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Ever wonder why some people always seem to have a dark cloud over their head at work? Rather than avoiding them, I've made it my mission to sit next to the grumpiest person in every room. What I've discovered might surprise you.

Behind almost every scowl and crossed arm lies a story—of being overlooked, having ideas dismissed, feeling powerless, or experiencing workplace trauma. Grumpiness isn't an identity; it's a signal. It's often easier and safer to appear annoyed than vulnerable, especially when past attempts at engagement have led to disappointment.

The magic happens when we approach these colleagues with genuine curiosity instead of judgment. "What's happening?" "How can I support you?" These simple questions can transform relationships and uncover valuable perspectives. Those grumpy teammates often see problems others miss and become your fiercest advocates when they finally feel heard and respected.

For leaders, these connections represent untapped potential. The colleagues everyone avoids could become your best problem-solvers and culture carriers once they trust again. For those who recognize themselves as "the grumpy one," remember that your current emotional state doesn't define you—it's a signal worth investigating, not a permanent home.

Through personal stories of both supporting grumpy colleagues and wrestling with my own periods of disengagement, I share practical strategies for building bridges across emotional divides. Your grumpiness might be your armor, but it doesn't have to be where you live.

Ready to transform workplace relationships? Listen now, and consider your homework: intentionally engage with someone who seems a little grumpy this week, listen without trying to fix anything, and see what unfolds.

Follow Catalyst Development on LinkedIn @catalystdevelopment and @drkatieervin

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Learn more about Supervisor 101 at www.cdleaders.com/supervisor101

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Feeling stuck in a linear career path or struggling to see yourself as creative? In this illuminating conversation, Rhonda Jolyean Hale , founder of Jolyean Creative, overturns conventional thinking about creativity, career progression, and personal transformation.

Rhonda's journey took her from changing college majors seven times to nonprofit work, executive coaching, and eventually corporate burnout—before discovering a powerful approach to healing through what she calls "aesthetic exploration." With warmth and wisdom, she explains how reconnecting with beauty and creativity became her pathway not just to recovery, but to founding a business centered on helping people "transform in a more beautiful way."

The conversation delves into our fundamental human need for beauty and sensory experience—a need that traditional change models often overlook. Whether you're navigating personal change or leading organizational transformation, Rhonda offers practical insights on incorporating aesthetic elements to make change more effective and enjoyable. She shares fascinating research from the emerging field of neuroaesthetics about how our environments affect our wellbeing and performance.

Perhaps most empowering is Rhonda's passionate belief that everyone is inherently creative. "Just as you were born with the ability of language," she explains, "you were born with the ability to be creative." The difference lies in how this creativity expresses itself—through parenting, problem-solving, cooking, gardening, or countless other outlets beyond traditional "artistic" pursuits.

Discover how becoming a "mirror believer" for others can help them achieve their dreams, why workspace design matters more than we realize, and how Rhonda's nonprofit Pass the Bricks Project is using Legos to bring joy and creativity to children in need. This conversation will leave you inspired to embrace your creative potential and transform your approach to change—in work and in life.

Contact information for Rhonda:

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

https://www.jolyean.com/

Follow Catalyst Development on LinkedIn @catalystdevelopment and @drkatieervin

www.cdleaders.com

Learn more about Supervisor 101 at www.cdleaders.com/supervisor101

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Leadership isn't about following a straight line—it's about navigating unexpected turns while keeping your vision clear. Jason Smith, President and CEO of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, exemplifies this journey, having transformed from an aspiring sports journalist to an economic development leader guiding communities across multiple states.

During our conversation, Jason reveals how university communities uniquely shaped his leadership style. "When you live in university cities, you have to be very thoughtful about explaining all elements of projects and be ready to face criticism because it's coming," he explains. This environment forces leaders to develop deeper empathy and more thorough preparation—skills that serve any leader well regardless of setting.

