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Archive-The TRU Leader Podcast

Archive-The TRU Leader Podcast

Balancing Leading and Living

#294: The Transformative Power of Coaching in Leadership with Ruchira Chaudhary

In this episode of The TRU Leader Podcast, Tracy and Michelle are joined by Ruchira Chaudhary. Ruchira shares her transformative journey from unfulfilling careers to a purposeful life as a leadership coach.  Drawing from her role as an executive coach at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and her groundbreaking book “Coaching: The Secret Code to Uncommon Leadership,” Ruchira highlights the power of coaching in helping leaders thrive while empowering others. The conversation explores frameworks like the “4C + Model,” which uses the "4 C's"—Capability, Clarity, Consciousness, and Confidence—to unlock personal growth and self-belief, especially for women navigating self-doubt. Together, they stress that coaching isn’t about offering answers but fostering self-discovery and potential through thoughtful guidance.Ruchira advocates for building coaching into the fabric of organizational culture, replacing rigid performance reviews with continuous, supportive feedback. From insights on creating psychological safety in culturally diverse environments to practical tips for developing self-awareness and a growth mindset, this episode is packed with actionable advice for leaders looking to elevate their impact. Tune in to gain valuable strategies for coaching and leadership that can transform not just your professional life but also those you lead.For full show notes and links, visit https://www.missinglogic.com/truleaderIf you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!SOCIAL MEDIA LINK:https://www.linkedin.com/company/missinglogic-llcSummary:This episode of The TRU Leader Podcast features Ruchira Chaudhary’s journey from an unfulfilling career to becoming a leadership coach and author. Ruchira and co-hosts Tracy and Michelle discuss the transformative power of coaching in leadership, highlighting frameworks like the “4C+ Model” with its “4 C’s”—Capability, Clarity, Consciousness, and Confidence—that foster self-awareness, growth, and confidence, particularly for women overcoming self-doubt. They emphasize integrating coaching into organizational cultures through continuous feedback, creating psychological safety, and aligning personal and organizational goals, offering valuable insights into developing leaders who empower others while achieving their own potential.In this podcast, business leaders navigate the challenges of high-pressure jobs, tackling burnout, micromanagement, and decision fatigue while honing emotional intelligence, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities to strengthen their leadership identity. Through discussions on leadership development, stress management, conflict resolution, and time management, listeners gain insights into achieving work-life balance, overcoming the struggles of being overworked, and fostering personal growth in the ever-evolving workplace.
February 26, 2025

#293: Building the Foundation of a Thriving Workplace with Polarity Intelligence

In this week’s episode of The TRU Leader Podcast, co-hosts Tracy and Michelle explore the art of building a thriving workplace using Polarity Intelligence®. They dive into the interconnected nature of workplace well-being, emphasizing the need for both physical and psychological safety. The discussion highlights how balancing seemingly opposing priorities—such as directive leadership and collaborative participation—can create a dynamic and healthy work culture. By understanding and leveraging the interdependence of values, leaders can move beyond quick fixes and build environments where trust, meaningful dialogue, and shared goals flourish.Whether managing remote teams, navigating crises, or adapting to AI's growing influence, this episode offers actionable insights for leaders seeking transformational impact. Tune in to discover how Polarity Intelligence can enhance decision-making, strengthen relationships, and create a thriving workplace. Don’t miss the practical strategies and reflections shared to help you embrace leadership growth and foster a culture of well-being. Listen now and join the movement toward smarter leadership and a stronger organizational future!For full show notes and links, visit https://www.missinglogic.com/truleaderIf you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!SOCIAL MEDIA LINK: https://www.linkedin.com/company/missinglogic-llcSummary:This week on The TRU Leader Podcast, hosts Tracy and Michelle delve into the concept of Polarity Intelligence® as a key strategy for cultivating a thriving workplace. They explore the interplay between physical and psychological well-being, emphasizing the importance of balancing seemingly opposing priorities, such as directive leadership and collaborative participation, to build a healthy and resilient work culture. The discussion highlights how meaningful dialogue, trust, and understanding interdependent values can enhance decision-making and strengthen workplace relationships. By leveraging Polarity Intelligence, leaders can foster environments that support employee well-being, adapt to challenges, and drive transformational cultural change.
February 19, 2025

#292: Resilience Amidst Tragedy: An Inspirational Journey with Dr. Sasha Shillcutt

