Burnout starts when we're operate outside of our zone of genius, out of alignment with our values, and when we've lost touch with our joy.

Sheryl Raphael Whitaker has spent the majority of her career making a case most leadership conversations are afraid to make. Joy is not a reward. It's an operating system. As a leadership coach, talent strategist, author of “It Starts with Joy,” and a host of a weekly show by the same name, Sheryl says difference between those two mindsets changes everything about how you lead.

Her frame starts with a mindset shift that sounds deceptively simple. Many leaders spend their careers believing that joy is not something one can expect at work. They focus their personal development on building skills and capabilities instead of understanding what makes them tick.

Joy at work isn't something you unlock when conditions improve. It's an internal alignment that runs underneath everything, steady and available, regardless of what's happening around you.

Sheryl also draws a line that most personal development conversations tend to blur. You're either leading from joy or from fear. That's not a criticism. It's a diagnosis. Most of what we call toxic leadership, she says, is just fear that never got named.

What makes her approach to authentic leadership different is where she locates it. Joy isn't the reward waiting at the end of a hard season. It's your chief operating officer, running before the meeting starts, before the difficult conversation, before the decision that keeps you up at night. Sheryl knows what it costs an organization when leaders hand that operating system over to their circumstances.

This conversation is for the leader, coach, and OD professional who knows something feels misaligned but hasn't found the language for it yet.

Sheryl's invitation is direct. You don't have to wait for conditions to be right.

You can lead from who you actually are, right now, even when the people around you are hiding it.

In this episode, Sheryl answers the following questions:
- How to find more joy in your work?
- How to be happy at work when you hate it?
- How to make work fun and enjoyable?
- As a leader, am I allowed to have fun and experience joy?

Resources mentioned in the episode:
- Sheryl’s LinkedIn
- Sheryl’s Book: https://itstartswithjoy.com/
- It Starts With Joy Live: https://www.youtube.com/@itstartswithjoylive
- Sheryl’s Company: https://www.edenanthonyelitetalent.com/
- Derek Sievers’ How to start a movement

Music in this episode by Ian Kastner.

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is an invitation to be inspired to become more of your possible self by discovering your superpower, unlocking your potential, and creating your impact in the world.

This podcast is for leaders, coaches, org development practitioners, and anyone who works with people who want to be inspired to discover their superpower, unlock their possibilities, and make meaningful impact in the world.

For more info about the podcast or to check out more episodes, go to: WhatDoYouKnowToBe True.com

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is hosted by Roger Kastner, is a production of Three Blue Pens, and is recorded on the ancestral lands of the Duwamish and Suquamish people. To discover the ancestral lands of the indigenous people whose land you may be on, go to: https://native-land.ca/

Keywords
#burnout #leadership #beatburnout #authenticleadership #personaldevelopment #leadershipcoach

If you are thinking about becoming a leadership coach, you probably have a lot of questions, such as am I ready? Do I have the skills and experience? What do I have to offer? Do I have the right mindset for leadership development?

Executive Coach, Dan Freehling has worked with hundreds of leaders through their most defining career moments, and he believes you may be more ready than you think.

But what will make you an effective leadership coach is not what you think.
In this conversation, Dan shares what it actually takes to be the leadership coach that leaders want in their corner.

Dan has worked with hundreds of leaders through the company he founded, Contempus Leadership. Dan also interviews some of those leaders on his podcast, Forward-Looking Leadership, where Dan continues to explore the challenges and possibilities those leaders face to help others with their leadership development journey.

In this conversation, Dan shares with us …
➡️ What it’s like to be in the corner with a leader
➡️ How to show up and be present in some of the biggest challenges in a leader’s career, and
➡️ What Dan believes you already have to offer, and why you may be more ready than you think.

A few months back, Dan had Roger on the Forward-Looking Leadership podcast, you can check that out here:
▶️https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK0eg3ImGCA&list=PLbWfh34FP_dUaixAVciyauJWZwkBKaOS_&index=2&t=22s

Resources mentioned in the episode:
➡️ Dan’s LinkedIn
➡️ Dan’s Company: Contempus Leadership

Music in this episode by Ian Kastner.

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is an invitation to be inspired to discover your superpower, unlock your potential, and create your impact in the world.

This podcast is for coaches, org development professionals, small business owners, people leaders, and anyone who is working on their leadership capabilities and personal growth in their pursuit of unlocking and living into their possibilities.

