The Stress Free Leader Podcast

Show Quote: “Creativity is the depth of the honesty you express towards your possibility.” –Paramahamsa Nithyananda. In this episode, we explore the importance of tapping into your leadership creativity to enjoy the ultimate leadership success. Today’s complex environment requires creative solutions. My guest, Ellia Harris, has been the embodiment of creativity and now helps leaders leverage creative problem solving for leadership success. Listen in as we discuss: · What it means to be a creative leader · The connection between motivation and creativity · The link between courage and creativity · The art of solving problems through communication · How leaders can use creative problem solving · The danger of problem solving for today instead of the future · And more! About Ellia: Ellia Harris is a Creative Thinking Consultant, which means she helps people solve problems in new ways. Ellia is hired by business owners and team leaders in aspirational organizations who are worried about the bottom line, frustrated about losing quality staff, and wake up at 3am feeling overwhelmed about how to plan for the future. Ellia’s mission is to guide and inspire leaders, unleash teams, and empower organizations to get from “no idea” to “brilliant idea!” and their desired future. She does this by using her creative problem-solving framework “Light Bulb Thinking™”, which employs play and diverse thinking as business development tools. Ellia’s clients experience how “serious” fun can lead to a steady flow of good ideas, staff that enjoy showing up, and a healthier bottom line as well as greater productivity, a kickass culture of innovation, and stronger happier teams. Connect with Ellia: https://ThePotentialCenter.com

In this episode, we break down the art of persuasion and the connection to effective leadership. Aristotle identified 3 modes of persuasion, known as the 3 appeals. Ethos, Pathos and Logos are 3 essential parts of making a persuasive argument. Whether you are giving a speech, writing advertising or leading others, understanding these parts can make you more effective and persuasive leader. Listen in as we discuss: · Examples of persuasive leaders · Ethos – establishing leadership credibility · Pathos – tapping into the emotion of others · Logos – the role of logic  · The challenges of persuasive leadership · And more! About Rhonda: Rhonda Y. Williams is a former Chief Nursing Officer and hospital CEO. With 20+ years of leadership experience, Rhonda has personally experienced the joys and the stress. Today, Rhonda is an emotional intelligence strategist, and she is known as The Stress-Free Leader. Rhonda coaches’ leaders who are ready to STOP THE MADNESS and reconnect with the joyful, purposeful part of leading. She also works directly with teams who are ready to explore the organizational and bottom-line benefits of creating a stress-free culture. Additionally, she is the host of The Coffee with Rhonda Show. Thanks for listening! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation with us, head on over to http://www.thestressfreeleader.net. With this podcast, we are building a leadership community of change champions inspired to embrace a culture of stress-free leading. If you know someone who would benefit from this message, or would be an awesome addition to our community, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe on the podcast app on your mobile device. Click the image below to subscribe AND leave your review! We appreciate every bit of feedback to make this a value-adding part of your day. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute,

Show Quote: I like to solve problems. I know it is a skill set, but it’s also an obligation. I grew up with parents who believe that you don’t simply complain: you try to find solutions and fix what’s in front of you. –Stacy Abrams In this episode, we explore the work and journey of the inner work required for fixing you. Faust Ruggiero joins us for the conversation. Faust shares his perspective on where we go wrong and some of the strategy that can help us get back on track. As Faust mentions, it is important for leaders to contemplate the fact that everything we need is inside of us. As leaders in pursuit of excellence, the journey begins by an honest self-reflection of who we are and how we show up. As you are probably aware, one of the most effective tools a leader has is the ability to self-reflect. Listen in as we discuss: * The importance of understanding energy distribution * The need to create internal shifts before executing external shifts * Why you should take yourself off autopilot * Learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable * Physically, intellectual and emotional balancing * Importance of getting away from your biases * And more! About Faust: My professional career spans over forty years.I have counseled clients ranging in age from five, and into senior living. I have counseled people and families in inpatient facilities, prisons, substance abuse counseling centers, in nursing homes, provided employee assistance programs to major corporations, and have extensive experience providing I continue to provide counseling services for veterans, first responders, law enforcement, and other emergency personnel. I have taught at the college level, and am published in several research journals. Connect with Faust: https://www.faustruggiero.com/media-appearances.html (https://www.faustruggiero.com/media-appearances.html) About Rhonda: Rhonda Y. Williams is a former Chief Nursing Officer and hospital CEO. With 20+ years of leadership experience, Rhonda has personally experienced the joys and the stress. Today, Rhonda is an emotional intelligence strategist, and she is known as The Stress-Free Leader. Rhonda coaches’ leaders who are ready to STOP THE MADNESS and reconnect with the joyful, purposeful part of leading. She also works directly with teams who are ready to explore the organizational and bottom-line benefits of creating a stress-free culture. Additionally, she is the host of The Coffee with Rhonda Show. Thanks for listening! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation with us, head on over to http://www.thestressfreeleader.net (http://www.thestressfreeleader.net/). With this podcast, we are building a leadership community of change champions inspired to embrace a culture of stress-free leading. If you know someone who would benefit from this message, or would be an awesome addition to our community, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe on the podcast app on your mobile device. Click the image below to subscribe AND leave your review! (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stress-free-leader-podcast/id1544378606) We appreciate every bit of feedback to make this a value-adding part of your day. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes goes a long way! We read every review and honor the feedback we receive. Thank You!!

