In this bonus re-release, we revisit an important and timely conversation with Sabrina Moon, Founder and CEO of The Problem Solving Institute and a certified Dare to Lead™ facilitator.

Originally aired as Episode #35 of My Favorite Mistake, this conversation remains one of the most powerful and honest reflections on leadership, shame, and transformation.

Episode page with transcript and more

• Sabrina’s “favorite mistake” — using shame as a leadership tool in high-stress environments

• The culture of command-and-control leadership she inherited (and how she broke the cycle)

• How Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and shame helped her lead differently

• The personal toll of shame-based leadership — on her team and herself

• Why self-awareness is a skill—and how we can build it

• The role of grace, compassion, and curiosity in becoming a better leader

“We use shame and the fear of shame to motivate, but I think in an unhealthy way. I would utilize shame because it was the last tool in my toolbox and I was desperate.” — Sabrina Moon

Sabrina is a leadership coach and consultant who helps organizations move from reactive command-and-control cultures to psychologically safe environments where continuous improvement and innovation can thrive.

Connect with her at ProblemSI.com or on LinkedIn.

As more organizations reflect on how culture impacts performance, engagement, and well-being, this episode offers essential insights for leaders at every level. Whether you're managing a team or transforming a system, Sabrina's story reminds us that who we are as leaders matters just as much as what we do.