In this episode we explore how leaders at UNICEF adopt a coaching mindset to develop people and drive impact. We focus on career-centered learning, 360° feedback, and coaching that normalizes mistakes as learning opportunities. Elaine shares vivid examples—leaders who rotate drivers to build inclusion, reps who empower staff to decide, and managers who model humility and growth. We discuss practical tensions (time, emergencies, hybrid work) and concrete habits leaders use to coach under pressure: candid feedback, developmental conversations, and small, regular investments in staff growth.

We host Elaine Lowe, Chief of Global Talent Development at UNICEF (Istanbul). Elaine holds a master’s from the London School of Economics and a BA from the University of the West Indies. She has led performance, career and leadership strategies across UNICEF and the FAO, centering career development in learning. Elaine is passionate about empowering diverse teams, role-modeling inclusive leadership, and building sustainable organizational capacity so leaders can do more with less while growing their people.

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In this episode, we explore contracting—the foundational step for building effective working relationships. We define contracting as clarifying expectations around communication style, decision-making, conflict, and boundaries (e.g., camera-on norms for remote work). You’ll hear real examples of how failing to contract can erode trust, and why explicitly agreeing on roles, response times, and disagreement protocols prevents misunderstandings. We share practical contracting questions—like “How will we handle conflict?” and “What does success look like for you?”—that set teams up to collaborate confidently from day one.

We’re thrilled to host Nancy H. Spiegel, Executive Leader for Medical Education, Leadership Development & Wellness at Southern California Permanente Medical Group, and Director of Clinical Science Operations at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. With 30 years at Kaiser, Nancy designs leadership and graduate medical education programs, outcome-driven wellness initiatives, and change-management strategies. She’s overseen organizational development, research, and the Employee Assistance Program, and taught organizational psychology at the University of Rochester. Nancy’s expertise in contracting and culture-building guides leaders toward more transparent, high-trust environments.

➤ 📘 Pre-order "Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential"

http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset

➤ 🌐 Learn more about my work: goldvargconsulting.com

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In this episode, I explore cultivating trust as the bedrock of a coaching mindset. I define trust as believing in someone’s reliability, honesty, and integrity, then share why it’s essential before any coaching can happen. Referencing the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, I unpack four strategies—transparency, engagement, ethical conduct, and collaboration—to rebuild dwindling confidence in leadership. You hear how clear communication, involving people in decision‑making, and honoring commitments prevent groupthink and foster psychological safety. I discuss practical steps to listen deeply, share openly, and partner intentionally to show that you truly have your team’s best interests at heart.

I’m honored to have Silvia Shin, RN, MSN/MPH, CNS, as my guest. As Director of Organizational Development and Training at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, she leads leadership programs, coaching services, and culture‑change initiatives for a diverse workforce. With over 20 years of service, Silvia blends her nursing background, professional coaching certification, and mindfulness teaching to facilitate group processes—from brainstorming to quality improvement. Her “people first” mantra drives every strategy she implements to build trust and sustain high‑performance teams.

➤ 📘 Pre-order "Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential"

http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset

➤ 🌐 Learn more about my work: goldvargconsulting.com

➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned Hit “Subscribe” on the platform you’re listening on so you won’t miss future episodes!