Episodios

  • Striving to understand

    Striving to understand
    Feb 17 2026
    In this episode, you will learn how to practice empathy as a leadership skill in real workplace situations. Kate Johnson is joined by Katharine Manning, author of The Empathetic Workplace, to explore what empathy actually looks like in action. They discuss how leaders can move beyond good intentions and develop practical behaviors that build trust, strengthen psychological safety, and improve performance. You will walk away with clear steps for responding to employees who are struggling, handling trauma-informed conversations at work, and building a culture where people feel seen, heard, and supported—without lowering standards or sacrificing results. If this episode prompts you to think more deeply about trust and connection, download the current free Vulnerability and Leadership Toolkit available from onetwentythree ltd. The worksheets are designed to help you put these ideas into practice immediately and strengthen your leadership habits. Katharine Manning is a speaker, author, and trainer who has spent more than 25 years working at the intersection of trauma and leadership—first as a DOJ attorney advising on responses to crises like the Boston Marathon bombing and the South Carolina AME Church shooting, and now as an expert and thought leader on empathy at work. Her book, The Empathetic Workplace, provides clear direction and support for leaders who want to respond to trauma on the job with compassion, calm, and confidence. Join Katharine’s text list by texting “blackbird” to 833-975-1945 for weekly messages on empathy, leadership, and taking care of ourselves as we take care of others. Katharine Manning - Blackbird | LinkedIn Blackbird Katharine Manning Key takeaways Empathy is a striving to understand another person’s experience, not standing in their shoes. Leadership empathy requires both thought and feeling—cognitive and affective empathy working together. Listening and acknowledging are the foundation of any empathetic response. Psychological safety increases when leaders check in regularly with their teams. Adapting your communication style is part of demonstrating care. Empathy is a powerful risk management tool because trust fuels transparency. Most adults have experienced trauma, so leaders should assume someone on their team may be carrying something heavy. The LASER method (Listen, Acknowledge, Share, Empower, Return) provides a practical framework for responding to trauma disclosures at work. Modeling vulnerability is different from venting; leaders must maintain healthy boundaries. Empathy strengthens accountability and performance rather than weakening it. Timestamps [0:00:05] Framing the conversation: empathy in the workplace [0:01:43] Working definitions of empathy and empathetic leadership [0:04:50] Empathy as a rigorous leadership skill, not a “soft” extra [0:10:06] Shifting from theory to action: what empathy looks like day‑to‑day [0:10:40] Practical tool #1: Regular check‑ins and psychological safety [0:13:28] Practical tool #2: Team “vernacular” (numbers/weather) for honest check‑ins [0:19:50] Trauma‑informed leadership and the “paper cut vs knife wound” metaphor [0:26:01] The LASER technique introduced (Listen, Acknowledge, Share, Empower, Return) [0:32:03] Empathy for self, vulnerability, and the “full cup spills over” idea [0:40:30] Empathy as a risk‑management tool and closing resources for leaders Keywords workplace empathy, empathetic leadership, psychological safety, trauma informed workplace, leadership communication skills, cognitive empathy, affective empathy, accountability and empathy, leadership trust building, LASER method
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    43 m
  • Empathy is not about being nice