For more info about the podcast or to check out more episodes, go to:
What Do You Know To Be True

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is hosted by Roger Kastner, is a production of Three Blue Pens, and is recorded on the ancestral lands of the Duwamish and Suquamish people. To discover the ancestral lands of the indigenous people whose land you may be on, go to: https://native-land.ca/

Keywords
#leadershipcoach #executivecoach #leadershipdevelopment #executivecoaching #leadershipcoaching

You already have everything you need to build the life you want. The only thing standing between you and it?

Your beliefs haven't caught up…yet. And the limiting beliefs you do have are impacting your personal development.

Our guest, Brooklyn Dicent, reveals why high-achievers stay stuck on their personal growth path even when they know exactly what they want. What they need is a shift in their mindset.

Brooklyn is an expert in activating people to shift their state. With recent speeches at TEDx and at the United Nations, she brings together the science of the subconscious mind and the practical tools of belief change to help high-achievers unlock the life they've always known is possible.

Brooklyn shows how the same mindset tools that built your current life can be reprogrammed, at the subconscious level, to build the one you actually want.

What You'll Discover:
• Why you will never outperform your beliefs, and how to change them
• How your thoughts quietly create your results, both positively and negatively
• What "theta state" is and why it's your brain's natural reprogramming window
• Why comfort is the real enemy of the life you want
• How to make SHIFT happen using the tools you already have

In this episode, Brooklyn answers the following questions:
• How to rewrite our limiting beliefs?
• How to get rid of limiting beliefs?
• How do I make a change in my beliefs?
• How do I get unstuck?

Resources mentioned in the episode:
• Brooklyn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooklyndicent/
• Brooklyn’s Website: https://www.brooklyndicent.com/
• Brooklyn’s App: makeshifthappen.app

Chapters
0:00 Activating People to Shift Their Mindset
0:30 Introducing How Making Shift Happens
1:49 Welcome Brooklyn Dicent
2:41 Superpower of Activating People to Shift Their State
4:54 Embracing the Change You Want to See
7:24 Limiting and Liberating Beliefs
10:49 Brooklyn’s Path to Discovering Superpower
13:27 Discovering the Power of Beliefs through Neuroscience
18:13 How To Subconsciously Change Your Beliefs
23:48 Inspiration for Brooklyn’s Superpower
27:13 You Already Have The Tools You Need To Change Your Life
30:00 What Brooklyn Knows To Be True About Making Shift Happen
31:15 Making it Simple AND Easy To Shift Your Life
32:28 Becoming vs. Improving – You Are Not Deficient
36:01 Everyone Has Greatness Within Them – They Just Have to Choose it
39:07 Making the Decision to Shifting to Become More of Who You Are Supposed To Be
47:33 What’s Next: Write It Down, Make It Happen
48:41 Brooklyn at the UN – The Calling to Become Our Most Possible Selves

Music in this episode by Ian Kastner.

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is an invitation to be inspired to become more of your possible self by discovering your superpower, unlocking your potential, and creating your impact in the world.

This podcast is for leaders, coaches, org development practitioners, and anyone who works with people who want to be inspired to discover their superpower, unlock their possibilities, and make meaningful impact in the world.

For more info about the podcast or to check out more episodes, go to:
https://www.youtube.com/@WDYKTBT?sub_confirmation=1

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is hosted by Roger Kastner, is a production of Three Blue Pens, and is recorded on the ancestral lands of the Duwamish and Suquamish people.

To discover the ancestral lands of the indigenous people whose land you may be on, go to: https://native-land.ca/

Keywords
#limitingbeliefs #successmindset #personalgrowth, #personaldevelopment #subconsciousmind #selfconfidence #howtobuildconfidence #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #mindset

Curious about nervous system regulation, stress relief, and having more control over your emotional state? You're going want to listen to Ashley Douglas.

Do you ever feel like your brain is conspiring against you? Whether it's anxiety about an upcoming event, or in the moment, someone says something and your stress and fears levels overtake your thinking. That's not a character flaw. That's your wiring trying to protect you.

And today’s guest, Ashley Douglas, shares a deep fascination with neuroscience, highlighting its power to explain human behavior and automatic responses that occur before we're even aware of our emotional state.

Ashley aims to clarify that perceived personal struggles are often not inherent flaws, but rather functions of our neurobiology, fostering a positive mindset. It's about understanding ourselves better for personal growth and improved well-being and mental health. If you're looking to integrate science and self-understanding for personal development, this discussion is for you.

Ashley shares that with an understanding of neuroscience and nervous system regulation, you can take back the wheel, overcome your anxiety, and regain your control, confidence, and calm presence.

With an understanding of neuroscience and nervous system regulation, you can take back the wheel and know what you can do to regain your calm and confidence presence.

In this episode, Roger Kastner sits down with Ashley Douglas, an applied-neuroscience leadership advisor, resilience strategist, and burnout survivor, to explore what it actually looks like to lead from a regulated state, not just a managed one.

In the course of trying to make sense of her reaction to three traumatic events, Ashley found brain science. It changed everything. Now she's here to share it.

What you'll learn in this conversation:
➡️Why your nervous system reacts before you can think, and why it's wiring, not your weakness
➡️The simple action that brings your prefrontal cortex back online
➡️What nervous system regulation actually looks like in high-stakes leadership moments
➡️How to stop managing your reactions and start re-patterning them

Ashley Douglas is an applied-neuroscience leader advisor and resilience strategist who partners with founders and senior executives at the intersection of performance, identity, and purpose.

In this episode, Ashley answers the following questions:
➡️ How to regulate the nervous system?
➡️ How to calm down anxiety?
➡️ How to reset nervous system from trauma?
➡️ How to regain a sense of control?

Resources mentioned in the episode:
➡️ Ashley’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleydouglas/
➡️ Ashley’s Substack: https://ashleydouglasbusiness.substack.com/

Music in this episode by Ian Kastner.

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is an invitation to be inspired to become more of your possible self by discovering your superpower, unlocking your potential, and creating your impact in the world.

This podcast is for leaders, coaches, org development practitioners, and anyone who works with people who want to be inspired to discover their superpower, unlock their possibilities, and make meaningful impact in the world.

For more info about the podcast or to check out more episodes, go to:
https://whatdoyouknowtobetrue.com/

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is hosted by Roger Kastner, is a production of Three Blue Pens, and is recorded on the ancestral lands of the Duwamish and Suquamish people. To discover the ancestral lands of the indigenous people whose land you may be on, go to: https://native-land.ca/

Keywords
#anxiety #nervoussystemregulation #mindset #burnout #wellbeing #mentalhealth

What if you could stop waiting for the “perfect plan” and start building your next chapter one smart experiment at a time?

For a lot of proven leaders, coaches, and consultants, that constant need to “get it right” turns into overthinking and the feeling of being stuck.

This conversation offers a practical way to move from overthinking to intentional trying without blowing up the life you’ve already built.

I’m joined by Wynne Leon, whose superpower is being a very good trier. She shares how changing your mindset from creating big perfect plans to testing small experiments can be the fast track for personal development.

As the CEO of her own consulting company, an amateur mountain climber, and the host of the “How to Share” podcast, Wynne demonstrates the courage it takes to boldly try new things.

You’ll hear how Wynne…
➡️ uses structured trying, that is one change at a time,
➡️ documenting what happens, and
➡️ “undoing” when it doesn’t work
…to turn big, scary changes into a series of small, reversible moves.

We talk about the difference between reckless risk and calculated experiments, how to know when to turn back (her mountain “turnaround time” principle), and why you don’t actually need certainty to move forward.

If you’re ready to trade the pressure of having it all figured out for the energy and courage of learning as you go, this conversation is your invitation.

You don’t have to blow everything up to become more of your true self. You can try, reflect, learn, adjust, repeat.

In this episode, Wynne answers the following questions:
➡️ How to create small experiments for personal growth?
➡️ How to create a personal development plan?
➡️How to create a safe growth plan?
➡️How do you figure out your next step in life?

Resources mentioned in the episode:
➡️Wynne’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynneleon/
➡️How to Share podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qInZdzg1Xn3Xac1IMh2z0?si=5e910a4419784495

Music in this episode by Ian Kastner.

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is an invitation to be inspired to become more of your possible self by discovering your superpower, unlocking your potential, and creating your impact in the world.

This podcast is for leaders, coaches, org development practitioners, and anyone who works with people who want to be inspired to discover their superpower, unlock their possibilities, and make meaningful impact in the world.

