Ever wonder if squeezing every ounce of efficiency from your team could actually leave you vulnerable when the unexpected strikes?

In this episode, Teri welcomes back Tom Geraghty for a candid look at the critical—and often overlooked—tension between efficiency and resilience.

Together, they unpack why hyper-optimization can lead to burnout and brittleness, and share practical strategies for leaders to build adaptability into their teams without sacrificing results.

Resources:

• Tom's website: https://psychsafety.co.uk
• Sign up for Tom's newsletter: https://psychsafety.co.uk/newsletter
• Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraghtytom

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-m-schmidt/

Get 1-on-1 leadership support from Teri here: https://www.strongleadersserve.com/coaching

Set up an intro call with Teri: https://calendly.com/terischmidt/discoverycall

Are you a leader who wants to rest—but finds yourself reaching for one more task instead?

In this episode, we explore why high-achieving, compassionate leaders struggle to truly unplug, even when they think they’re resting. You’ll learn the neuroscience behind this pattern—and how to shift from constant doing to genuine restoration.

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-m-schmidt/

Get 1-on-1 leadership support from Teri here: https://www.strongleadersserve.com/coaching

Set up an intro call with Teri: https://calendly.com/terischmidt/discoverycall

Building a diverse team doesn't automatically lead to better performance — and without the right environment, it can even create new challenges.

In this episode, Teri is joined again by leadership and team performance expert Henrik Bresman to explore why psychological safety is the key to unlocking the true potential of diverse teams. We’ll also discuss practical steps leaders can take to foster belonging, innovation, and resilience in today’s uncertain environments.

Resources:

• Episode 174: Teams in Transition with Henrik Bresman
• X-Teams: How to build teams that lead, innovate, and succeed
• X360 and XChange simulation
• Professor Bresman's LinkedIn
• Harvard Business Review article with Amy Edmonson: To Excel, Diverse Teams Need Psychological Safety
• Sloan Management Review Article with Debra Ancona: Turn Your Teams Inside Out

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-m-schmidt/

Get 1-on-1 leadership support from Teri here: https://www.strongleadersserve.com/coaching

Set up an intro call with Teri: https://calendly.com/terischmidt/discoverycall

Have you ever held back from asking a question or saying "no" because you were afraid it might insinuate that your boss isn’t competent, credible, or caring?

That fear—known as insinuation anxiety—can keep even the most skilled leaders from speaking up when it matters most. In this episode, we explore why managing up is emotionally tricky and how to ask tough questions without compromising trust.

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-m-schmidt/

Get 1-on-1 leadership support from Teri here: https://www.strongleadersserve.com/coaching

Set up an intro call with Teri: https://calendly.com/terischmidt/discoverycall

If we're not in leadership for the title, how do we effectively face the challenges that come with transitioning into and through different levels of positional authority?

In this episode, we talk through the main challenges faced by compassionate, driven leaders in these situations and provide practical ideas for addressing them.

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-m-schmidt/

Get 1-on-1 leadership support from Teri here: https://www.strongleadersserve.com/coaching

Set up an intro call with Teri: https://calendly.com/terischmidt/discoverycall

What if holding someone accountable is one of the most caring things you can do as a leader?

Listen for practical tips to shift accountability from control to care.

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-m-schmidt/

Get 1-on-1 leadership support from Teri here: https://www.strongleadersserve.com/coaching

Set up an intro call with Teri: https://calendly.com/terischmidt/discoverycall

Do you sometimes struggle to build trusting relationships in your workplace, especially with the distance of remote and hybrid work?

You're not alone. In this episode, I talked with MIT Professor Deborah Ancona about the essential skills of inquiry, advocacy, and connecting that leaders can use to foster trust inside and outside their organizations.

Discover the power of balancing these skills in a distributed leadership model, and learn practical steps to cultivate strong external networks. Listen to find out how these strategies can enhance team dynamics and drive exceptional results.

Resources:

• X-Teams: How to build teams that lead, innovate, and succeed
• X360 and XChange simulation
• Professor Ancona's LinkedIn

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-m-schmidt/

Get 1-on-1 leadership support from Teri here: https://www.strongleadersserve.com/coaching

Set up an intro call with Teri: https://calendly.com/terischmidt/discoverycall

Are you finding it tough to lead remote teams with both compassion and efficiency? In this episode of Strong Leaders Serve, Teri Schmidt dives into the challenges leaders face in remote and hybrid environments, discussing the balance between driving results and maintaining empathetic connections.

Explore the neuroscience that influences our approach to leadership and gather actionable strategies to enhance team cohesion from afar. Get tips to make meaningful connections while fostering productivity, leaving your team engaged and thriving!

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-m-schmidt/

Get 1-on-1 leadership support from Teri here: https://www.strongleadersserve.com/coaching

Set up an intro call with Teri: https://calendly.com/terischmidt/discoverycall