In this episode, we sit down with Mike R. Sweeney—TEDx Speaker and Founder of Saber Coaching—to explore what it means to lead with nuance, empathy, and emotional intelligence in a world that often demands hard lines and quick answers.

Mike shares his powerful perspective on:

• Embracing “both/and” thinking instead of the limiting “either/or” mindset
• The importance of emotional intelligence and inclusive dialogue in conflict resolution
• Turning tension and paradox into a source of brilliance and innovation
• And so much more!

About the Guest: Mike R. Sweeney is an executive coach, TEDx speaker, and founder of Saber Coaching. He works with leaders and teams to navigate complexity with clarity, empathy, and purpose. Drawing from his background in journalism, change management, and leadership development, Mike helps organizations transform conflict into collaboration and lead with heart.

This is a conversation about self-awareness, empathy, and finding clarity without losing complexity. Mike’s story is grounded, inspiring, and full of practical wisdom for anyone looking to lead more humanely and effectively.

To learn more about Mike, go to:

https://www.sabercoaching.com

To watch Mike's TEDx talk, go to: https://youtu.be/f00V7u1hrdE?si=7QYMULuGxVBi2wSo

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes that challenge the status quo and elevate the way we work and live.

To learn more about Kara Kirby and/or Blake Cohen:

https://insightslg.com

https://blakeevancohen.com

In this episode of The Workplace Wonderers, Kara Kirby sits down in person with Raleigh legend and hospitality powerhouse, Van Eure, owner of the iconic Angus Barn.

More than just a celebrated restaurant, the Angus Barn is a masterclass in workplace culture, leadership longevity, and service excellence. Van shares the rich history behind the family-owned establishment, and more importantly, her unique philosophy on leading with heart, tradition, and high standards. From employee retention to guest experience, Van’s approach to leadership is a shining example not just for restaurant owners but for anyone looking to build a legacy through people-first practices.

If you’re passionate about leadership, workplace culture, or love a good story about a local institution doing things the right way, this episode is not to be missed.

In this eye-opening episode of The Workplace Wonderers, Kara and Blake are joined by Dr. Noelle Santorelli, clinical psychologist and professor, to explore the complex and often unspoken world of Mean Girl Mom Culture.

Together, they dive into:

• Why some adult female dynamics turn toxic, especially in parenting and community settings

• The evolutionary psychology behind covert aggression in women

• How to recognize subtle relational harm like exclusion, gossip, and passive aggression

• The deeper psychological roots of these behaviors — hint: it’s not just about competition

• Tools and insights for creating healthier, more supportive female relationships

Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or someone navigating tricky group dynamics, this conversation sheds light on a cultural phenomenon many experience but few talk about.

🔍 Guest Info: Learn more about Dr. Noelle Santorelli on her socials

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that challenge, inform, and inspire.

#MeanGirlMomCulture #PsychologyOfWomen #DrNoelleSantorelli #RelationalAggression #WomenAndWork #TheWorkplaceWonderers #ParentingCulture #ToxicGroupDynamics #CovertAggression #FemaleFriendships #WorkplaceWellbeing

In this episode of The Workplace Wonderers, Kara Kirby turns the mic on her co-host, Blake Cohen, for an honest and insightful conversation about his recent TEDx experience—from the rejections to the red dot.

Blake shares:

• How he was rejected over 10 times before finally landing a TEDx stage
• The surprising role that authenticity played in getting accepted
• What the pitch process really looks like behind the scenes
• The emotional highs and lows before, during, and after the talk
• What he didn’t expect to happen after the video went live

If you’ve ever dreamed of giving a TEDx talk—or just want an inside look at the world of public speaking and personal storytelling—this episode is packed with real talk, lessons learned, and inspiration for anyone putting themselves out there.

🎥 Watch Blake’s TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/hQF_kmOcJt0?si=uokCt2MgiJwr2zSh

🔔 Subscribe for more expert stories and workplace wisdom every week!

To learn more about Kara, visit: https://InsightsLG.com

To learn more about Blake, visit: https://BlakeEvanCohen.com

#TEDxTalk #PublicSpeaking #LeadershipJourney #AuthenticityMatters #TheWorkplaceWonderers #BlakeCohen #KaraKirby #ProfessionalGrowth #TEDxExperience #BehindTheScenes

In this episode of The Workplace Wonderer, Kara and Blake sit down with leadership powerhouse Chris Williams, a seasoned advisor with over 45 years of experience building and leading teams—from writing software to scaling departments to serving as VP of HR at Microsoft.

Together, they explore the often-overlooked plight of middle managers—those caught between strategic leadership and front-line execution.