For more info about the podcast or to check out more episodes, go to:
https://whatdoyouknowtobetrue.com/

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is hosted by Roger Kastner, is a production of Three Blue Pens, and is recorded on the ancestral lands of the Duwamish and Suquamish people. To discover the ancestral lands of the indigenous people whose land you may be on, go to: https://native-land.ca/

Keywords
#burnout #perfectionism #overthinking #FearofFailure #mindset #personaldevelopment

If you have been trying to build resilience by "toughening up" and isolating yourself, you are likely feeling more exhausted than empowered. For many in leadership, the path of personal development and the transition from climbing the corporate ladder to living in alignment with your values and purpose brings a unique kind of fatigue. We often feel we have to hide our struggles to maintain our authority, but this "lone wolf" mentality is a fast path to burnout.

In this episode, resilience expert Bill Hefferman reveals why true adaptability isn't a solo sport…it is a team effort. We explore why the most resilient leaders aren't the ones who endure alone, but the ones who have the mindset to build deep connections and psychological safety with others.

If you are a coach, organizational leader, or professional feeling the weight of your own 'reinvention,' this conversation offers a permission slip to stop white-knuckling your evolution. We discuss how to shift from 'powering through' to building a network of support that makes everyone stronger.
Bill shares a simple, three-step process to help you navigate the messy 'neutral zone' of career transitions without losing your sense of self. We also discuss why 'collective resilience' is the missing link for teams that want to bounce back better from adversity."

We also discuss why "collective resilience" is the missing link for teams that want to bounce back better from adversity.

In this conversation, Bill shares…
➡️ 3 ways we can improve our resilience today
➡️ Why resilience thrives in higher performing teams
➡️ Why some people who experience the same traumatic experience, increase their resilience while others have a very different reaction.

This is Bill's second time on 'What Do You Know To Be True?" Check out Episode #3:
▶️"How to Build Resilience and Adaptability": https://whatdoyouknowtobetrue.com/video/resilience-and-adaptability-with-bill-hefferman

In this episode, Bill answers the following questions:
➡️ How to be a resilient person?
➡️ What is emotionally resilient?
➡️ How to be a good teammate?
➡️ How to create more resilient teams

Resources mentioned in the episode:
➡️ Bill Hefferman’s company: https://www.billhefferman.com/
➡️ Leadership Resilience Quotient Assessment: https://www.billhefferman.com/lrq-assessment
➡️ Individual Resilience Quotient Assessment: https://www.billhefferman.com/irq-assessment
➡️ The 7 C’s of Resilience: https://www.billhefferman.com/insights-offcanvas/tools-templates/7cs-rapid-resilience-reset-worksheet

Music in this episode by Ian Kastner.

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is an invitation to be inspired to become more of your possible self by discovering your superpower, unlocking your potential, and creating your impact in the world.

This podcast is for leaders, coaches, org development practitioners, and anyone who works with people who want to be inspired to discover their superpower, unlock their possibilities, and make meaningful impact in the world.

For more info about the podcast or to check out more episodes, go to: What Do You Know To Be True?

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is hosted by Roger Kastner, is a production of Three Blue Pens, and is recorded on the ancestral lands of the Duwamish and Suquamish people. To discover the ancestral lands of the indigenous people whose land you may be on, go to: https://native-land.ca/

Keywords
#resilience #PersonalDevelopment #Leadership #psychologicalsafety #leadershipdevelopment #mindset #whatdoyouknowtobetrue #BillHefferman #rogerKastner #becomingmoreofyourpossibleself

What's holding us back from discovering our true selves is usually permission...the permission we need to give ourselves to act when we don't have the answers. In this conversation on What Do You Know To Be True?, we explore why growth, meaning, and motivation are only possible when we give ourselves permission to engage with the world and with other people.

If you’re asking questions like…
➡️ How do I find my purpose?
➡️ What am I capable of?
➡️ What is my potential?
…this conversation offers a powerful reframe.

Personal development isn’t about waiting until you have clarity or confidence. It’s about being willing to act, experiment, and learn, even when you don’t have the answers.

My guest, Jillian Reilly, shares why giving yourself permission to grow is one of the most essential leadership and life skills today.

Drawing from decades of work in global change, leadership development, and coaching leaders, from working on the first elections in post-Apartheid South Africa to helping people with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe, she challenges the idea that growth happens through introspection alone.

We talk about why discovering your potential is relational, not solitary. Why comfort zones keep us small. And how acting without having all the answers becomes a gateway to adaptability, creativity, resilience, and purpose in a rapidly changing world.

