Lead with Levity
Heather Walker, Ph.D.
Feeling the pressure? This podcast will equip you with the tools you and your team need to rise above it. If you want to create the kind of work environment that your team can get excited about, where people feel valued and connected, then this is the show for you. Tune into interviews with bestselling authors, executive coaches, consultants, and managers in a league of their own. Extending research to the workplace, Dr. Heather Walker sheds light on the power of levity at work. "Join me in my journey to find workplace solutions that improve work climate, the culture, and that support a positive employee experience. I talk to leaders across industries to find out what they do to improve their work environment through levity, better management, and survey insights."https://www.leadwithlevity.com
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Top 10 Lead with Levity Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Lead with Levity episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Lead with Levity for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Lead with Levity episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Facing Layoff Anxiety
Lead with Levity
06/02/25 • 29 min
Layoff anxiety is real and so very common right now. In this episode of the Lead with Levity Podcast, Dr. Heather Walker offers grounded guidance for professionals who are still employed but feeling the pressure of uncertainty.
If your workload has doubled, your role has shifted, or your instincts are telling you something isn’t right, this episode is for you.
You’ll learn to recognize the early signs of layoffs, understand how survival mode hijacks your decision-making, and explore whether it's time to stay, shift, or step into something new. We wrap with a personal mantra to carry you through moments of doubt, and a powerful resource to help you reclaim your clarity.
Want to take the next step with intention? Grab the Clarity Compass inside the Career Currency Roadmap here.
Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!
12 Superpowers That Changed My Year—and They’ll Change Yours Too
Lead with Levity
12/23/24 • 27 min
As we find ourselves at the cusp of a new year, it's hard to believe how quickly 2024 has come to an end. Whether you're wrapping up gifts or just seeking a moment of peace during this hectic holiday season, I'm truly grateful that you're here with me today. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
A Year of Intention and Growth
Back in October 2023, I conceived a powerful idea. What if I dedicated 2024 to mastering 12 areas of focus, which I would consider my personal "superpowers"? These guiding principles would shape my life and business, transforming aspects like clarity, levity, and even traditions. And let me tell you, this year tested my resolve repeatedly.
Today, I want to take you through an overview of how this idea played out, sharing both the triumphs and the lessons I learned.
Discovering Clarity
One of the standout superpowers this year was clarity. As an industrial-organizational psychologist, I’ve worn many hats over the years, but this year I reaffirmed my true passion—helping people find joy in their work. This focus on clarity shifted everything for me and propelled my commitment to workshops, coaching, and programs focused on career joy and direction. Remarkably, Lead with Levity earned two Brandon Hall Excellence Awards, recognizing our efforts in talent management and HR.
Embracing Levity
Levity was another area I explored deeply, realizing it’s not just a nice-to-have but a fundamental need. Facing personal and professional challenges, I relearned how to find joy in small moments and prescribed myself laughter as a remedy for stress. It’s amazing how powerful a simple laugh can be in combating stress and encouraging resilience.
Breaking Tradition for Growth
Breaking tradition was an unexpected theme of the year. After losing my voice for a month, my family and I decided to embrace change by living in Costa Rica for a while. This break allowed us to unplug from our routine, reminding us how simplicity aids growth. Little adventures like climbing volcanoes and road trips brought fresh excitement and deepened our appreciation for life’s experiences.
The Wonders of Technology
This year, technological advancements in AI and virtual reality captured our imagination and educated us on responsible usage. From VR’s immersive experiences to AI's ethical challenges, these innovations remind us to leverage technology for good while maintaining mindfulness about its impacts.
Wrapping Up with Levity and Gratitude
As we conclude this year, let’s infuse our holiday gatherings with levity and gratitude. Allow yourselves moments of laughter and don’t shy away from innovation—even using tech discussions to divert heated holiday table talks! This season, let’s cherish connections, be present with loved ones, and take moments to appreciate the meaningful interactions we experience every day.
Setting Intentions for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, I encourage you to lean into one superpower that resonates with you. Remember, progress is often imperfect and sometimes messy, but it’s still progress. Reflect on what makes you unique and harness this to lead with joy and connection. Thank you for an incredible 2024. I’m excited for the adventures and growth awaiting us in 2025. Until then, keep leading with levity and celebrating the moments that bring us together.
From Creative Drought to a Year of I
Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!
06/24/24 • 47 min
Welcome to the "Lead with Levity" podcast, where your host Dr. Heather Walker delves into conversations that equip you with the tools to improve your emotional intelligence (EQ) and navigate the complexities of leadership. In this episode, Dr. Walker is joined by Dr. Steven Stein, a world-renowned clinical psychologist and international best-selling author known for his pioneering work on emotional intelligence and hardiness. In this insightful discussion, Dr. Walker and Dr. Stein explore the nuances of EQ, the importance of hardiness in overcoming adversity, and practical strategies for enhancing your interpersonal skills.
