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Do you ever feel like a theme or lesson keeps showing up in your life on repeat—almost like déjà vu? That’s been me lately with words like honesty, integrity, and self-trust.

In this episode, I’m diving into Ryan Leak’s book Leveling Up. I thought it would be just personal development, but halfway through I realized: personal development and leadership development are the same conversation. This book held up a mirror and forced me to ask some hard questions I think every new manager needs.

We’ll cover:

• The Self-Awareness Question – “What is it like to be on the other side of me?”
• The Vision Question – “What is my definition of success?”
• The Humility and Integrity Questions – “What mistakes can I own?” and “Am I being honest with myself?”
• The Fun Question – “Am I enjoying it?”

I get really vulnerable in this one. From realizing I wasn’t being as honest with myself about small things (like tracking food) to admitting I wasn’t showing up as the mom or leader I wanted to be, this episode is all about how self-integrity connects directly to the way you lead your team.

Because leadership isn’t built on perfection. It’s built on honesty, humility, and the courage to ask better questions.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:

• Why feedback is more powerful than grace when it comes to growth
• How to define your own version of success so you don’t climb the wrong ladder
• Why admitting mistakes builds more trust than pretending to be perfect
• How joy and enjoyment fuel culture more than toxic positivity ever could

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• How to Set Boundaries, Unplug After Work, and Move Your Body Even When You're Exhausted
  • Diving Into the Question around Rest

Connect With Desiree on Linkedin
Buy the book - Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead

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Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree

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Coachin...

Take the 5 Love Languages Assessment (for free!)

Do you ever feel like your appreciation isn’t landing with your team?

New managers often rely on the “golden rule”, treat others how you want to be treated. But that approach leaves gaps, frustrates employees, and creates disengagement. The better approach? Learn how your team wants to be appreciated, and match your recognition style to theirs.

In this episode, Desiree breaks down the five love languages at work, show you how to adapt them to your leadership style, and share the three biggest mistakes that ruin even the best intentions.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:

• Why mismatched appreciation creates disengagement, burnout, and toxic culture
• The three most common mistakes managers make when showing appreciation
• How to use love languages to build trust, handle conflict, and lead more effectively

The 5 Love Languages (translated into the language of Work!)

Words of affirmation → Verbal praise and specific recognition

Quality time → One-on-one attention and active listening

Acts of service → Helping remove obstacles or pitching in

Gifts → Small, thoughtful tokens of appreciation

Physical touch → Professional gestures like handshakes or high fives

Connect With Desiree on Linkedin
Buy the book - Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead

Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster!

Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree

Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre

Connect: Linked In | Instagram | Website

Coachin...

Feeling stuck, complacent, or burned out at work? In this episode, Jason Barnaby shares how to reignite your fire, overcome fear, and create meaningful culture through intentional action.

In this episode, we're shifting gears into something every new manager and leader wrestles with, how do you keep your spark alive when comfort zones and fear want to hold you back?

I’m joined by Jason Barnaby, Chief Fire Starter of Fire Starters Inc., who has made it his mission to help people and organizations reignite hope and torch fear. Together, we unpack what it really means to show up as the leader you want to be and how culture isn’t a top-down mandate, it’s the sum of how we each lead ourselves.

Jason shares his powerful framework (Find your fire, Fan your flame, Ignite your life), the dangers of letting “what if abouts” (those sneaky negative thoughts and doubts) keep you stuck, and why your tribe matters more than you realize. Whether you’re feeling uninspired at work, stuck in complacency, or struggling with imposter syndrome, this episode will remind you that change starts with striking just one match.

Key Takeaways

By the end of this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why the difference between being content and being complacent could make or break your leadership.
• How to overcome your “what if abouts” and start seeing possibilities instead of barriers.
• The role of intentional tribes and small actions in building momentum and reigniting your fire.

Additional Links

Connect with Jason Barnaby on LinkedIn

Read Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni

Connect With Desiree on Linkedin
Buy the book - Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead

Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster!

Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree

Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre

Connect: Linked In | Instagram | Website

Coachin...