    Empathy is not about being nice
    Feb 10 2026
    This episode of The Well-Led Podcast: Other Voices explores what empathy really means in leadership—and why it plays a central role in building trust at work. Rather than treating empathy as a soft skill or personality trait, contributors describe it as a learned practice that requires presence, restraint, and the willingness to sit with discomfort. Through personal stories and professional reflections, this episode helps leaders understand how empathy shows up in real moments and why it changes how people experience leadership. In this episode, contributors respond to two guiding questions: How do you define empathy? And who taught you to accept empathy from others—and how did that change your leadership? Their answers reveal that empathy is shaped by experience, strengthened through relationships, and essential to creating psychological safety without lowering expectations. Request your copy of the Vulnerability in Leadership Toolkit. Guest Information, listed alphabetically Peggy Mark, Ph.D. In her role as executive coach and leadership consultant, Peggy leverages her expertise in healthcare leadership, organizational learning, and nursing administration to support executives in discovering their own unique skills as a leader. Peggy is a lifelong student of leadership and organizational change. She finds immense joy in watching others succeed in their leadership journey. Peggy Mark - Break-Through, LLC | LinkedIn Utkarsh Narang Utkarsh is the founder and CEO of IgnitedNeurons, a learning and development consultancy that strives to help its learners build new connections that lead to lasting change. With an extensive background in operations and transformational coaching, he is also the host of the IgnitedNeurons podcast. Utkarsh Narang - Executive Coach Helping Ambitious Professionals Breakthrough Stuck Careers & Inner Frustration | Ignite Life Method Ignited Neurons The IgnitedNeurons Podcast - YouTube Angela Wale Angela has a long reputation as an insightful and compassionate professional, leader, and colleague. She currently serves as an executive nurse leader responsible for integrating technology resources with nursing practice, professional development, education and research for a regional health system. Find Angela on LinkedIn Key takeaways Empathy is not about being agreeable, emotional, or soft Empathy requires presence, not problem-solving Leaders often need to learn how to receive empathy before offering it Listening without fixing builds trust and psychological safety Empathy helps people feel seen, heard, and valued Empathy does not remove accountability or standards Slowing down is often the hardest part of empathetic leadership Leaders model empathy through how they respond to struggle Trust grows when empathy is consistent, not performative Empathy strengthens both relationships and results Timestamps [0:00:00] – Kate’s introduction to the Well Led Podcast & empathy theme [0:01:36] – Peggy defines empathy as perspective-taking and compassionate listening [0:02:40] – Peggy describes her husband teaching her to accept care and vulnerability [0:05:54] – Utkarsh introduces himself and defines empathy as presence without control or fixing [0:08:10] – Utkarsh’s coaching moment: being fully seen, silence, and emotional “cracking open” [0:13:30] – Angela defines empathy as strengthening human connection through validation [0:18:20] – Angela’s leadership example: resisting the urge to fix and asking how to best support Keywords empathy in leadership, building trust at work, empathetic leadership, psychological safety, leadership presence, human-centered leadership, leadership vulnerability, trust at work, emotional intelligence leadership, other voices podcast
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    22 m
  • Empathy Is the Effort to Understand

    Empathy Is the Effort to Understand
    Feb 3 2026
    This episode introduces empathy as a core leadership competency and the second essential practice for demonstrating care. Building on the foundation of vulnerability, these Notes on Leading Well explain what empathy is, how it works in the human brain, and why leaders who practice empathy are better equipped to build trust, communicate clearly, and lead people through change. Listeners will gain a practical understanding of affective and cognitive empathy and how intentional perspective-taking improves employee well-being and organizational effectiveness. Additional resources to explore: PBS Learning Media: Mirror Neurons Mirror Neurons and the Neuroscience of Empathy The neurons that shaped civilization | VS Ramachandran Empathy Definition | What Is Empathy Does Your Manager Feel Your Pain? Empathy Quiz | Greater Good Key takeaways Empathy is the effort to understand others Vulnerability creates the conditions for empathy Empathy is a leadership competency, not a trait Affective empathy is feeling with others Cognitive empathy is perspective-taking Empathy is rooted in human biology Empathy strengthens trust at work Perspective-taking improves leadership decisions Empathy supports well-being and performance Empathy becomes care when put into action Timestamps [0:00:00] – Introduction to the Well Led Podcast & leadership premise [0:00:35] – Recap: Vulnerability as a leadership competency [0:01:27] – Vulnerability as relational and needing sustainability [0:02:45] – Transition to second competency: Empathy [0:03:39] – Working definition of empathy + two forms (affective & cognitive) [0:04:22] – Affective empathy: “feelings about others’ feelings” [0:05:20] – Cognitive empathy: perspective-taking & To Kill a Mockingbird example [0:06:34] – Mirror neurons and the biology of empathy [0:08:35] – What empathy does at work & impact on trust and change [0:10:25] – Practicing empathy: observation exercise in a public space Keywords empathy in leadership leading with empathy empathy at work leadership competencies demonstrating care vulnerability and empathy perspective taking leadership human centered leadership employee well-being psychological safety
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    14 m
  • Vulnerability and competence: Lessons for effectiveness