Whether you're building community initiatives, guiding economic development, or navigating your own career path, Jason's insights provide practical wisdom for becoming a more thoughtful, patient, and effective leader. Listen now to discover how developing these qualities can transform both your leadership approach and the communities you serve.

https://www.facebook.com/ManhattanAreaChamberofCommerce
https://www.instagram.com/manhattan_ks_chamber/
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/?src=go-pa&trk=sem-ga_campid.18853522261_asid.146084015209_crid.732549151385_kw.linkedin_d.c_tid.kwd-296170574619_n.g_mt.e_geo.9023960&mcid=6994434350142418944&cid=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAn9a9BhBtEiwAbKg6fonZl5D8bJrRT5YlDAnhNcZjwBT5EOUzYS8kR5wLPCxsZwaAt71nrRoCMyUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

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www.cdleaders.com

Learn more about Supervisor 101 at www.cdleaders.com/supervisor101

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From hourly employee to C-suite executive, Kristen Hoffman's leadership journey at Delta Dental of Kansas defies conventional career paths. As Chief Operating and Experience Officer, she oversees critical business functions while driving innovation that recently earned her "Innovator of the Year" recognition in Wichita.

What makes Kristen's approach to leadership truly remarkable isn't just what she's achieved, but how she's done it. By rejecting hierarchical structures where "we've always done it this way," she's fostered a culture where the best ideas win regardless of who suggests them. Her commitment to building personal connections with team members at every level has yielded engagement scores far exceeding national averages, proving that authentic leadership drives measurable results.

The conversation reveals surprising vulnerabilities beneath her success. Despite her impressive trajectory, Kristen admits she had to be talked into every promotion she received, often questioning whether advancing her career would compromise her ability to be present for her family. Through meticulous planning and strong support systems, she's demonstrated that professional growth and personal priorities can coexist without sacrifice.

Perhaps most valuable for listeners is Kristen's practical approach to building high-performing teams. By defining clear expectations, actively seeking input from all levels, and celebrating achievements meaningfully, she's created an environment where innovation thrives and employees stay for decades. Her insights offer a blueprint for transformational leadership that values people as much as performance.

Whether you're aspiring to leadership or already in a position of influence, this episode offers rare insight into how authentic connection, thoughtful mentorship, and a willingness to challenge convention can transform both careers and organizations. How might embracing vulnerability while pursuing excellence change your approach to leadership?

Connect with Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenlhoffman/

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www.cdleaders.com

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Chuck Knapp's journey from aspiring late-night talk show host to President and CEO of Jobs for America's Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) reveals how powerful leadership can transform lives. After 23 different jobs and years in public service, Chuck found his purpose helping students overcome barriers and reach their full potential through an evidence-based model that delivers extraordinary results: a 96% graduation rate and 86% of graduates in education, military, or full-time employment a year after high school.

The secret to JAG-K's success lies in relationships. Career specialists don't just teach 87 career competencies—they build trust with students who often face significant challenges. As Chuck explains, "It's not the stuff that defines you, it's how you deal with the stuff." This philosophy of resilience forms the backbone of a program serving 114 schools across Kansas, where diverse classrooms mirror The Breakfast Club, bringing together students from various backgrounds who learn from each other's strengths while developing their own.

What truly distinguishes JAG-K is its comprehensive support system. Unlike traditional programs, JAG-K operates year-round and follows graduates for 12 months after high school, ensuring successful transitions to college, military, or careers. Through career associations, public speaking opportunities, and project-based learning, students develop confidence and skills that employers value. These employer partnerships create pathways to internships, apprenticeships, and ultimately, careers—bridging what Chuck describes not as a skills gap but a "grace gap" in how we recognize potential in young people from challenging backgrounds.

Whether you're a business leader looking to develop future talent or someone passionate about youth development, JAG-K demonstrates how holding high expectations while providing consistent support creates remarkable outcomes. Explore how you can get involved at jagkansas.org and help build pathways to success for students who might otherwise be overlooked.

www.jagkansas.org
@JAG_Kansas (X)
Facebook.com/JAGKansas
instagram.com/jag_kansas

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What does it mean to carry your professional identity everywhere you go? Judge Courtney Boehm of Kansas's 8th Judicial District pulls back the curtain on her journey from public defender to the bench, revealing the surprising reality that she's "never not a judge" – even during routine trips to Walmart.

