistance

    Ep 46 Leading Through Resistance
    Dec 23 2025

    Welcome to Episode 46! After the incredible response to my recent episode on leading change, so many of you reached out asking, "But what about when people resist anyway?" This episode is for you.

    In this episode, you'll hear about:

    • The many faces of resistance and what those behaviors are really telling you
    • The most common sources of pushback (and why they're usually legitimate)
    • How to lead change proactively so resistance doesn't take root
    • What to do when you're leading a change you don't fully believe in
    • How to engage constructively when you're the one feeling resistant

    Key Takeaways:

    Resistance usually stems from five common sources: lack of clarity about the WHY, feeling excluded from the process, disagreeing with the direction, compromised trust, or unrealistic expectations. When you see behaviors like disengagement or constant questioning, don't assume you know what's driving them—get curious and ask.

    If you're leading change, do your homework before implementation, include people early and often, lead with clarity and empathy, and stay curious when you encounter pushback. If you're in the middle—leading change you don't fully support—find what you can authentically stand behind and be honest about what you don't know.

    And if you're feeling resistant yourself? Checking out doesn't serve you. Engage constructively by asking questions, offering input, and showing up as a leader even when it's hard.

    Resources Mentioned:

    1. Episode 43: Navigating Change with the 4P Framework
    2. Episode 37: Escaping The Drama Triangle
    3. SCARF Model (Rock, 2008)
    4. William Bridges' Managing Transitions

    Citations:

    • Rock, D. (2008). SCARF: A brain-based model for collaborating with and influencing others.
    • Bridges, W. (2009). Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change (3rd ed.). Da Capo Press.

    Join the Conversation:

    What practices help you stay grounded during overwhelming times? Please share your thoughts with me on LinkedIn or Instagram @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

    Don't forget to Subscribe & Share:

    If this episode was helpful, please leave a 5-star review wherever you listen to your podcasts and share it with a friend or colleague who's leading through change!

    To learn more about my services, subscribe to my newsletter, and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

    Thanks so much for listening to this podcast! New episodes are released weekly, and I'd love for you to share them with others who might benefit. Until next time, go lead the way!
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Ep 45 The End-of-Year Ritual that Actually Works

    Ep 45 The End-of-Year Ritual that Actually Works
    Dec 16 2025

    Welcome to Episode 45! In this episode, I'm sharing my all-time favorite end-of-year ritual, a powerful reflection process that transforms lessons learned into actionable guidelines for the year ahead.

    In this episode, you'll discover:

    • The three essential reflection questions that reveal meaningful patterns in your year
    • How to turn lessons learned into memorable "guidelines"—short, powerful statements that become your North Star
    • Why identifying your "big wins" matters more than creating an overwhelming goal list
    • The magic that happens when teams do this work together
    • How to plan for what truly matters without adding to your overwhelm

    Key Moments from the Episode:

    The episode walks you through a complete framework adapted from the book "Your Best Year Yet." You'll learn how to look beyond obvious accomplishments to find quiet victories, acknowledge disappointments without wallowing, and identify the patterns that reveal your most important lessons.

    I share my own guidelines like "do less," "plan the work," and "first things first"—and how these simple phrases help me redirect when I'm tempted to overcommit. You'll also hear why adding a giving-back element to your ritual creates deeper meaning and connection for your team.

    Resources Mentioned:

    1. "Your Best Year Yet" book
    2. Free consultation available at clairelaughlin.com

    Coming Soon:

    Episode 46 will tackle your questions about leading through change! We'll cover how to handle pushback, manage resistance, lead change you don't agree with, and navigate all the messy, complicated situations that arise. Send your questions to support@clairelaughlin.com

    Join the Conversation:

    What practices help you stay grounded during overwhelming times? Please share your thoughts with me on LinkedIn or Instagram @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

    Don't forget to Subscribe & Share:

    If this episode was helpful, please leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify and share it with a friend or colleague who's leading through change!

    To learn more about my services, subscribe to my newsletter, and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! New episodes are released weekly, and we'd love for you to share them with others who might benefit.

    Until next time, lead the way!
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • EP 44 Leading Your Team Through Change

    EP 44 Leading Your Team Through Change
    Dec 9 2025

    Last week, we explored how change affects you personally. This week, we're focusing on YOUR ROLE as a leader when change is happening—because your team is looking to you to guide them through their transitions.

    In this episode, you'll hear about:

    Managing Your Team's Threat Responses (The SCARF Model)

      • Status: How to provide reassurance without making promises you can't keep

      • Certainty: Sharing what you know about the change and the process, even when details are unclear

      • Autonomy: Giving people choices and a sense of control during uncertain times

      • Relatedness: Creating space for emotions while guiding people back to action

      • Fairness: Acknowledging perceptions of unfairness without fueling resistance

    The Stockdale Paradox: Why your team needs you to hold two truths simultaneously—unwavering faith in the future AND honest acknowledgment of current difficulties

    The 4P Framework for Leading Through Change: A step-by-step approach using Purpose, Picture, Plan, and Part to help your team navigate transition

    • Purpose: Sharing the WHY behind the change
    • Picture: Painting a vision of the future AND the journey through uncertainty
    • Plan: Providing the roadmap and timeline
    • Part: Giving people a role to play in the change

    Real-World Application: A detailed example of how to use the 4P Framework during organizational budget cuts and restructuring

    Key Takeaways:

    • Don't promise what you can't deliver—transparency builds trust more than false reassurance

    • Share what you know about the process, even when outcomes are uncertain

    • Give people choices and ways to contribute—autonomy shifts resistance to engagement

    • Make space for emotions AND help people move toward action

    • When people have a part to play, they become participants rather than victims of change

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Episode 43: Navigating Personal Change (listen first for foundational concepts on SCARF model, William Bridges' transition model, and the Change Heat Map)

    Loooking Ahead:

    Episode 46 will tackle your questions about leading through change! We'll cover how to handle pushback, manage resistance, lead change you don't agree with, and navigate all the messy, complicated situations that arise. Send your questions to support@clairelaughlin.com!

    Citations:

    • Rock, D. (2008). SCARF: A brain-based model for collaborating with and influencing others. NeuroLeadership Journal, 1(1), 44-52.

    • Bridges, W. (2009). Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change (3rd ed.). Da Capo Press.

    • Collins, J. (2001). Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap, and Others Don't. HarperBusiness. [For Stockdale Paradox]

    Join the Conversation:

    What practices help you stay grounded during overwhelming times? Please share your thoughts with me on LinkedIn or Instagram @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

    Don't forget to Subscribe & Share:

    If this episode was helpful, please leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify and share it with a friend or colleague who's leading through change!

    To learn more about my services, subscribe to my newsletter, and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! New episodes are released weekly, and we'd love for you to share them with others who might benefit.

    Until next time, lead the way!
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins