In this episode, licensed therapist and organizational consultant Amanda Gilchrist joins us to explore what real support looks like in a hyper-stimulated world. Amanda flips the script on “helping” by reminding us that it’s not a leader’s—or a therapist’s—job to hand out answers. It’s to guide, facilitate, and create space so people can hear their own wisdom. We dig into self-investment, the difference between a state change and a trait change, and why trust in ourselves is the foundation for any lasting transformation.

We also get practical about presence: how to set boundaries without guilt, why “giving 100%” looks different on different days, and how attunement—not performance—builds healthier relationships at home and at work. If you’ve ever felt pressure to do it perfectly, this conversation is a permission slip to be intentional instead—show up with what you have, listen for what matters, and let authenticity do the heavy lifting.

In this episode of Uncover the Human, Alex and Cristina sit down with leadership coach Laura Shepherd for a rich conversation about following your internal compass. Laura shares her journey from corporate success to scuba instructor to coach, describing what it feels like when the compass spins, how she learned to recognize misalignment, and what it’s like to step into the “exciting discomfort” of growth. Together, they explore the power of weekly reflection, rewarding progress along the way, and the courage it takes to leap when the next step isn’t clear.

Listeners will hear how authenticity, reflection, and self-leadership intertwine to create alignment that fuels both personal energy and effective leadership. Laura explains how leaders who do their inner work show up more fully, set clearer expectations, and create safe, trusting environments where teams can thrive. With metaphors ranging from compasses and mirrors to buses and statues, this conversation invites you to reflect on your own path—and consider whether you’re moving toward possibility or simply checking boxes.

In this conversation, author and acupuncturist Connie Warden joins Cristina and Alex to talk about her book Speeding to Compassion—a project born from her surprising realization that her mindfulness practice didn’t extend to the driver’s seat. Connie shares candid stories of road rage, self-reflection, and the universal struggle of anger, showing how the car became her training ground for compassion. What starts as a book about driving quickly unfolds into a much bigger exploration of authenticity, inner critics, and how to process emotions without repressing them.

Together, they dive into the ways we invent stories about strangers on the road, the “fundamental attribution error” that makes us judge others more harshly than ourselves, and the small practices—like singing a song or reframing the moment—that can transform frustration into growth. This episode is equal parts humor and humanity, reminding us that compassion isn’t about being perfect. It’s about noticing our triggers, giving ourselves grace, and practicing empathy in everyday life—whether behind the wheel, with our kids, or in leadership.