    Vulnerability and competence: Lessons for effectiveness
    Jan 27 2026
    In this episode, you will learn how vulnerability strengthens leadership effectiveness. Rather than treating vulnerability as oversharing or weakness, this lesson clarifies it as a leadership competency grounded in judgment, boundaries, and self-awareness. We translate vulnerability into observable behaviors leaders can practice immediately, outlining what it can look like in day-to-day leadership. You will leave with concrete behaviors you can apply immediately, along with strategies for managing the emotional cost of leading openly without burning out. Download the one-page resource: Leading with Vulnerability without Burning Out Key takeaways Vulnerability is a leadership competency that requires choice and intention Withholding vulnerability increases silence, self-protection, and disengagement on teams Leaders can show vulnerability by owning mistakes, admitting limits, and sharing context Thoughtful vulnerability strengthens credibility rather than undermining competence Boundaries, judgment, and timing are essential to practicing vulnerability well Leaders can demonstrate humanity without emotional dumping or loss of authority Vulnerability carries a cost and requires attention to energy and burnout Debriefing, decompression, and reflection help leaders sustain vulnerable leadership Timestamps [0:00:00] - Introduction: Vulnerability as Daily Leadership Practice [0:01:30] - Vulnerability Cultivates Team Trust & Collaboration [0:02:35] - Review of Previous Episodes & Need for Observable Behaviors [0:03:30] - Listing Human Characteristics Leaders Face [0:05:00] - Examples: Owning Emotions and Managing Illness [0:06:40] - Tenderness Toward Teams During Difficult Times [0:08:00] - Concrete Ways to Model Vulnerability (Mistakes, Ignorance) [0:09:30] - Accepting Feedback and Building Diverse Teams [0:11:52] - Managing Costs: Debriefing, Decompression, Reflection [0:14:56] - Final Takeaways & Next Topic Preview (Empathy) Keywords vulnerability and leadership leadership effectiveness leadership competence psychological safety trust at work human leadership leadership behaviors self-aware leadership workplace culture emotional intelligence
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    17 m
  • Vulnerability Is a Leadership Choice

    Vulnerability Is a Leadership Choice
    Jan 20 2026
    In this episode, Kate Johnson and Peggy Mark explore vulnerability as an intentional leadership choice rather than a personality trait. Listeners will learn how openness, self-awareness, and authenticity create trust, strengthen human connection, and support healthier workplace cultures. Through personal stories and practical reflection, the conversation reframes vulnerability as bravery and a critical skill for leaders who want to lead well. Key takeaways: Why vulnerability is a conscious leadership decision How openness builds trust and credibility The role of self-awareness in effective leadership Why vulnerability is not the same as weakness How admitting mistakes strengthens leadership presence The impact of authenticity on workplace culture Navigating conflict without losing compassion Balancing strength and softness as a leader How vulnerability supports learning and growth What brave leadership looks like in practice Timestamps: [0:00:05] Introduction to Podcast & Guest [0:01:16] Defining Vulnerability in Leadership [0:03:12] Self-Awareness and Leadership Starting Point [0:05:44] Peggy’s Personal Journey to Vulnerability [0:09:41] Affirmation of Positive Leadership Impact [0:09:53] Story: Vulnerability During Emotional Crisis [0:12:07] Creating Safe Spaces & Two-Way Vulnerability [0:20:18] Balancing Vulnerability vs. Over-Sharing [0:29:06] Fear, Boundaries, and Unpredictable Outcomes [0:35:21] Leadership Success Story from Emergency Department Keywords: vulnerability in leadership, leadership authenticity, leadership trust, human-centered leadership, self-awareness at work, brave leadership, workplace culture, psychological safety, leadership growth, effective leadership
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    42 m
  • Vulnerability Builds Trust at Work