Allyship: Going Beyond the Basics Show Quote: I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.” – Maya Angelou In this episode, we discuss the important topic of being an ally. There are many definitions of what it means to be an ally and I’ll share two that speak to me personally. Of particular importance is simply understanding the basics of being an ally and how you can support people of color or those from marginalized communities. But here is a question for you. Are you ready to go beyond the basics of allyship? Being an ally is an action-oriented state of being. It is far beyond believing and more about doing. It is not about being on the right side, it is about doing the right thing to create an inclusive culture where people of color and team members from other marginalized communities can feel a sense of belonging. Let’s break down some aspects of effective allyship. In the episode we explore: * The importance of listening differently * Why representation matters * How to create space for the “only” * The process of building trust * Why you must stop leting it go * How to recognize gaslighting and how to shut it down About Rhonda: Rhonda Y. Williams is a former Chief Nursing Officer and hospital CEO. With 20+ years of leadership experience, Rhonda has personally experienced the joys and the stress. Today, Rhonda is an emotional intelligence strategist, and she is known as The Stress-Free Leader. Rhonda coaches’ leaders who are ready to STOP THE MADNESS and reconnect with the joyful, purposeful part of leading. She also works directly with teams who are ready to explore the organizational and bottom-line benefits of creating an inclusive and stress-free culture. Additionally, she is the host of The Coffee with Rhonda Show. Thanks for listening! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation with us, head on over to http://www.thestressfreeleader.net (http://www.thestressfreeleader.net/). With this podcast, we are building a leadership community of change champions inspired to embrace a culture of stress-free leading. If you know someone who would benefit from this message, or would be an awesome addition to our community, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast using an app on your mobile device. Click the image below to subscribe AND leave your review! (https://thestressfreeleader.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Review-Image.jpg)   (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stress-free-leader-podcast/id1544378606) We appreciate every bit of feedback to make this a value-adding part of your day.

Show Quote: In fact, the Confidence of the people is worth more than money” Carter G. Woodson In this episode, we explore confidence and in particular, why it can be so challenging for women leaders. Ms. Edna Howard joins us for the conversation. She shares how she executed her strategy of “see a need, fill a need” and how it led to the launch of her platform designed to uplift and empower women through Voices of Encouragement. Here is a question for you. Are you living in the past, present or future? Return to this question as you listed to the discussion. Often when we dive into the topic of confidence for women and confidence for women leaders, a familiar theme emerges. Can you hear it? Listen in as we discuss: · Why women often have a lack of self-confidence · The role your past plays in your confidence level · How confidence holds women back · Are you living in a program? In the matrix? · Strategies women can use to increase their confidence · Strategies the confident woman can use to reduce stress · Stress factors women and leaders are dealing with today · And more! About Edna: Edna is a Parallel-Preneur. By day, she is a Strategic Information Management Consultant and by night,  she manages Voices of Encouragement, LLC., and ICE Coaching & Consulting, organizations designedto empower women. She brings 20+ years of IT experience and has worked at companies in multiple IT roles. In addition, to her IT career, her entrepreneur spirit led her to pursue managing and operating her own successful business in the Health and Beauty Industry as a Sr. Sales Director, Coach, Mentor, Motivational Speaker, and Trainer.  She has a passion for empowering and motivating women to pursue their goals. She is the founder and board member of Voices of Encouragement, LLC, an organization designed to empower women. She is a certified Goals Success Life Coach as well as a certified Professional Workshop Facilitator.