Throughout our candid conversation, Judge Boehm shares vulnerable insights about battling imposter syndrome in a high-stakes role. "Were they right? Am I supposed to be here? Do I really know what I'm doing?" These questions haunted her early days on the bench, but through supportive relationships and self-awareness, she learned to recognize self-doubt for what it was – not reality. Her powerful advice rings true for professionals at any level: "If you're in the room, you belong in the room. Someone saw something in you."

The discussion takes turns through the power of networking, the value of mentorship, and the struggle with setting boundaries. Judge Boehm's biggest career misstep? Saying yes too often and becoming overextended. "By saying no to certain things, I can focus on what truly matters," she reflects, highlighting how selective commitment actually enhances leadership impact rather than limiting it. Whether you're navigating a legal career or any leadership path, this episode offers authentic wisdom from someone who's learned to balance professional responsibility with personal wellbeing. Subscribe now and join our growing community of leaders committed to authentic growth and connection.

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www.cdleaders.com

Learn more about Supervisor 101 at www.cdleaders.com/supervisor101

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Jim Bramlett never expected to find his calling helping other business leaders navigate their challenges. After four decades in transportation and logistics, followed by entrepreneurial ventures that taught him hard-earned lessons about leadership, Jim discovered that what leaders need most is meaningful connection with peers who understand their unique challenges.

"It is lonely at the top," Jim explains, drawing from personal experience founding a dot-com company in 1999. "I couldn't take all my issues to the board because then they're going to go—we don't have the right guy in the chair." That isolation led to mistakes he now helps others avoid through his work leading Vistage peer groups in Kansas City.

This conversation explores the fundamentals of creating business value through Jim's four customer buying criteria: convenience, transparent pricing, excellent user experience, and trustworthiness. "I believe time is our most precious commodity, not money," Jim shares. "We know how much money we have. We don't know how much time we have." This insight forms the foundation of his customer-centric approach to business innovation.

Jim's candid reflections on his leadership missteps reveal the importance of intentional culture-building and strategic planning—elements he initially overlooked as a new CEO. His journey from logistics executive to failed retiree (he lasted just three months before seeking purpose-driven work again) to leadership coach demonstrates how our greatest struggles often become our most valuable teaching tools.

Perhaps most compelling is Jim's perspective on leadership as coaching. Drawing parallels to NFL defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Jim challenges leaders to stop forcing performance and start inspiring it. "You can't force anybody to improve. You can't force anybody to do their best. You can't force anybody to be motivated. You have to inspire them." Ready to become the kind of leader whose team would proudly wear a shirt saying "In You We Trust"? This conversation shows the way.

Connect with Jim:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbramlett1/

https://www.jimbramlett.com/

Follow Catalyst Development on LinkedIn @catalystdevelopment and @drkatieervin

www.cdleaders.com

Learn more about Supervisor 101 at www.cdleaders.com/supervisor101

Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/

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Are you feeling unmotivated at work? You're not alone, and this episode of Path to Leadership dives into the deeper truths about employee satisfaction and the common pitfalls that can lead to demotivation. In a world where workplace culture is evolving more rapidly than ever, understanding what truly motivates employees is crucial.

The discussion reveals that satisfaction is not simply about fun perks; it’s deeply rooted in having meaningful work, feeling valued, and being part of a supportive culture. Through personal stories and relatable experiences, we explore the profound impact of the pandemic on employees’ perceptions of work and purpose.

Tune in as we address a range of motivation killers from micromanagement to a lack of clear communication, ensuring that you understand how these factors can affect team dynamics and morale. We also share actionable strategies that leaders can implement today to create a more productive workplace. You’ll learn the importance of recognizing good work, encouraging open feedback, and approaching employee development in a way that prioritizes their growth and satisfaction.

Join us for this engaging conversation and take the first step toward a more fulfilling work environment. Share your own experiences, gain insights on improving motivation in your organization, and don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review!

Follow Catalyst Development on LinkedIn @catalystdevelopment and @drkatieervin

www.cdleaders.com

Learn more about Supervisor 101 at www.cdleaders.com/supervisor101

Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/