    Vulnerability Builds Trust at Work
    Jan 13 2026
    In this episode, leaders will learn why vulnerability is not a weakness but a critical leadership skill. The conversation explores how openness, honesty, and the willingness to share both successes and failures directly influence trust, psychological safety, and team performance. Listeners will gain practical insight into how vulnerable leadership improves communication, strengthens relationships, and creates environments where people feel safe to contribute fully. Special thanks to Kim Rohrer for sharing her time and insights this week. Kim is a storyteller and connector who has dedicated her career to creating values-driven corporate cultures and innovative approaches to HR. Founder of Patchwork Portfolio, she blends her expertise and creativity to help leaders communicate with employees, customers, and communities. She shares her insights and experiences at icaretoomuch.substack.com You can connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimrohrer/ And explore her business website here: https://www.patchworkportfolio.com/ Key Takeaways:• Why leaders often resist vulnerability and how that resistance affects teams• Why employees are more engaged when leaders are open and honest• What Gallup research reveals about engagement and communication• How vulnerability supports innovation and creativity• The role of vulnerability in authentic leadership Timestamps: [0:00:03] - Podcast Introduction & Theme Overview [0:00:50] - Explanation of 'Other Voices' Segment [0:01:46] - Gallup Research on Leadership & Vulnerability [0:02:20] - Importance of Humanity in Leadership [0:03:26] - Kim Rohr’s Introduction [0:04:00] - Reluctance of Leaders to Show Vulnerability [0:05:20] - Impact of Hiding Failures/Challenges at Work [0:06:41] - Summary of Kim’s Perspective: Vulnerability’s Role in Team Dynamics [0:06:48] - Four Inspirational Quotes on Vulnerability [0:09:01] - Podcast Closing and Next Episode Preview Keywords: vulnerability in leadership, leadership trust, psychological safety, employee engagement, authentic leadership, workplace trust, leadership communication, Gallup research, innovation at work, human-centered leadership
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    10 m
  • It’s Nice to Know You’re Human

    It’s Nice to Know You’re Human
    Jan 6 2026
    This episode explains why vulnerability is a foundational leadership skill and how leading well begins with self-leadership, self-awareness, and the courage to be human. You’ll learn what vulnerability actually means in a leadership context, why it strengthens trust rather than weakening authority, and how leaders can practice vulnerability in practical, appropriate ways that support their teams and work. Key takeaways Why leadership does not require perfection How vulnerability builds trust and credibility at work The difference between vulnerability and oversharing in leadership Why self-leadership and self-awareness come first How owning mistakes strengthens leadership effectiveness Timestamps 0:00:00 Leadership Paradox: Humanity vs. Perfection 0:01:05 Essential Leadership Mindsets Introduced 0:02:14 Self-Leadership and Vulnerability Defined 0:03:50 Story: Leadership Mistake and Vulnerability 0:07:08 Examples: Vulnerability in Practice 0:08:52 Vulnerability Enables Caring Leadership 0:09:35 Navy SEAL Story: Trust Through Vulnerability 0:11:20 Vulnerability as Bravery, Not Weakness 0:12:38 Closing: Podcast Support and Future Topics Keywords vulnerability in leadership human-centered leadership self-leadership leadership trust leadership mistakes emotional intelligence at work caring leadership leadership authenticity leadership development workplace trust
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    14 m
  • End-of-year update from the comfy chairs

    End-of-year update from the comfy chairs
    Dec 30 2025
    Looking ahead: The comfy chairs becomes The Well-Led Podcast In this final episode of the year, Kate returns with a clear, simple update about the show’s evolution. On January 6th, the comfy chairs will officially relaunch as The Well-Led Podcast, beginning a year-long journey focused on the four essential domains of leadership: Demonstrating Care, Providing Support, Leading with Grace, and Staying Focused on Action. Kate revisits what’s changing, what remains steady, and why this new structure matters. Listeners will hear about the monthly theme model, the “Notes on Leading Well” format, and the practical tools that will anchor each week. She also previews January’s theme—vulnerability—and how it sets the tone for leading well in the months ahead. This episode closes the chapter on one season of the podcast and gently opens the door to what’s next. It’s a moment of gratitude, clarity, and optimism for leaders who want to step into the new year with intention.
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    5 m