Where does the road to stress-free leading and living begin? In this episode, we int...

  In this episode, Alaina Schwartz joins the conversation to continue our discussion on this important topic. I’ve heard it since I was young. I imagine you have too. The only way to succeed is to work hard. Unfortunately, we often approach this in a way that risks our relationships, mental and emotional well-being, our health, and so much more. In this conversation, we dive deeper into this with Alaina. In this insightful conversation we explore: * The “work hard to succeed myth” Why it is important to pause * The power that comes from rewiring yourself * The stress response and how we become “addicted” to our stressful habits * How to get to ease and flow where things are coming easier * The keys to managing the inner game of stress and habits * The importance of paying attention to how you feel * How her morning power hour creates the foundation for her day * Pay it forward: Advice to leaders who want to make the shift and want to reduce stress * And more!   About Alaina Schwartz: Highly energetic and dynamic, Alaina Schwartz is an international speaker, business paradigm shifter and mentor. Her deep passion is providing a framework for successful, mission-driven entrepreneurs and leaders to develop an invincible mindset and unlock their full potential. She provides iron-clad strategies, tools and techniques to empower entrepreneurs and leaders to scale phenomenal impact and income, while creating financial and time freedom. She knows that what got business owners and leaders to where they are now isn’t going to get them where they want to go. She solves business problems with a combination of neuroplasticity, business strategy, peak performance, quantum physics, psychology, communication and leadership development. www.alainaschwartz.com (http://www.alainaschwartz.com/) |    https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainaschwartz/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainaschwartz/) |    Email (mailto:alaina@alainaschwartz.com) About Rhonda: Rhonda Y. Williams is a former Chief Nursing Officer and hospital CEO. With 20+ years of leadership experience, Rhonda has personally experienced the joys and the stress. Today, Rhonda is an emotional intelligence strategist, and she is known as The Stress-Free Leader. Rhonda coaches’ leaders who are ready to STOP THE MADNESS and reconnect with the joyful, purposeful part of leading. She also works directly with teams who are ready to explore the organizational and bottom-line benefits of creating a stress-free culture. She’s also the host of The Coffee with Rhonda Show. Thanks For Listening!

Self-awareness is an important skillset for leaders. In this episode, I’ll break down the concept of self-awareness. Self-awareness is one of the key quadrants of emotional intelligence. Based on the research, we know that leaders and entrepreneurs with higher emotional intelligence are often more successful than their counterparts. In fact, according to the research, those higher in emotional intelligence also earn more. In this episode, we focus on the importance of self-awareness to include: * What is self-awareness? * Why self-awareness matters? * What low self-awareness looks like and how it shows up? * How can you improve self-awareness? What are concrete strategies to increase self-awareness? * And more! About Rhonda: Rhonda Y. Williams is a former Chief Nursing Officer and hospital CEO. With 20+ years of leadership experience, Rhonda has personally experienced the joys and the stress. Today, Rhonda is an emotional intelligence strategist, and she is known as The Stress-Free Leader. Rhonda coaches’ leaders who are ready to STOP THE MADNESS and reconnect with the joyful, purposeful part of leading. She also works directly with teams who are ready to explore the organizational and bottom-line benefits of creating a stress-free culture. She’s also the host of The Coffee with Rhonda Show. Thanks For Listening! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation with us, head on over to www.thestressfreeleader.net. With this podcast, we are building a leadership community of change champions inspired to embrace a culture of stress-free leading. We are committed to leadership transformation and developing leadership skills that allow them to reach the next level of their career with their sanity intact! If you know someone who would benefit from this message, or would be an awesome addition to our community, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe on the podcast app on your mobile device. Leave us a review We appreciate every bit of feedback to make this a value adding part of your day. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes goes a long way! We read every review and honor the feedback we receive. Thank You!!