In this moving episode of The TRU Leader Podcast, special guest Dr. Sasha Shillcutt shares her deeply personal journey of resilience through an extraordinary series of challenges. She recounts the heartbreaking loss of her brother-in-law, whose organ donation saved another family member’s life, intertwining grief with gratitude. Amidst this, Sasha’s home was destroyed by a catastrophic EF4 tornado, leaving her family homeless and grappling with the profound loss of their possessions. These experiences forced her to reflect on the basics of human need, the emotional toll of caregiving, and the growth that can emerge from life’s darkest moments. Through her raw and relatable storytelling, Sasha examines the struggles healthcare professionals face in prioritizing their own well-being, highlighting how friends and community became her anchors in navigating these trials.The conversation delves into universal themes of resilience, vulnerability, and the power of community support. Sasha reflects on the difficulty helpers often face in accepting help, the importance of leaning on past successes during failures, and how simple practices like biofeedback and gratitude can interrupt negative thought patterns. Listeners will be inspired by her perspective on maintaining hope amidst chaos, finding humor in life’s quirks, and embracing vulnerability as a strength. With touching anecdotes and practical strategies, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that even in life’s storms, growth and healing are possible when we lean on others and remain open to life’s lessons. Tune in now!For full show notes and links, visit https://www.missinglogic.com/truleaderIf you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!SOCIAL MEDIA LINK:https://www.linkedin.com/company/missinglogic-llcSummary:This heartfelt episode of The TRU Leader Podcast features Dr. Sasha Shillcutt and her powerful journey of resilience through unimaginable challenges, including the tragic loss of her brother-in-law, whose organ donation saved another family member’s life, and the destruction of her home by an EF-4 tornado. Sasha reflects on the emotional toll of caregiving, the struggles healthcare professionals face in prioritizing their own well-being, and the growth that emerges from adversity. Through raw storytelling, she highlights the importance of community support, leaning on past resilience, and interrupting negative thought patterns with gratitude and self-care. With touching insights and practical strategies, Sasha’s story is an inspiring reminder that even in life’s storms, we can find strength, hope, and healing when we embrace vulnerability and lean on others.
February 12, 2025

#291: Strategies for Improving Workplace Well-Being: A Holistic Approach

In this episode of The TRU Leader Podcast, co-hosts Tracy and Michelle dive deep into the multifaceted concept of well-being, exploring its significance in both personal and workplace contexts. From mental, physical, and emotional health to social connection, we examine why prioritizing holistic well-being is more critical than ever amid today’s global challenges. You'll hear about emerging trends like destigmatizing mental health, fostering psychological safety, and improving employee assistance programs—all while uncovering the crucial role leaders play in creating healthy, supportive work environments.We also tackle the pressures leaders face, such as balancing accessibility with self-care, and how traditional leadership norms often prioritize performance at the expense of well-being. With practical strategies like Dynamic Balance Blueprints and fostering open, meaningful dialogue, the conversation highlights how thriving leadership can drive resilient, engaged teams.Tune in to learn actionable steps for building a workplace culture that values well-being and relationships as much as productivity. Don’t miss this insightful discussion—your journey to creating a healthier, happier workplace starts here. Listen now!For full show notes and links, visit https://www.missinglogic.com/truleaderIf you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!SOCIAL MEDIA LINK:https://www.linkedin.com/company/missinglogic-llcSummary:In this episode of The TRU Leader Podcast, we explore the critical importance of holistic well-being in personal and workplace contexts, emphasizing mental, physical, emotional, and social health. Discover strategies for fostering psychological safety, destigmatizing mental health, and creating dynamic balance between work and life. We examine the pressures leaders face, from constant accessibility to outdated norms that prioritize performance over well-being, and share actionable insights for building healthier, more engaged teams. Tune in to uncover how thriving leadership can transform workplace culture and elevate well-being for all. Listen now!
February 5, 2025

#289: Creating a Culture of Accountability and Engagement: Successful Strategies from Jonathan Bennett

This week on The TRU Leader Podcast, we’re joined by special guest Jonathan Bennett, a former management consultant from Ontario, reflects on his transition after selling his company, which served non-profit and public sector organizations. While vacationing in Dublin, he realized the need to plan for his future, leading to a management buyout and his new role as an adviser and executive coach. He highlights the loneliness leaders often face and the importance of external trusted advisors who offer unbiased perspectives and honest feedback. Jonathan emphasizes the value of deep relationships with clients and the necessity of an independent voice to uncover overlooked issues. He also discusses the creation of psychologically safe workplaces where employees feel empowered to express themselves, fostering engagement and innovation. Jonathan addresses the emotional challenges founders face during mergers and acquisitions, likening the experience to grief, and stresses the need to support both founders and employees through the transition. He advises against making promises about preserving company culture post-acquisition, as changes are inevitable. He also emphasizes authenticity and integrity in business, recommending that companies attract clients who align with their values, while avoiding over-promotion. Recognizing misalignment early in client relationships and valuing referrals are key strategies he suggests for building lasting goodwill. For full show notes and links, visit  https://www.missinglogic.com/truleader If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/missinglogic-llc https://www.facebook.com/missinglogicLLC https://twitter.com/MissingLogicLLC https://www.instagram.com/missinglogic_llc/
January 22, 2025

#288: The Mind-Heart Connection: Exploring Psychological Influences on Well-Being with Alan Rozanski, MD

This episode of The TRU Leader Podcast features Dr. Alan Rozanski. His career journey which began with a passion for medicine and evolved into a focus on nuclear cardiology, research, and the mind-body connection in heart disease. His interest in silent ischemia and the effects of mental stress on heart health led him from academia to clinical practice, where he developed a comprehensive health model. This model includes six key domains: physical health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, social connections, purpose, and stress management. Alan’s research emphasized the psychological aspects of heart health, such as the impact of depression, and the importance of social connections in maintaining overall well-being. The episode also highlights the significance of mindset, advocating for gratitude, optimism, and gradual mindset shifts through “micro-optimism” to improve well-being. Alan explores the balance between chronic stress and eustress, emphasizing coping flexibility and resilience as vital for personal growth. The discussion touches on how calm states foster healthier behaviors, while tension can lead to negative outcomes. Listeners are encouraged to adopt small lifestyle changes to boost vitality, maintain energy, and navigate the dynamic nature of stress, particularly as they age. The conversation wraps up with a focus on accountability and purpose. Tune in now! For full show notes and links, visit  https://www.missinglogic.com/truleader If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/missinglogic-llc https://www.facebook.com/missinglogicLLC https://twitter.com/MissingLogicLLC https://www.instagram.com/missinglogic_llc/
January 15, 2025

#287: Mindfulness and Stress Relief: Practical Tips from Stress Management Expert Pennie Sempell

This episode of The TRU Leader Podcast features Pennie Sempell, a lawyer who transitioned to a career in stress management, initially working in a mind-body clinic and later developing innovative strategies for lawyers and healthcare workers. Pennie’s work emphasizes psychological flexibility, which can be improved through interventions like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), offering benefits such as reduced burnout and improved sleep. She created StressPal, a tool for social-emotional learning, and introduced StressPal Frontline as a program designed to enhance healthcare collaboration and stress management, receiving positive feedback for improving communication and aligning personal values with professional wellness initiatives. The episode highlights the importance of distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy stress responses, promoting “eustress” as beneficial for motivation. Pennie shares mindfulness practices and stress-relief techniques, underscoring the universal relevance of stress management across professions. Upcoming resilience training assessments and health initiatives are also discussed, reinforcing the need for continuous learning and implementation of effective stress management tools. To learn more about StressPal Frontline for yourself, click the full show notes below: For full show notes and links, visit  https://www.missinglogic.com/truleader If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/missinglogic-llc https://www.facebook.com/missinglogicLLC https://twitter.com/MissingLogicLLC https://www.instagram.com/missinglogic_llc/
January 8, 2025
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The TRU Leader Podcast

Do you wish you had a mentor with decades of experience who could show you how to bust through leadership norms, adopt new ways of thinking, and apply practical strategies to succeed in your personal and professional life?

That’s exactly what you will get when you tune into The TRU Leader Podcast with your hosts, life and business besties, polarity intelligence experts and authors, Dr. Tracy Christopherson and Michelle Troseth. Their specialty is identifying and leveraging the tensions that show up and wreak havoc in all aspects of your life whether you are a formal or informal leader, small business owner, or entrepreneur.

Each episode is a weekly dose of personal and professional development giving you practical and tactical tools and strategies to help you reach your full leadership potential, create the life you love, and be a Thriving, Resilient, and Unstoppable (TRU) leader.

Team

Tracy Christopherson, MS, BAS, RRT

Tracy Christopherson, MS, BAS, RRT

Tracy Christopherson, MS, BAS, RRT is the co-founder of MissingLogic, LLC, a company dedicated to helping healthcare organizations combat burnout by creating healthy work cultures leveraging the Healthy Healing Organization (H2O) Framework. Tracy has over 20 years of experience coaching and mentoring healthcare leaders across North America to establish interprofessional collaborative practice environments.

Tracy currently works with healthcare leaders, helping them establish and maintain resilience and work-life balance, so they can make a difference, live on purpose, and perform at the highest level in every meaningful aspect of their life. Tracy is also the co-host of Healthcare’s MissingLogic Podcast and she’s a doctoral candidate in Interprofessional Healthcare Studies at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, IL.
Michelle Troseth, MSN, RN, FNAP, FAAN

Michelle Troseth, MSN, RN, FNAP, FAAN

Michelle Troseth, MSN, RN, FNAP, FAAN is the co-founder of MissingLogic, LLC, a company dedicated to creating healthy healing work culture organizations through the Healthy Healing Organizations (H2O) Framework and coaching healthcare leaders to be resilient and balanced leveraging the Dynamic Balance Effect Framework™. Michelle is the co-host of Healthcare’s MissingLogic Podcast, a podcast focused on unleashing the power of Polarity Thinking in healthcare.

Michelle is the immediate past president of the National Academies of Practice (NAP) representing 14 different health professions to advance interprofessional care in the U.S. Michelle has held industry and national leadership roles to advance professional practice in healthcare settings across North America. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

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