Understanding Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence has gained significant attention over the years as an essential skill for both personal and professional success. Dr. Stein describes EQ as encompassing five core areas:
1. Self-Perception: Understanding both your micro (current emotions) and macro (overall life satisfaction) emotional states.
2. Self-Expression: Transparently communicating your thoughts and feelings, especially important for leaders.
3. Interpersonal Skills: Building and maintaining relationships, which in turn helps leaders inspire and get the best out of their teams.
4. Decision-Making: Leveraging intuition and emotion to make effective decisions.
5. Stress Management: Successfully managing stress and maintaining composure in challenging situations.
Building Emotional Intelligence
Developing emotional intelligence is a continuous process. Dr. Stein highlights that while some individuals might naturally possess high EQ, these skills can indeed be cultivated. For instance, empathy is one core area that can be developed through active listening and genuine curiosity about others' perspectives.
Applying EQ and Hardiness in the Workplace
Dr. Walker presents a real-world scenario that many HR professionals encounter—a manager named Chewy who uses religious beliefs to resist inclusive leadership principles. Dr. Stein offers actionable advice on how to address such sensitive issues empathetically without compromising on the core values of inclusive leadership. Dr. Stein emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging diverse perspectives while not necessarily subscribing to them.
Dr. Stein’s Unexpected Passions
Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr. Stein lets listeners in on his personal passion for music. As a musician performing with a jazz-rock band, Dr. Stein finds joy and a sense of community in the arts. This passion for music serves as a reminder of the importance of integrating fun and levity into our lives, a concept that resonates deeply with the ethos of the “Lead with Levity” podcast.
Looking Ahead
In closing, Dr. Stein shares his future aspirations, which include ongoing research into emotional intelligence and continually refining tools for better assessing and developing these competencies. His dedication to both his work and his hobbies exemplifies the continuous journey of self-actualization and learning.
Conclusion
Dr. Steven Stein’s conversation with Dr. Heather Walker is a deep dive into the essential skills of emotional intelligence and hardiness. From practical strategies for improving EQ to understanding the powerful role of self-awareness and empathy, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to excel in leadership and personal growth. For more about Dr. Stein's work, visit stevenstein.com or mhs.com.
Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!
04/28/25 • 37 min
What if the biggest barrier to inclusion isn’t policy—but pride?
In this episode, Justin Jones-Fosu, CEO of Work Meaningful and author of “I Respectfully Disagree,” joins me for a brutally honest, career-shifting conversation on what it really takes to lead inclusively.
We go beyond the checkboxes and get into the messy middle—where unconscious bias meets real-time growth. Justin opens up about a personal moment of bias that still shows up for him and walks us through how he rewrites the story with curiosity, empathy, and humor.
We talk about:
🔹 Why inclusion must go beyond race, gender, and identity
🔹 The leadership habit that’s more effective than the “open door” policy
🔹 How childlike curiosity builds better teams
🔹 The role of therapy in staying grounded under pressure
🔹 What to do after the bias shows up
This episode might just change how you show up—at work and in life.
If this hits home, DM me on Instagram @leadwithlevity or LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/leadwithconfidence
Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!
Bringing Passion and Purpose to Work
Lead with Levity
10/16/23 • 68 min
In this episode, Heather - our host will be our guest. She shares some valuable insights on how to make work more than just a grind and hustle for money. She dives into the importance of bringing our passions into our work, finding enjoyment, and making a positive impact on our communities, homes, businesses, and customers.
Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!
04/17/23 • 45 min
Developing self-regulation as a leader takes time and effort, but it's well worth it. By practicing mindfulness, setting clear boundaries, developing self-awareness, and building a support network, you can become a more effective and successful leader. Today’s episode we have our special guest, Jessica Cabeen who shares some of her practical tips for developing self-regulation as a leader. Tune in to the full episode and enjoy!
In this episode you’ll learn:
- What Is Reverse Mentoring and it’s concept?
- Having authentic humility is so important.
- Tips and importance on developing self-regulation.
- Humility and vulnerability in the workplace are going to make things just better.
- Tips for Connecting with Younger Co-workers
- How Jessica balances her work-life and fulfills both areas.
- Principal in Balance: Leading at Work and Living a Life by by Jessica M. Cabeen — Why she wrote this book.
- Having a Bandwidth and Boundaries, Guardrails and Guide post, what you need to know.
Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!
How to Reinvent Yourself in 2021 (Growth Mindset)
Lead with Levity
01/04/21 • 34 min
- How Ira finds top performers
- Ira’s creative marketing tips to get people’s attention
- Ira’s take on the use of AI chats to replace pre-employment testing as we know it
- How to find the courage to walk away from a career that doesn’t make you happy
- How to use growth mindset principles to free yourself to try new things
- The reality of prepping for a TedTalk
Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!