How does breathing influence emotions? In this episode, we spend time with Mandar Apte. The world around us can be full of chaos and stress. Even so, how can leaders create and sustain a state of balance internally? How are the internal and external state connected? Is equanimity a choice or response? We explore these areas with Mandar, including: * Why it is important to create internal calm and peace * How to create internal equanimity * How the teachings of Ghandi and Martin Luther King can be a roadmap for us * How stress is magnified when your mental energy is low * 4 Sources of energy * Breathing techniques to facilitate calm and manage your energy and emotions * Pay it forward: Advice to leaders begin changing their state of stress * And more! About : Mandar is a former Shell GameChanger who used to manage Shell's impact investment portfolio on social innovations that create shared value - both social impact and business value. During his time at Shell, Mandar won the League of Intrapreneurs award for delivering an innovation learning program to over 2000 colleagues, based on meditation practices. Currently, he manages the Cities4Peace (http://www.cities4peace.org/) initiative that actively promotes peace in cities worldwide. In 2017, Mandar produced & directed a documentary film 'From India With Love (http://www.fromindiawithlove.org/our-film)' -  the film showcases the transformational journey to India that he hosted for the parents from the Sandy Hook school, BLM activists, and a former LA gang member. About Rhonda: Rhonda Y. Williams is a former Chief Nursing Officer and hospital CEO. With 20+ years of leadership experience, Rhonda has personally experienced the joys and the stress. Today, Rhonda is an emotional intelligence strategist, and she is known as The Stress-Free Leader. Rhonda coaches’ leaders who are ready to STOP THE MADNESS and reconnect with the joyful, purposeful part of leading. She also works directly with teams who are ready to explore the organizational and bottom-line benefits of creating a stress-free culture. She’s also the host of The Coffee with Rhonda Show. Thanks For Listening! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the

Research indicates most workplace and business conflicts are related to communication. My anecdotal evidence adds that communication plays a pivotal role in a leader’s ability to. As leaders find themselves facing mounting challenges and pressure, leadership skills such as communication become increasingly important. As we continue the roadmap and the case for stress-free leading, we weave in the qualities of top leaders. In this case, communication. In this episode we discuss: What communication is and is not The benefits of good communication Workplace communication statistics How communication can help leaders reduce stress The ABCs of communication and how they can help leaders with stress management About Rhonda: Rhonda Y. Williams is a former Chief Nursing Officer and hospital CEO. With 20+ years of leadership experience, Rhonda has personally experienced the joys and the stress. Today, Rhonda is an emotional intelligence strategist, and she is known as The Stress-Free Leader. Rhonda coaches’ leaders who are ready to STOP THE MADNESS and reconnect with the joyful, purposeful part of leading. She also works directly with teams who are ready to explore the organizational and bottom-line benefits of creating a stress-free culture. She’s also the host of The Coffee with Rhonda Show. Thanks For Listening! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation with us, head on over to www.thestressfreeleader.net. With this podcast, we are building a leadership community of change champions inspired to embrace a culture of stress-free leading. We are committed to leadership transformation and developing leadership skills that allow them to reach the next level of their career with their sanity intact! If you know someone who would benefit from this message, or would be an awesome addition to our community, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe on the podcast app on your mobile device. Leave us a review We appreciate every bit of feedback to make this a value adding part of your day. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes goes a long way! We read every review and honor the feedback we receive. Thank You!!