Chris brings wisdom, wit, and real-world insight to the conversation, offering practical advice for supporting this essential tier of leadership.

You’ll also hear:

Chris’s behind-the-scenes take on Microsoft’s shift from a cutthroat to a collaborative culture.

What it was really like working under Satya Nadella.

How Chris became unexpectedly TikTok famous with leadership videos reaching over 250K followers.

And the leadership lessons that have stood the test of time.

📲 Follow Chris at https://CLWill.com or search @CLWill on social media. ✨ Subscribe for more episodes that help you rethink the modern workplace!

To Learn more about Kara Kirby: https://InsightsLG.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karakirby84/

To learn more about Blake Cohen:

https://blakeevancohen.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakecohenmscap/

In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Velma Knowles—a Gallup-certified strengths coach, public speaker, and leadership strategist—to dive deep into the communication blind spots that hold teams and leaders back.

We explore: ✅ How to identify and overcome common communication gaps ✅ Why strengths-based development is essential for leadership growth ✅ How Velma’s unique upbringing shaped her communication style and leadership philosophy ✅ Actionable tips to communicate more effectively at work

Velma’s passion for people and performance shines as she shares hard-earned wisdom from her personal journey and professional experience helping organizations build cultures of trust, clarity, and collaboration.

📌 Learn more about Velma Knowles at: https://www.velmaknowles.com/about

📌 Learn more about Kara Kirby at: https://insightslg.com/

📌 Learn more about Velma Knowles at: https://BlakeEvanCohen.com

🔔 Don’t forget to review, subscribe, and check back for more expert leadership insights every week!

In this enlightening episode of The Workplace Wonderers, hosts Blake Cohen and Kara Kirby engage with Nina Nesdoly—burnout and corporate stress management speaker, neuroscience researcher, and PhD candidate in Management.

Nina shares her unique blend of scientific insights and practical strategies to help individuals and organizations combat burnout and enhance productivity.​ Nina Nesdoly Drawing from her background in neuroscience (BSc) and management (MSc), and soon to be PhD in Management, Nina discusses the neuroscience of work-life balance, the impact of stress on the brain, and actionable techniques to foster resilience in high-pressure environments.

Her approach combines academic research with real-world applications, making complex concepts accessible and actionable.​

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

Understanding the neuroscience behind stress and burnout

Practical strategies for stress management and burnout prevention

The role of organizational culture in employee well-being

Implementing sustainable practices for long-term success​

📚 About Nina Nesdoly: Nina is a renowned speaker and consultant specializing in stress management and corporate wellness. Her TEDx talk, "How to Relieve Stress When You're Overwhelmed," was selected as an Editor's Pick, highlighting her ability to deliver engaging and timely messages. Nina's insights have been featured in media outlets such as Buzzfeed, MarketWatch, and the Financial Times. Currently pursuing her PhD focusing on work-related stress, she continues to conduct and share cutting-edge research on burnout management.​

🔗 Connect with Nina Nesdoly:

Website: https://www.ninanesdoly.com

Watch her full TEDx here: https://youtu.be/9G1zyFoAaMc

🔗 Connect with Kara Kirby (Leadership and Organizational Development Expert):

Website: https://insightslg.com

🔗 Connect with Blake Cohen (Corporate Speaker & Leadership Expert):

Website: https://BlakeEvanCohen.com

Watch his full TEDx here: https://youtu.be/hQF_kmOcJt0 ​

📌 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on creating healthier, more productive workplaces.

In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode of Workplace Wonderers, hosts Blake Cohen (Founder of Mind Capital & Corporate Speaker) and Kara Kirby (Leadership Development Expert & Founder of Insight Leadership Group) sit down with the brilliant and beloved Henry Lucas, LCSW—owner of Louisville Health and Healing and CEO of the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition.

Henry brings humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom to a conversation about:

💡 The triumphs and challenges of harm reduction work

🌱 Why he launched a therapy school to help clinicians build thriving private practices

🤣 And the time he was cheekily called “diabolical” by an employee—for being such a great leader that no one wanted to stay… because they were too inspired to go out and grow on their own!

Henry’s compassion is contagious, his charm is undeniable, and his passion for helping others shines through every story he shares. Whether you're in healthcare, leadership, or simply love hearing from people who lead with purpose—this episode is for you. 🧠

Come for the insights. Stay for the laughs. Leave inspired.

Henry Lucas's Websites:

https://www.louisvillehealthandhealing.com/our-team/henry-j-lucas-lcsw-lcadc/

Kara Kirby:

https://insightslg.com

Blake Cohen:

https://themindcapital.com

https://blakeevancohen.com

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