Summary:

In this reflective and grounding solo episode, I invite you to pause and take a powerful year-end inventory—one that goes beyond goals, metrics, and checklists. Inspired by the symbolism of the Year of the Snake, I explore what it really means to shed what no longer fits: outdated habits, misaligned roles, relationships, and identities that quietly drain our energy.

As I look ahead to the action-driven fire energy of 2026, I share personal reflections from my own life—including divorce, career shifts, and the intentional pauses I had to take along the way. This episode is a reminder that transformation isn’t about rushing forward—it’s about creating space so we don’t carry old baggage into new chapters.

If you’re standing on the edge of a new season and want to enter it with clarity instead of chaos, this episode is for you.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Leadership Requires Inventory, Not Just Intention

I believe real growth begins when we take stock of what we’ve outgrown—not just what we want next.

Audience follow-up → What did you carry through 2025 that no longer serves who you’re becoming?

Shedding Creates Space for Alignment

Like the snake, I’ve learned that leaders must release old skins to grow. Letting go creates the energetic and emotional room needed for transformation.

Audience follow-up → Where are you holding on out of habit instead of alignment?

Pause Before the Pivot

I share how major life changes in my own journey required intentional reflection—so I didn’t bring unresolved patterns into new beginnings.

Audience follow-up → What do you need to process before you move forward?

Harness the Energy of What’s Coming

The fire energy of 2026 calls for focus, action, and passion—but only after we’ve cleared what’s outdated.

Audience follow-up → What deserves your full energy next year—and what doesn’t?

Reflection Is a Leadership Skill

I don’t see reflection as passive—I see it as preparation. Leaders who pause and look inward lead with more clarity, purpose, and power.

Audience follow-up → How often do you intentionally slow down to reflect as a leader?

🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:

1. The symbolism of the Year of the Snake and the power of shedding
2. The energetic shift into 2026 and its fire-driven leadership theme
3. My personal reflections on divorce, career transitions, and intentional pauses
4. The practice of taking a year-end leadership inventory
5. 
   

✨ Reflection Prompts:

1. What did you release in 2025—by choice or by force?
2. What space did that release create in your life or leadership?
3. How do you want to feel as you step into the next season?
4. What must stay behind so you can move forward lighter?
5. 
   

🧠 Who This Episode Is For:

1. Leaders navigating transition, endings, or new...

Summary:

In this heartfelt and joy-filled conversation, Lori sits down with longtime friend and leadership partner Christine Conroy to explore what it really means to lead with humanity. From Christine’s years at Coca-Cola to her current work at Grayston Bakery—home of the groundbreaking open hiring model—this episode is a powerful reflection on second chances, dignity at work, and leading with courage and compassion.

Together, Lori and Christine share personal stories about resilience, vulnerability, and building workplaces rooted in trust and purpose. As the holiday season approaches, they also reflect on gratitude, joy, and how leaders can stay grounded and hopeful—even in challenging seasons. This episode is a reminder that great leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence, empathy, and believing in people.

If you’re craving leadership that feels real, meaningful, and deeply human—this conversation is for you.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Second Chances Change Everything

Christine shares how Grayston Bakery’s open hiring policy removes barriers and gives people the opportunity to rebuild their lives through meaningful work.

Audience follow-up → Where in your leadership could you create space for someone’s fresh start?

Vulnerability Is a Leadership Strength

True connection comes from leaders who are willing to be real, honest, and human—not just polished and perfect.

Audience follow-up → What would shift if you led your team with a little more openness?

Empathy Builds Stronger Partnerships

From corporate boardrooms to social enterprises, Christine and Lori discuss how empathy and mutual respect create lasting, impactful relationships.

Audience follow-up → How well do you really know the people you work with—and what they’re carrying?

Purpose Makes Work Matter

Christine reflects on the deep fulfillment that comes from aligning values with work, and how purpose-driven leadership fuels resilience.

Audience follow-up → Does your work reflect what matters most to you right now?

Joy Is a Practice—Especially in Hard Seasons

As the holidays approach, the conversation turns to gratitude, perspective, and choosing joy even when life feels heavy.

Audience follow-up → What’s one small way you can protect your joy this season?

🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:

1. Grayston Bakery & Open Hiring Model – A pioneering approach to employment rooted in dignity and opportunity
2. Christine’s Leadership Journey – From Coca-Cola to purpose-driven work
3. Mentors and Meaningful Relationships – Lessons from leaders like Mike Rizzo
4. Personal Stories of Friendship, Loss, and Growth

✨ Reflection Prompts:

1. Where have you seen the power of a second chance—either given or received?
2. How do you balance results with compassion as a leader?
3. What helps you reconnect to joy when leadership feels heavy?

🧠 Who This Episode Is For:

1. Leaders who want to lead with heart, not just authority
2. Executives...

Summary:

In this reflective and grounding solo episode of the Joy CEO Podcast, Lori Pine invites you into the quiet, liminal space between Christmas and New Year’s—a week that often feels suspended between what was and what’s next. Lori explores why this in-between time holds powerful potential for clarity, truth, and realignment.

Drawing inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert’s concept of “not this,” Lori shares personal stories and gentle wisdom about listening to your inner knowing—especially when it whispers instead of shouts. This episode is an invitation to pause, release what no longer fits, and consciously step toward a more aligned version of yourself as you move into 2026.

If you’re craving space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters—this episode is for you.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

The Power of the Liminal Week

This quiet week isn’t meant for productivity—it’s meant for presence. Lori explains why the pause between years is a natural doorway for reflection and emotional honesty.

Audience follow-up → Where are you rushing when your soul is asking you to rest?

“Not This” as a Compass

Inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert, Lori reframes clarity as knowing what you don’t want—without needing the full answer yet.

Audience follow-up → What feels like a clear “not this” in your life right now?

Personal Moments of Truth

Lori vulnerably shares her own “not this” realizations—moments when success, habits, or expectations no longer aligned with joy.

Audience follow-up → Where have you outgrown an old version of yourself?

Four Reflective Questions for the New Year

Instead of resolutions, Lori offers four grounding questions to help you enter 2026 with intention and self-trust.

Audience follow-up → Which question feels most alive for you—and why?

🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:

1. Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Not This” Concept – A powerful permission slip to release misalignment without forcing answers.
2. The idea of liminal space – That sacred in-between season where insight and clarity quietly emerge.

✨ Reflection Prompts:

1. What am I ready to let go of before stepping into the new year?
2. What truth have I been gently avoiding?
3. What would joy ask of me next?
4. How do I want to feel in 2026—not just what do I want to achieve?

🧠 Who This Episode Is For:

1. Leaders and professionals craving clarity without pressure
2. Women navigating transitions or quiet inner shifts
3. Anyone feeling called to slow down before starting again
4. Listeners who want to lead their life—and year—from alignment, not exhaustion

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