Stories shape who we are, often more deeply than we realize. But what happens when the stories defining us aren't truly our own? In this episode, Chad Peterson, known as The Story Catcher, joins Angie Callen to explore how reclaiming our authentic stories can lead to greater joy, peace, and purpose in work and life.

Chad's work helps people uncover, preserve, and rewrite the narratives that define their identity—beyond societal expectations and limiting beliefs. This isn't about crafting the perfect performance; it's about stopping the act, understanding who you truly are, and living that truth.

In this episode, we explore:
- The difference between storytelling and story catching
- How social conditioning distorts our true narratives
- Why reclaiming joy is essential, not optional
- The Origin framework and its animal spirit metaphors: serpent, jaguar, hummingbird, and condor
- The importance of grounding before moving forward
- Facing fear and failure without shame
- Embracing imperfection with the first pancake mentality
- Forward-focused growth rather than trauma dwelling
- Finding identity beyond external expectations
- Aligning purpose, leadership, and personal impact

This conversation reminds us that authentic leadership starts with knowing and choosing your stories. When you do, you operate from a place of grounded values, joy, and clarity.

Chad Peterson is a narrative coach and cultural guide living in Ecuador, where he integrates Andean culture with narrative work to help people reconnect with their true selves. You can find him on LinkedIn and Instagram at @thestorycatcher or visit his website to take a free quiz revealing your connection to the four animal spirits and receive journals designed to deepen this discovery.

At a time when work and leadership can feel performative and disconnected, this episode calls us back to what truly matters: our humanity and the stories that shape it.

Because humans still matter.

Innovation in today's unpredictable world demands more than following best practices—it requires embracing human uniqueness and fresh perspectives. Stephen Shapiro, innovation expert and author, joins Angie Callen to unpack how leaders can navigate complexity by leveraging their teams' diverse talents and focusing on asking the right questions.

In this episode, we explore:
- Why copying best practices is a recipe for mediocrity
- The crucial human edge amid rising AI and automation
- Defining and playing with a "full deck" in team dynamics
- How creative tension drives innovation, not conflict
- The difference between creativity and innovation
- Practical tools for leaders to align team strengths
- Avoiding accidental organizational cultures
- Reframing problems to find the right solutions
- Leading without all the answers through better questioning
- Building adaptive, values-driven leadership

This conversation matters because as the future of work accelerates, your team's unique human capabilities are the differentiators that will keep you relevant and impactful. Stephen's insights invite us to rethink leadership as a human-centered, values-first practice.

Stephen Shapiro is an innovation speaker and author known for his provocative books such as "Best Practices Are Stupid" and his latest, "You're Not Playing with a Full Deck." He works with organizations like Nike, NASA, Microsoft, and Marriott, helping them rethink innovation beyond standard playbooks.

Find out more about Stephen and grab the show notes at https://careerbenders.com/nomoremondays/episode-251/

Humans still matter, and by owning our unique strengths and mindset shifts, we can thrive amidst uncertainty rather than freeze. This episode is a timely reminder that leadership is about humans leading humans—not processes leading people.

Waiting until you feel confident before you take action?

That's exactly what's keeping you stuck.

In this week's Midweek Momentum, Angie breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions about growth, confidence, and progress: the idea that confidence comes before action.

Inspired by both her book Scary Good and this week's conversation on the podcast, Angie shares why:

• confidence is built through action—not before it
• experience creates the "receipts" that reinforce belief
• waiting for the "right time" is often just a delay tactic
• small, meaningful steps are what actually create momentum

If you've been holding back because you don't feel ready, this episode is your reminder:

You don't need more confidence.
You need more action.

Because confidence isn't the prerequisite—it's the byproduct.