Leadership Evolution & Strategy with Nicole Van Valen

Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 139 Leadership Evolution & Strategy with Nicole Van Valen In this inspiring and energizing conversation, Chris Yonker sits down with resilience strategist, author, and former NFL and NBA dancer Nicole Van Valen to explore the real ingredients behind sustainable leadership. From burnout recovery to joyful performance, Nicole shares how leaders can build emotional and strategic resilience in today’s fast-paced business world. They also dive into generational shifts in the workplace, the role of joy in high-performance leadership, and how managers can meet employees with empathy while maintaining accountability. Nicole’s therapeutic background and executive coaching experience combine to deliver a masterclass on modern leadership for anyone navigating stress, change, or challenge. Timestamps 02:10 – Introducing Nicole Van Valen: therapist, resilience strategist, former pro dancer 05:45 – From corporate burnout to joyful leadership 07:00 – Joy as a resilience resource: how dance kept Nicole grounded 10:45 – Should we do what we’re good at or what we love? 13:10 – Defining resilience: the basketball metaphor for bouncing forward 16:05 – The razor’s edge: individual pathways through adversity 19:45 – Resilience lessons from COVID and beyond 22:15 – Empathy vs. accountability: navigating messy leadership moments 28:30 – Cross-generational workplace friction and expectations 30:55 – Sick pets, hot days, and what’s really going on with your team 33:45 – Coaching your team without becoming their therapist 36:45 – A surprising example of values-based leadership in action 39:00 – Nicole’s top tip: put joy on your calendar 41:00 – Dessert first: the value of doing what lights you up 42:45 – Nicole’s book, assessment tool, and free resources Quotes · “If you tap into the joys of your life, you’re more energized to go into your organization and deliver.” - Nicole Van Valen [06:50] · “Resilience is about bouncing forward. It’s having a goal in mind—and a plan for when the stressors come.” - Nicole Van Valen [13:15] · “Empathy doesn’t mean we stop holding people accountable. It means we understand where they’re coming from.” - Nicole Van Valen [24:45] Websites: · fambizforum.com. · www.chrisyonker.com · KeenInsights.com · KeenInsights.com/book – The Joyful Leader · Free Sphere of Resilience Assessment – Take Nicole’s 8-domain self-assessment for leaders Nicole Van Valen, M.S., L.M.F.T., SHRM-SCP is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and published author of The Joyful Leader. With more than 25 years of experience across healthcare, behavioral health, and entertainment, she helps executives and organizations navigate stress, build resilient cultures, and lead with greater empathy and impact. Nicole is the Founder and CEO of Keane Insights, where she merges neuroscience, mental health, and leadership strategy to create high-performing, inclusive workplaces. A former Miami Dolphins Cheerleader and Miami HEAT Dancer, she brings unmatched energy and authenticity to her work—championing transformation through joy.