This episode is especially relevant for coaches, leaders, org development professionals, and small business owners who help others unlock their potential and are navigating their own questions of meaning, direction, and impact.

*** Don't miss another episode with amazing guests l- subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@WDYKTBT?sub_confirmation=1 ***

In this episode, Jillian answers the following questions:
➡️ How do I find my purpose?
➡️ What is my potential?
➡️ What is holding me back?
➡️ How do I achieve personal growth?

Resources mentioned in the episode:
➡️Jillian’s Book: “The Ten Permissions: Redefining the Rules of Adulting in the 21st Century”
➡️Jillian on LinkedIn

Music in this episode by Ian Kastner.

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is an invitation to be inspired to discover your superpower, unlock your potential, and create your impact in the world.
This podcast is for coaches, org development professionals, small business owners, people leaders, and anyone who is working on their leadership capabilities and personal growth in their pursuit of unlocking and living into their possibilities.

For more info about the podcast or to check out more episodes, go to: https://whatdoyouknowtobetrue.com

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is hosted by Roger Kastner, is a production of Three Blue Pens, and is recorded on the ancestral lands of the Duwamish and Suquamish people. To discover the ancestral lands of the indigenous people whose land you may be on, go to: https://native-land.ca/

Keywords
#PersonalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalDevelopment #Motivation #Coaching #discoveryoursuperpower #unlockyourpotential #createmoreimpact #HowDoIFindMyPurpose #DiscoverYourPurpose

Are you a leader who struggles with personal branding, or maybe you’re unsure how to create a personal brand that actually feels like you? Many leadership coaches and small business owners struggle with a personal brand strategy and self-promotion because it feels inauthentic or overwhelming.

But in today’s digital world, having a defined personal brand strategy isn’t just about vanity, it’s a mindset and a critical tool for unlocking your potential and amplifying your impact.

In this episode, I sit down with digital brand and communications expert Jess Jensen to demystify the process of building a personal brand.

We break down why most leaders get this wrong (hint: it’s not about bragging or the fear of looking like you’re bragging) and how you can shift your mindset to view branding as an act of service. Jess shares her own journey of discovering her superpower and how she helps others do the same.

You will learn a practical personal branding strategy and framework designed specifically for busy professionals. We cover Jess’s 5-step framework that takes you from “I don’t know what to post” to having a clear, confident voice on platforms like LinkedIn.

Whether you are looking to attract more clients or establish yourself as a thought leader, this conversation provides the direction and inspiration you need.

We also dive deep into authentic leadership and why your unique values are the strongest foundation for your content. If you have been waiting for permission to show up as your true self, this is it. By the end of this video, you’ll have actionable clarity on your audience, your message, and your mission.

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SPECIAL OFFER: Jess is offering a free LinkedIn Profile audit for the month of February 2026. To sign up:
1️⃣Go to https://calendly.com/jessjensen-copilotcommunications/25min

2️⃣ Set up a meeting on Jess' calendar, and in the notes section, mention this podcast and leave a link to your LinkedIn profile.

Thank you, Jess, for the generous offer!
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*** Don't miss another episode with amazing guests l- subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@WDYKTBT?sub_confirmation=1 ***

In this episode, Jess answers the following questions:
➡️ What is a personal brand?
➡️ What is my personal brand?
➡️ How to build my personal brand?
➡️ How to build my personal brand on social media?

Resources mentioned in the episode:
➡️Jess’ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakjensen/
➡️Jess’ Company, Co-pilot Communications: https://www.copilotcommunications.com/

Music in this episode by Ian Kastner.

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is an invitation to be inspired to discover your superpower, unlock your potential, and create your impact in the world.

This podcast is for coaches, org development professionals, small business owners, people leaders, and anyone who is working on their leadership capabilities and personal growth in their pursuit of unlocking and living into their possibilities.

For more info about the podcast or to check out more episodes, go to: https://WhatDoYouKnowToBeTrue.com

"What Do You Know To Be True?" is hosted by Roger Kastner, is a production of Three Blue Pens, and is recorded on the ancestral lands of the Duwamish and Suquamish people. To discover the ancestral lands of the indigenous people whose land you may be on, go to: https://native-land.ca/

Keywords
#PersonalBranding #LeadershipDevelopment #personalbrandstrategy #authenticleadership #Mindset #PersonalDevelopment #howtocreateapersonalbrand #BecomingMoreOfYourPossibleSelf #whatdoyouknowtobetrue #JessJensen #rogerKastner