01/20/20 • 39 min
- How your identity links to your habits
- Why your identity may be sabotaging your New Year’s resolutions
- How procrastination is like an addiction
- Ways to overcome procrastination
- An exercise to use to uncover the reasons behind your behaviors
- How to eliminate distractions that keep you from being productive
- How to use mindfulness to overcome fear and stop running on autopilot
- Several major studies that will support your goals to change your behavior
- How to strategically plan your energy to be most productive
- "Too many of us are quick to put the laser focus on our disabilities instead of asking the question ‘given what I have, what can I do?’ That conflict right there is what prevents people from changing habits long term."
- “You’re not lazy....you’re afraid.”
- “Procrastination is like a drug in a way. It’s a way to cope with these negative emotions.”
- “The mistake me make often is that we just go into the office, go to work, and we just tackle whatever is in front of us...It’s like a war zone. ‘Whatever is thrown at me I’m gonna just deal with.’ Firefighting with no sort of strategy in terms of understanding of how your energy comes into play.”
- Episode: 15
- Title:Your Team Needs You! How to Overcome Procrastination and Get Things Done
- Release Date: January 20, 2020
- Guest: Mayo Oshin
Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!
Drop the spatula: You’re the chef, not the line cook
Lead with Levity
04/21/25 • 31 min
Ever find yourself buried in work that technically isn’t even your job anymore? You know you should delegate, but somehow, it feels easier (or safer) to just do it yourself. Sound familiar?
In this episode, we’re flipping the script on delegation. Because real leadership isn’t about doing everything—it’s about making sure everything gets done.
We’ll cover:
✔ Why delegation feels so hard (and how to get over it)
✔ The #1 mindset shift that makes letting go easier
✔ How to ask the right questions before delegating
✔ What to do when your team is junior, stretched thin, or error-prone
✔ Why mistakes will happen—and why that’s actually a good thing
If you’re tired of being overwhelmed and ready to step into true leadership, this one’s for you.
If this hits home, DM me on Instagram @leadwithlevity or LinkedIn @ https://linkedin.com/in/leadwithconfidence
Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!
04/15/24 • 45 min
In a deeply engaging episode of the Lead with Levity Podcast, hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, the spotlight was on Amber Ontiveros, a trailblazer in addressing and healing workplace discrimination. Ontiveros, with a rich background spanning from working with the Bush and Obama administrations to her profound personal journey towards understanding consciousness and unconscious bias, shared insights that promise a transformative approach to workplace dynamics and personal growth.
The Path to End Discord
The conversation opened with the all-too-familiar challenges many people face in creating environments where everyone feels safe and valued—spaces where creativity and ideas flourish without fear of judgment or retaliation. Ontiveros delved deep into the “two sides of the coin” conundrum, emphasizing the dance between individual intentions and collective narratives. Her work focuses on bringing to light the internal scripts running within us, challenging and healing them to foster a truly inclusive environment.
Dr. Walker and Ontiveros explored the concept of discord in the workplace, exemplified through a scenario involving "Nick", a character resistant to feedback. This example served to introduce Ontiveros’ unique approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—one that leverages personal transformation as a gateway to tackling broader societal and organizational challenges.
Healing the Four Woundings
A pivotal moment in the podcast was Ontiveros’ revelation of the "four woundings"—beliefs deeply embedded in our subconscious that perpetuate cycles of discord and discrimination. These are:
1. I am not worthy.
2. I am not enough.
3. I have to win.
4. I don’t have enough.
Ontiveros argued that these wounds, universal to all, fuel the fires of discrimination and personal dissatisfaction. Her stirring call to action was for individuals to recognize these wound within themselves to heal and move forward, both personally and within their communities.
Mindful Listening and Other Tools for Transformation
The discussion introduced mindful listening—a technique Ontiveros employs to understand and dissolve the barriers erected by unconscious bias. By focusing on the breath and engaging in self-inquiry, one can uncover and address the root of discriminatory behaviors and thoughts. This tool, among others shared by Ontiveros, offers a practical approach to navigating and transforming complex interpersonal dynamics.
Final Thoughts
Amber Ontiveros' appearance on the Lead with Levity Podcast provided not just food for thought but a call to action for anyone looking to make a substantive change in their lives and the lives of others. Her holistic approach to addressing discrimination, rooted in personal healing and consciousness, offers a refreshing, deeply needed perspective in today's discourse on diversity and inclusion.
For those looking to dive deeper into Ontiveros’ work or seeking guidance on their healing journey, visiting her website, healthefourwoundings.com, is a promising first step towards embracing a more inclusive, empathetic, and healing approach to life and work.
Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!
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FAQ
How many episodes does Lead with Levity have?
Lead with Levity currently has 166 episodes available.
What topics does Lead with Levity cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Management, Leadership, Inclusion, Mental Health, Work, Podcasts, Leaders, Human Resources, Business, Manager and Wellbeing.
What is the most popular episode on Lead with Levity?
The episode title 'Navigating Leadership, Corporate Diversity, and Black Female Empowerment' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Lead with Levity?
The average episode length on Lead with Levity is 36 minutes.
How often are episodes of Lead with Levity released?
Episodes of Lead with Levity are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Lead with Levity?
The first episode of Lead with Levity was released on Jul 18, 2019.
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