📋 Episode Summary
In this thoughtful and energizing conversation, Marc and Emily welcome Dr. Jessica Sharp—organizational psychologist, educator, and champion of belonging. From her travels across the country to her work in Houston and beyond, Jessica is known for making complex topics like unconscious bias, self-leadership, and brain science accessible and engaging. Together, the trio explores the cultural baggage we carry around struggle and ease, what it means to be a grownup (with or without kids), and how boundaries are more than just saying “no.” This is a conversation about leading with love, letting go of outdated patterns, and the everyday power of the pause.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Belonging and self-love are foundational to leadership.
• “Ease” isn't laziness—it's a necessary counterbalance to inevitable life struggles.
• Leaders often teach what they themselves are still figuring out.
• Setting boundaries includes pausing to check in with yourself before committing.
• Silence in conversations can be a powerful tool for reflection and connection.

🗣 Quote Highlights

“We're often teaching the thing we need.” – Dr. Jessica Sharp
“Boundaries aren't just about saying ‘no’—they're about asking, ‘What do I need right now?’” – Dr. Jessica Sharp
“If you're going to tell other people to prioritize themselves, you have to model it too.” – Dr. Jessica Sharp
“It’s not the audience’s job to speak my language. It’s my job to make myself understood.” – Dr. Jessica Sharp

🧰 Tools & Mentions

• The Surprising Gift of Doubt by Marc A. Pitman
• Brené Brown on facilitator responsibility
• Junior League & Urban League volunteer leadership
• Quadrant 3 Leadership
• “The pause between stimulus and response” from Q3LC
• Moment detectives & coaching silence

👥 Who Should Listen

• Coaches and facilitators craving more ease and impact in their work
• Leaders trying to unlearn productivity guilt
• Nonprofit professionals looking for meaningful, inclusive engagement
• Anyone still figuring out how to show up for themselves as much as they do for others

🎺 That Music!
Special thanks to Lexi Moreno, Caleb Pitman, and Zoe Czarnecki for the original music.
Lexi Moreno: composing / mixing / mastering / guitar
Caleb Pitman: composing / mixing / trumpet
Zoe Czarnecki: bass

Episode Summary (Long)

In this episode, Marc and Emily talk with their longtime friend and Q3LC alum, Amy Lazoff, Vice President of Mission at the Fort Wayne Zoo. Amy shares how her role has evolved after ten years at the organization, what she’s still learning in a brand-new leadership chapter, and how her work has shifted toward deeper internal focus and team engagement.

They talk about what it means to lead with adaptability and curiosity, why homeostasis is tempting but probably an illusion, and how seemingly small decisions—like where you plant a tree—can shape ecosystems and outcomes for years. The conversation also dives into Amy’s work around accessibility, reintroducing native species (like the hellbender salamander), mentoring young fundraisers, and the joy of discovering poppies in the backyard that weren’t planted on purpose.

Whether it’s in the zoo, in coaching, or in parenting teenagers, Amy brings a steady, honest, and growth-minded approach to life and leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Being 10 years into an organization doesn’t mean the learning stops—especially when stepping into a new role.
• “Homeostasis” sounds appealing, but the most meaningful work happens in change and transition.
• Designing for accessibility from the start often makes spaces more inclusive for everyone.
• Letting nature surprise you (even in your backyard) can be a good metaphor for leadership.
• What you plant—physically or organizationally—matters. So does what you reintroduce.

Quote Highlights

“Who am I? A work in progress.” – Amy
“I think children’s books are just great books with better illustrations.” – Emily
“Some of our best universal design decisions were made because we were thinking of our youngest guests.” – Amy
“Even after all this time, I love seeing people experience joy here.” – Amy
“My dream is to see something cool at the zoo… and just buy a ticket to surprise Amy.” – Marc

Resources & Mentions

• Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo (now Fort Wayne Zoo)
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Native plants and accessibility design
• The Hellbender salamander (native to the Midwest U.S.)
• USA Today’s Best Zoo Exhibits (Red Panda Bridge)

📋 Episode Summary

In this episode, Marc and Emily explore the concept of hardwiring—those patterns, instincts, and tendencies that shape how we show up in life, work, and relationships. From Enneagram types to Gallup Strengths to late-in-life ADHD diagnoses, they reflect on how assessments can help us understand ourselves more clearly—and when labels might actually get in the way.

With humor, vulnerability, and a lot of real-life examples, they explore:

• The usefulness and limitations of personality profiles
• How deeper self-awareness can reframe past stories
• What it means to take responsibility without shame
• How to describe yourself without falling into shorthand labels
• Why saying "you're just a..." might be the most damaging thing of all

Plus, an unexpected movie reference that brings the point home.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Hardwiring refers to our natural patterns—our instinctive responses and behavior tendencies.
• Personality assessments like Enneagram, StrengthsFinder, or DISC can offer language for reflection, but shouldn’t become excuses or cages.
• Knowing your patterns gives you space to pause, choose your response, and lead with intention.
• Labels like “just a 9” or “typical 7” can be harmful when used to dismiss or stereotype.
• Self-awareness is not self-absorption—it’s leadership.

🗣 Quote Highlights

“When we understand ourselves, we can see our stories in the light of truth instead of shame.” – Emily
“Sometimes peace is great. But it’s not always the goal.” – Emily
“Hardwiring is how you show up when you’re not trying.” – Marc
“Saying ‘you’re just a…’ turns a helpful tool into a weapon.” – Marc
“My curiosity wants me to learn. It’s one of my Gallup strengths—another assessment!” – Marc

🧰 Tools & Mentions

• Enneagram
• CliftonStrengths (Gallup)
• DISC Personality Profile
• Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (Film reference – Jason Bateman as “the mutant”)
• Co-Active Leadership by Karen and Henry Kimsey-House
• Concord Leadership Group

🎺 That Music!

Special thanks to Lexi Moreno, Caleb Pitman, and Zoe Czarnecki for the original music. Lexi Moreno: composing, mixing, mastering, guitar; Caleb Pitman: composing, mixing, trumpet; Zoe Czarnecki: bass.