Is there a rainbow and a pot of gold on the other side of the challenges present in your life today? In this episode, we spend time with Victoria Wieck, a jewelry icon. Is it the destination or the joy of the journey? Victoria Wieck shares her journey from her memories of the early days in America to the decisions behind starting your business, setting modest goals and some of the challenges along the way. From my discussion and knowledge of Victoria it is clear that she is passionate about pursuing the goals that are important for her but doing so in a way that allows her to connect emotionally with others and her clients and fans around the world. Additionally, she does all of this in a way that does not sacrifice who she is and what she believes in. In this discussion we cover: Overcoming challenges in pursuit of your dreams Dealing with “what ifs” and the thought of failure Sharing and managing expectations of yourself and others Making choices and staying true to yourself and your values Pay it forward: Advice for future dreamers And more! About Victoria: Victoria Wieck is the epitome of the rags to riches American dream story. After immigrating to America with her parents with only thirty dollars she has built a multi-million dollar business with over $500 million in retail sales. After a series of corporate jobs, Victoria started her own company in 1989 on a shoestring budget to spend more time with her family. For the past 22 years (19 years on HSN, and 3 years on Shop HQ), Victoria has been sharing her jewelry designs with millions of viewers during her own monthly shows. She has built her highly successful business following her passion for jewelry, and here’s the key: without sacrificing her family life. About Rhonda: Rhonda Y. Williams is a former Chief Nursing Officer and hospital CEO. With 20+ years of leadership experience, Rhonda has personally experienced the joys and the stress. Today, Rhonda is an emotional intelligence strategist and she is known as The Stress-Free Leader. Rhonda coaches’ leaders who are ready to STOP THE MADNESS and reconnect with the joyful, purposeful part of leading. She also works directly with teams who are ready to explore the organizational and bottom-line benefits of creating a stress-free culture. She’s also the host of The Coffee with Rhonda Show. Thanks For Listening! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation with us, head on over to www.thestressfreeleader.net. With this podcast, we are building a leadership community of change champions inspired to embrace a culture of stress-free leading. We are committed to leadership transformation and developing leadership skills that allow them to reach the next level of their career with their sanity intact! If you know someone who would benefit from this message, or would be an awesome addition to our community, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Executives and professionals in high-stress environments often find themselves taking on more and more. While it may seem like the common sense thing to do, courageous leaders understand it is critical for them to develop the skill of “saying no.” This is one leadership skill that is not taught and as a result, leaders often find they are not sure how or even if they can or should say no. Although no one likes to be told no, leaders who are skillful in their delivery can have honest conversations that build relationships instead of damaging them. When a leader is overwhelmed and overstressed, it is impossible to be the best leader they can be in the moment. While the goal is not the elimination of stress, effective management of stress includes saying no more often. In this episode we discuss: Why leaders don’t say not and the myths that hold leaders hostage Benefits of saying no How to say no 4 parts of an effective no message And more About Rhonda: Rhonda Y. Williams is a former Chief Nursing Officer and hospital CEO. With 20+ years of leadership experience, Rhonda has personally experienced the joys and the stress. Today, Rhonda is an emotional intelligence strategist, and she is known as The Stress-Free Leader. Rhonda coaches’ leaders who are ready to STOP THE MADNESS and reconnect with the joyful, purposeful part of leading. She also works directly with teams who are ready to explore the organizational and bottom-line benefits of creating a stress-free culture. She’s also the host of The Coffee with Rhonda Show. Thanks For Listening! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation with us, head on over to www.thestressfreeleader.net. With this podcast, we are building a leadership community of change champions inspired to embrace a culture of stress-free leading. We are committed to leadership transformation and developing leadership skills that allow them to reach the next level of their career with their sanity intact! If you know someone who would benefit from this message, or would be an awesome addition to our community, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe on the podcast app on your mobile device. Leave us a review We appreciate every bit of feedback to make this a value adding part of your day. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast

In this episode, you’ll get a brief glimpse into the Stress-Free Leader Podcast show. The show is designed to help you unlock your leadership superpowers by sharing experiences, tools and resources that will foster the leadership skills that position you for stress-free leading. Are you: Ready to stop saying yes when you already have too much on your plate and gain the confidence to say NO? Ready to stop answering texts after business hours and start honoring your personal time? Ready to become a master of the art of influencing your team all the way to success? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are in the right place. On the show, we will have an opportunity to share to other the experiences of leaders who are also walking their success journey and provide concrete, actionable strategies to help you blaze the trail ahead. So, stay tuned and get ready to be inspired and learn to lead, live and love stress-free. About Rhonda: Rhonda Y. Williams is a former Chief Nursing Officer and hospital CEO. With 20+ years of leadership experience, Rhonda has personally experienced the joys and the stress. Today, Rhonda is an emotional intelligence strategist and she is known as The Stress-Free Leader. Rhonda coaches’ leaders who are ready to STOP THE MADNESS and reconnect with the joyful, purposeful part of leading. She also works directly with teams who are ready to explore the organizational and bottom-line benefits of creating a stress-free culture. She’s also the host of The Coffee with Rhonda Show. Thanks For Listening! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation with us, head on over to www.thestressfreeleader.net. With this podcast, we are building a leadership community of change champions inspired to embrace a culture of stress-free leading. If you know someone who would benefit from this message, or would be an awesome addition to our community, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe on the podcast app on your mobile device. Leave us a review We appreciate every bit of feedback to make this a value adding part of your day. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute,