What if the biggest leadership challenge isn’t managing others but managing yourself?

In this episode of Leaderish: Leadership lessons straight up, hosts Regina Taute and Doris Dunn sit down with Gayathri Rhiddi, Executive Coach and Founder of Realize to Win, to explore conscious leadership and the deep inner work that drives authentic, effective leadership.

Gayathri introduces her SIRE Model, a practical framework that helps leaders strengthen self-awareness, regulate emotions, and express their values with clarity and impact. Together, they unpack how conscious leadership isn’t just a mindset but a discipline, a daily practice of presence, accountability, and grace.

You’ll learn:

✅ What conscious leadership really means in modern organizations

✅ How the SIRE Model (Self-Awareness, Inspiration, Regulation, Expression) helps leaders grow from the inside out

✅ How to pause and shift behavior using Gayathri’s “Halt, Rise, and Shift” method

✅ Why presence, intention, and accountability are essential to leading consciously

✅ How self-reflection and nervous system awareness create stronger, calmer leaders

Whether you’re a leader, coach, or HR professional, this conversation will help you connect neuroscience, mindfulness, and leadership strategy in practical ways.

Listen for These Key Moments

00:00 – Introduction: What is conscious leadership?

03:40 – The SIRE Model explained

10:50 – The role of presence and intentionality in leadership

17:30 – How to regulate emotions and retrain your nervous system

23:45 – Halt, Rise, and Shift: A behavioral reset for leaders

31:00 – The power of grace and self-accountability

39:00 – Final reflections on awareness, alignment, and inner growth

Download the SIRE Model Framework

Access Gayathri’s website and free SIRE Model Resource here: https://realizetowin.com

About Leaderish

Leaderish: Leadership lessons straight up is hosted by Regina Taute, Leadership and Talent Management Coach, and Doris Dunn, Executive Coach and Leadership Strategist. Each episode explores wildly practical ways to grow as a conscious, effective leader. No jargon, just real conversations that help you lead better and live better.

Connect with Us

👉 Subscribe for more leadership and coaching conversations:@LeaderishPodcast

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

💼 Learn more about Leadership and Interview Coaching with Regina at https://collectivegrowthcc.com

💼 Learn more about Business Coaching with Doris: https://www.dunnwise.com

conscious leadership, leadership podcast, self-awareness for leaders, executive coaching, leadership development, emotional intelligence, mindfulness in leadership, conscious leader model, SIRE model, Gayathri Rhiddi, Realize to Win, Regina Taute, Doris Dunn, inner work for leaders, behavioral shift, leadership presence, self regulation, leadership mindset, women in leadership, authentic leadership

Episode: S4E20 – Hiring Smarter, Not Harder: What Every Manager Should Know

Guest: Joel Schwann, Founder of Schwann Stratifier

In this follow-up to one of our most popular job-seeker episode, we flip the script. This week, Leaderish co-hosts Doris Dunn and Regina Taute welcome back Joel Schwann to explore the other side of the hiring equation — what hiring managers can do to find, evaluate, and retain great talent more effectively.

Joel brings nearly a decade of experience in HR, recruiting, and workforce planning. Together, they dig into the practical and often overlooked parts of hiring that make or break the process — from writing a solid job description to avoiding “permanent contractors” and ensuring fairness across interviews.

💡 Highlights:

• The power of a strong job description and why most companies skip this critical step.
• How to determine whether you really need a contractor or a full-time employee.
• The importance of setting clear non-negotiables (and stopping at five).
• Why structured interviews matter — and how to avoid bias.
• How many interviews are too many (hint: fewer than you think).
• Real talk about AI screening, candidate experience, and ghosting.
• What organizations like Amazon are getting wrong about unpaid interview projects.

Whether you’re leading a team or building one, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you hire smarter, faster, and more humanely.

Sequence:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

00:38 Discussing Job Market Trends

01:44 Introducing Joel Schwan and Workforce Planning

02:16 Challenges for Hiring Managers

04:58 Importance of Job Descriptions

07:16 Evaluating Resumes and Skills

14:18 Interview Questions and Techniques

18:37 Structured Interviews and Fairness

19:41 How Many Interviews Are Necessary?

19:56 The Ideal Interview Process

20:20 Panel Interviews and Exceptions

20:42 Candidate Experience Matters

21:39 Interviewing for Different Levels

26:18 Efficient Interview Scheduling

32:05 The Role of Assessments

36:44 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.

📩 Want to be a guest? Email us at leaderishpodcast@gmail.com

We'd love to connect! You can find us in all of these places:

• Regina
• • Email: regina@collectivegrowthcc.com
  • Website: https://www.collectivegrowthcc.com
  • Newsletter subscription: https://collectivegrowthcc.com/resources#blog
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginataute
  • Free Coaching Session: https://calendly.com/collective_growth/complimentary-30-min-coaching-session
• Doris
• • Email: doris@dunnwise.com
  • Website: https://www.dunnwise.com
  • Newsletter subscription: https://www.dunnwise.com/blog
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doris-dunn
  • Schedule a Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/dunnwise-consulting/30min_discovery_call
• Joel:
• • Website: https://www.schwanstratifyr.com/
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelschwan/
  • Free Resume Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16yPPIAnFpzM1Xfc-BdGMnByM19wgsUqe/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114233432138195416514&rtpof=true&sd=true
  • Free AI Resume Assistant: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-ldX568rNT-schwan-stratifyr-resume-assistant

In this episode of Leaderish: Leadership Lessons Straight Up, Doris and Regina sit down with Jennifer Miller—psychological scientist, statistician, and co-founder of Millan Chicago—to explore the power of telling a story with data.

Jennifer shares how her background in psychological science and statistics gives her a unique lens for helping organizations turn complex data into actionable insights. Together, we discuss:

• Why defining what you measure matters more than the numbers themselves
• How data can reveal stories about culture, retention, and employee experience
• The difference between organizational-level insights and team-level action
• Why communication, transparency, and trust are essential when sharing survey results
• How curiosity and context help leaders stitch together data points into a bigger, more meaningful story

Jennifer also gives us a fascinating peek into her research journey—from bird vocalizations to people analytics—and how the science of human behavior shapes the way leaders can use data to make better decisions.

Whether you love numbers or dread them, this episode will change the way you think about data and storytelling in leadership.

Sequence:

00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome

01:00 Meet Jennifer Miller: Background and Expertise

02:01 The Importance of Data in Organizations

03:56 Engagement and Culture Measurement

06:26 Challenges in Data Collection and Utilization

13:24 Confidentiality and Anonymity in Surveys

16:22 Using Data to Drive Organizational Change

22:44 Addressing Employee Feedback on Food Options

23:23 The Importance of Transparency and Trust

26:12 Predicting Employee Engagement

28:34 Combining Data for a Holistic Employee Story

30:16 Jennifer Miller's Academic Journey

31:36 Fascinating Insights into Bird Studies

38:43 Final Thoughts and Aha Moments

39:25 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

We'd love to connect! You can find us in all of these places:

• Regina
• • Email: regina@collectivegrowthcc.com
  • Website: https://www.collectivegrowthcc.com
  • Newsletter subscription: https://collectivegrowthcc.com/resources#blog
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginataute
  • Free Coaching Session: https://calendly.com/collective_growth/complimentary-30-min-coaching-session
• Doris
• • Email: doris@dunnwise.com
  • Website: https://www.dunnwise.com
  • Newsletter subscription: https://www.dunnwise.com/blog
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doris-dunn
  • Schedule a Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/dunnwise-consulting/30min_discovery_call
• Jennifer:
• • Email: jennifer@millanchicago.com
  • Website: https://www.millanchicago.com/
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermiller3/

In this jam-packed episode, Doris and Regina sit down with Joel Schwan, talent strategist and founder of Schwan Stratifyer, to unpack the realities of today’s competitive job market. With AI-written resumes flooding employers’ inboxes, layoffs reshaping industries, and recruiters turning to new tools, job seekers need fresh strategies to get noticed.

Joel shares insider advice on how to:

• Write resumes that stand out without sounding generic.
• Use measurable results and bullet points that showcase true value.
• Leverage AI tools like ChatGPT wisely—without copying and pasting.
• Tailor keywords for applicant tracking systems (ATS) while keeping authenticity.
• Transition careers by highlighting transferrable skills (like moving from hospitality to nursing).
• Optimize your LinkedIn profile and use the “Open to Work” banner effectively.
• Post on LinkedIn in ways that demonstrate expertise, not desperation.

The conversation goes beyond resumes to touch on mindset, professionalism, and how to treat job seeking like a full-time role. Plus, Joel leaves us with a teaser for part two—helping hiring managers simplify their process and find the right candidates faster.

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Joel Schwan on LinkedIn
• Contact the hosts: LeadersPodcast@gmail.com
• Watch this episode on YouTube (and don’t forget to like & subscribe!)

We'd love to connect! You can find us in all of these places:

• Regina
• • Email: regina@collectivegrowthcc.com
  • Website: https://www.collectivegrowthcc.com
  • Newsletter subscription: https://collectivegrowthcc.com/resources#blog
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginataute
  • Free Coaching Session: https://calendly.com/collective_growth/complimentary-30-min-coaching-session
• Doris
• • Email: doris@dunnwise.com
  • Website: https://www.dunnwise.com
  • Newsletter subscription: https://www.dunnwise.com/blog
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doris-dunn
  • Schedule a Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/dunnwise-consulting/30min_discovery_call
• Joel:
• • Website: https://www.schwanstratifyr.com/
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelschwan/
  • Free Resume Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16yPPIAnFpzM1Xfc-BdGMnByM19wgsUqe/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114233432138195416514&rtpof=true&sd=true
  • Free AI Resume Assistant: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-ldX568rNT-schwan-stratifyr-resume-assistant

resume optimization, ATS resume tips, AI resume assistant, job search strategy, free resume template, career transition tools, resume keywords, Applicant Tracking System, job seeker tools, resume writing help, LinkedIn profile tips, strategic job search, personal branding, resume feedback tools, Joel Schwan Stratifyr

#ResumeTips, #JobSearchHelp, #ATSReady, #CareerAdvice, #ResumeWriting, #AIForJobSeekers, #StrategicJobSearch, #FreeCareerTools, #CareerCoach, #LinkedInTips, #PersonalBranding, #GetHired, #JobSearchStrategy, #AIResumeAssistant,

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Leaderish: Leadership Lessons Straight Up, Doris and Regina dig into the power of habits—how they’re formed, how they stick, and how to replace the ones holding us back. Drawing from James Clear’s Atomic Habits, Dr. Wendy Wood’s research, and their own real-life stories, they uncover what it really takes to build high-powered habits that shape identity, fuel growth, and create lasting change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why habits compound like interest—tiny gains over time add up to big results.
• The truth about how long it really takes to form a habit (hint: it’s not 21 days).
• Why you can’t simply “quit” a habit—you have to replace it.
• How identity-based habits (“I am a non-smoker” vs. “I’m trying to quit”) transform your mindset.
• Practical ways to keep momentum, even when you miss a day.
• Real-life stories about building writing routines, replacing unhealthy habits, and creating accountability.

Sequence:

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

00:20 Diving into Habits

01:38 Understanding Tiny Gains

02:52 Breaking Bad Habits

05:54 Replacing Habits

10:08 The Power of Identity

12:29 Building a Blogging Habit

14:49 Positive Reinforcement

18:06 Maintaining Podcasting Habits

19:09 Building Habits with Positive Reinforcement

19:19 Overcoming Challenges in Habit Formation

19:45 Motion vs. Action: The Key to Progress

20:14 Small Steps Lead to Big Changes

23:20 Pairing Habits for Success

26:34 The Importance of Consistency

33:02 Identity and Habit Transformation

34:06 Testing New Habits with Short-Term Challenges

36:02 Wrapping Up and Encouraging New Habits

Resources & Guest Info:

We'd love to connect! You can find us in all of these places:

• Regina
• • Email: regina@collectivegrowthcc.com
  • Website: https://www.collectivegrowthcc.com
  • Newsletter subscription: Resources — Collective Growth Coaching and Consulting
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginataute
  • Free Coaching Session: https://calendly.com/collective_growth/complimentary-30-min-coaching-session
• Doris
• • Email: doris@dunnwise.com
  • Website: https://www.dunnwise.com
  • Newsletter subscription: Blog | DunnWise Consulting
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doris-dunn
  • Schedule a Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/dunnwise-consulting/30min_discovery_call

Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode, Doris and Regina welcome Heidi Siefkas, adventurer, TEDx speaker, and author of Look Up: Global Stories of Resilience, to explore how resilience shows up in life, leadership, and even love. Heidi shares her own transformational story—from surviving a traumatic accident to enduring loss—and how she created the "Look Up" mindset to navigate life’s curveballs with purpose and perspective.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the Look Up mindset means and how it was born out of crisis
• How 30 diverse stories from around the world reveal a common thread of resilience
• Why leaders should hire for grit, not just resumes
• How to build your “resilience muscle” every day, not just in crisis
• The power of storytelling and how vulnerability builds team trust
• Where AI supports creative work—and where human storytelling still reigns
• Heidi's Tips for Embracing Resilience

Sequence:

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

00:36 Introducing Heidi Sea: Author and Storyteller

01:37 The Power of 'Lookup': Heidi's Mantra

04:29 Stories of Resilience: Highlights from Heidi's Book

10:22 Building Resilience in Everyday Life

11:55 Leadership and Resilience: Tips for Leaders

17:13 The Art of Storytelling

21:46 Embracing AI in Storytelling

26:25 The Lookup Movement: Final Thoughts

28:31 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Resources & Guest Info:

We'd love to connect! You can find us in all of these places:

• Regina
• • Email: regina@collectivegrowthcc.com
  • Website: https://www.collectivegrowthcc.com
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginataute
  • Free Coaching Session: https://calendly.com/collective_growth/complimentary-30-min-coaching-session
• Doris
• • Email: doris@dunnwise.com
  • Website: https://www.dunnwise.com
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doris-dunn
  • Schedule a Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/dunnwise-consulting/30min_discovery_call
• Heidi Siefkas
• • Email: heidi@heidisiefkas.com
  • Website: www.heidisiefkas.com
  • Linktree: https://linktr.ee/HeidiSiefkas
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeidiNSiefkas
  • Book link: Look Up: Global Stories of Resilience: Siefkas, Heidi: 9780997196375: Amazon.com: Books
  • TEDx Talk: TEDx Talk with Author and Adventurer Heidi Siefkas - The Life Hack the Gurus Don't Tell You About

Episode Summary:

In this energizing episode, Doris and Regina welcome Heather Wolcott—board-certified health and wellness coach, certified personal trainer, and the catalyst behind the walking group that brought your hosts together. Heather shares actionable insights on how wellness can be woven into the workplace—whether driven by leadership or sparked by employees on the front lines.

Together, they explore:

• Why wellness must be modeled from the top—but doesn’t have to start there
• The ripple effect of a single “spark” like a lunchtime walking group
• How community, movement, and nutrition impact productivity and morale
• Why hybrid work is often the healthiest model (and what leaders can do with that info)
• The delicate balance between encouragement and judgment
• What leaders can do to truly listen, support mindset shifts, and empower teams

Whether you’re a leader looking to champion wellness or an employee hoping to inspire change, this episode offers inspiration and tools to create a healthier, more human-centered workplace.

Sequence:

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Guest

01:17 Meet Heather Walcott: Health and Wellness Coach

01:52 The Origin of the Walking Group

03:41 Diverse Approaches to Health and Wellness

04:47 Leadership and Wellness in the Workplace

07:09 Grassroots Movements for Wellness

08:42 Success Stories and Health Benefits

15:32 Remote vs. Hybrid Work: Health Impacts

20:02 Shifting Mindsets for Healthier Habits

26:09 Encouraging Personal Responsibility for Health

30:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources & Guest Info:

We'd love to connect! You can find us in all of these places:

• Regina
• • Email: regina@collectivegrowthcc.com
  • Website: https://www.collectivegrowthcc.com
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginataute
  • Free Coaching Session: https://calendly.com/collective_growth/complimentary-30-min-coaching-session
• Doris
• • Email: doris@dunnwise.com
  • Website: https://www.dunnwise.com
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doris-dunn
  • Schedule a Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/dunnwise-consulting/30min_discovery_call
• Heather Wolcott
• • Email: heather@heatherwolcott.com
  • Website: https://heatherwolcott.com/
  • Instagram: @heatherjohnsonwolcott

Summary:

In this powerful and compassionate episode, Lauren Kiproff-Downer returns to Leaderish for a heartfelt and strategic conversation about caregiving in the workplace. Whether you’re caring for aging parents, children, or someone else in your life, or leading teams who are, this episode is for you.

Lauren, an organizational psychologist and founder of Perpara Organizational Development Consulting, shares insights on how leaders and organizations can better support employees who are caregivers—an often invisible but growing demographic. From practical workplace policies to everyday leadership behaviors, we discuss how caregiving impacts engagement, mental health, and retention—and what we can do about it.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why caregiving is no longer just a personal issue—it’s a workforce reality
• What forward-thinking companies are doing to support caregiver employees
• The difference between policy and culture (and why both matter)
• Leadership actions that build trust and compassion
• How to recognize signs of burnout and create psychologically safe environments
• Tips for reviewing and updating outdated workplace policies
• The importance of seeing caregiving as a shared responsibility—not just HR’s job

Key Quote:

“Being a caregiver is not just a personal responsibility—it’s a part of who we are. And workplaces need to meet people where they are.” – Lauren Kiproff-Downer

Sequence:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:27 The Growing Importance of Caregiving

01:19 Introducing Lauren Kiproff-Downer

02:38 Current Trends and Challenges in Caregiving

05:17 Best Practices for Supporting Caregivers

11:21 Organizational Policies and Flexibility

23:45 Balancing Compassion and Accountability

36:20 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

37:39 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

🎧 Listen & Watch:

Available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review—5 stars!

Resources & Guest Info:

We'd love to connect! You can find us in all of these places:

• Regina
• • Email: regina@collectivegrowthcc.com
  • Website: https://www.collectivegrowthcc.com
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginataute
  • Free Coaching Session: https://calendly.com/collective_growth/complimentary-30-min-coaching-session
• Doris
• • Email: doris@dunnwise.com
  • Website: https://www.dunnwise.com
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doris-dunn
  • Schedule a Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/dunnwise-consulting/30min_discovery_call
• Lauren Kiproff-Downer
• • Email: perparaconsulting@gmail.com
  • Website: www.perparaconsulting.com
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenkiproff/