Teams with EDGE

In this episode, Ashlee shares the challenge many leaders are facing - how to inspire and motivate their team and what the likely cause is, some common mistakes leaders are falling into and tips on how to move from uninspired to inspired. Recognizing that it's a tough go for many leaders right now. Leaders are tired. Leaders are burnt out. Leaders are overwhelmed. Leaders feel defeated and uninspired themselves. and they aren’t alone…… Could this be true for you? Are you trying to motivate your team when you aren’t feeling overly motivated? This episode will cover some tips to get you feeling more motivated and ultimately help your team too! PS - this may require you to pause and look inward. You’ve been warned!

When we're asked "how are you doing?" The polite answer is always "fine". But what do you say when asked how you are feeling? Your body gives you a lot of signals. And when you’re stressed, those signals may show up as digestive issues, fatigue, trouble sleeping…and ultimately burnout. Lori Aikman is a Nurse Practitioner and Functional Medical Consultant. She sees clients with these symptoms every day. And she’s done with the traditional medical advice of “eat less and exercise more”. Lori’s mission is to help female entrepreneurs and business owners align with their body’s unique needs and find a way to live their lives that makes them feel good. Health problems can be a sign that your foundation is crumbling. Lori helps clients focus on building a strong foundation so they can add on all the activities that bring them joy. Want a sample of Lori’s advice? Download “3 Things Sabotaging Your Energy As A Female Leader” via her website: loriaikman.com/freebies. Like this podcast? Give us a review on your favourite podcast app. We love to hear your feedback, and it helps others find our show. Find out more about Lori: Website: www.loriaikman.com Instagram: @loriaikman Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

As I work with clients, I often hear things like “my team isn’t motivated,” or “I don’t know how to inspire my team.” I also sometimes hear “I can’t ask for that.” My response? How do you know? Sometimes the problem comes simply because we are not asking. This shows up as helplessness and hopelessness on both sides. So, leaders, what can you do to solve this? COMMUNICATE. Open up those lines of communication, and find the alignment with your team that you need to move forward. Feeling stuck? Want to open up lines of communication and become unblocked? Start to feel ease with a one-hour of free coaching with Ashlee (as available). Book now: https://bit.ly/ashlee-clarity-call. Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

Melissa Reynolds is a woman of portraits and purpose. As a women’s portrait and luxury boudoir photographer (yes you read that right), Melissa knows that sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone to find joy. For many of us, feeling beautiful and confident is complicated. We’re told we can look pretty, but not “too sexy.” We have body image issues, we struggle to value ourselves, we spend our time, efforts, money on others looking for external validation. Melissa uses her photography practice to nurture and celebrate the inner self. Through her work, she challenges her clients to value themselves, give away a little control, and let who they truly are shine through. While a photo shoot doesn’t magically give you confidence, if you do the inner work, it’s a joyful celebration of who you are. In the end, self esteem is controlling what you can control, confidence is a side effect. Like this podcast? Give us a review on your favourite podcast app. We love to hear your feedback, and it helps others find our show. Learn more about Melissa: Website: https://www.melissareynoldsco.com/ Instagram: @melissa_reynolds_co Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

December is a time to start thinking about the year ahead. Dreaming, goal-setting, visioning… resolutions. We’re dreaming of a better future. We celebrate the new year with food, fireworks, and friends. Then the calendar turns and suddenly we’re in the new year. And it feels just the same as before. Our visions, our goals our dreams fade away as we continue our daily routines. So how do you break this cycle and achieve your dreams? Listen in to find out! Feeling stuck? Want to unlock your 2023 vision? Take advantage of an offer for one-hour of free coaching with Ashlee (as available). Book now: https://bit.ly/ashlee-clarity-call. Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

With almost 20 years in the hospitality and event industry, Dallas Lombardi has directed some of the most prominent and influential hospitality teams downtown Toronto, while producing first-class events. From an early age, she was driven to be a leader. To her that meant hustling. Being strong, hard, and keeping the personal out of business. It was Dallas against the world…until it became Dallas against Dallas. One day while out walking her dog, she was struck with a feeling of joy. It felt strange to her. And that’s when she knew something was wrong. She left the corporate world without a solid plan except that she needed to change. She wasn’t ready…but it was time. Dallas threw her efforts into personal development and personal growth. Into developing inner leadership. If you haven’t done this work, you may think it’s selfish or simple. But in Dallas’ own words “it's fucking hard work…and more than bubble baths.” She also became a mother…and learned a whole new kind of hustle. Now Dallas is the CEO of her own life. Through her journey, she has become a better leader. Dallas offers small business consulting, and coaching mentorship services for youth, young professionals, aspiring leaders and purpose driven individuals. Through writing and mentorship, she openly shares her journey in leadership, life and most recently, motherhood, to humanize our experiences and the things that no one talks about. Like this podcast? Give us a review on your favourite podcast app. We love to hear your feedback, and it helps others find our show. Learn more about Dallas on her website: www.dallaslombardi.com on Instagram: @mrsdallaslombardi Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

During times of change, it’s easy for small things to add up until you’re feeling a little, well, out of control. I find this happens to me in the fall. Your schedule changes, the weather changes, there’s a little less sunlight each day. It’s all too easy to sleep in because it’s dark. To forgo that walk because it’s cold. To put in extra hours at work. The next thing you know you’re having trouble getting to sleep. You’re waking up in the middle of the night with your mind buzzing and whirring and you can’t lay down again. It doesn’t take too long until this feels like it is a perpetual hamster wheel. How do you get off it? Listen in for tips on taming the cycle of urgency, restoring healthy habits, and falling back to sleep. And if you’re awake in the middle of the night, reach out to me and set up a clarity call. I won’t answer right away – but that little step forward might help you get back to sleep again. Book now: https://bit.ly/ashlee-clarity-call Good night…sleep tight! Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

As a bakery owner, Lori Saitz produced a “gratitude cookie,” which became one of her top sellers. What she learned?  The world could use more gratitude. That drove her to centre her next business, Zen Rabbit, around gratitude and meditation, where Lori teaches clients how to be calm and grounded amidst the chaos in their lives. Listen in as Ashlee and Lori talk about the power of gratitude, and how you can use it to transform your life. They talk about the power of appreciation marketing to build your business authentically, and powerful ways to show appreciation to your team. Like this podcast? Give us a review on your favourite podcast app. We love to hear your feedback, and it helps others find our show. That’s a lot of gratitude right there! Learn more about Lori Web: zenrabbit.com Podcast: The Fine Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorisaitz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zen_rabbit/ Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

Do you regularly check emails in meetings? Are you distracted by notifications on your phone while you are talking to your team member? It’s easy to be distracted as a leader. I do it myself. We want to be great leaders. We want to be efficient and competent. But we’re also told a big lie – that you can multi-task, that you can do it all, that we can have an open door while doing your own work – all the time. There’s a cultural acceptance that we’re going to be distracted. I’m here to tell you that distracted leadership only leads to poor work, overwhelm, and eventually feeling less value in our job. There are tools to reduce overwhelm. It’s up to you to identify the problem and take action to change. You don’t need to do it alone. If you’re working all out, but just don’t seem to be getting work done…if you can’t keep up and at the same time can’t get ahead…if you’re feeling like you need change – reach out for a free coaching session to help remember what leading with ease feels like. Book now: https://bit.ly/ashlee-clarity-call Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

As leaders we want to find balance in our own lives. One important way to achieve this is to support your team in discovering their own balance. When a team member goes on parental leave, it creates a gap in the workplace, and a potential for imbalance. If not handled intentionally, the transition can be difficult for the team member (they can feel out of the loop and unappreciated) and the team (they may take on more work and burnout). Lacey Kempinski is the Founder of Balanced Good. She works with organizations and individuals in the social profit sector to help fill parental leave vacancies. Lacey understands how helping successfully make the transition into parenthood then back into the workplace is critical for a successful organization to keep engaged, hard-working employees loyal and avoid team burnout. Find Lacey: Instagram @BalancedGood LinkedIn: Lacey Kempinksi | Balanced Good Web: balancedgood.com Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

You can’t fix other people. People need to fix themselves. In reality, that phrasing is off. There is no “fixing,” what it’s really about is growth. As a coach, as a leader, as a parent, there is one thing you need to know: You can’t force other people to grow. Instead as a leader, your role is to model behaviour, to help them see possibilities, and to take that first step. As a coach, I get to help people create a growth plan that suits them. It’s not about my 10-step plan, it’s about listening to my clients, and nurturing that spark in them that wants to change and grow. The point at which they’re ready to take action is when the magic begins. Whether you're ready to take that step, or are feeling stuck and uncertain, having someone listen to you can help spark your own desire for change. Take advantage of an offer for one-hour of free coaching with Ashlee (as available). Book now: https://bit.ly/ashlee-clarity-call Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

Fareen “Far” Samji is a 5-time Canadian Women’s Long Drive Champion, and former golf touring professional. After leaving her professional golf career behind, she began to focus on using golf to mentor professional women to increase their confidence on the links, and in life. She wrote a book called “Smashing the Grass Ceiling,” a golfing guide that teaches you how to use golf to develop meaningful relationships in the workplace. Far believes you don’t have to come to golf with natural skill. Learning the game simply takes time and confidence. And you don’t have to be perfect to play. It’s more about how you present yourself on the links and with your group than whether you can drive a long ball down the fairway. Whether you shy away from because of lack of time, performance anxiety, or you don’t know the rules, Far stresses that it’s important you know how to leverage golf as a social and business networking tool. Spending time on the course is a smart way to invest focused, uninterrupted time with the people who can make a difference in your career. She runs a Smashing Nines program to help women develop golf basics in a safe and supportive environment. You can find out more about the Smashing Nines program, order Far’s book, or learn more about mentoring teens through golf at Far’s website farsamji.com. Like this podcast? Give us a review on your favourite podcast app. We love to hear your feedback, and it helps others find our show. Follow Far: Instagram: @hititwithfar Facebook: Golf with Fareen Samji LinkedIn: Fareen Samji Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

Have you ever witnessed someone honking their horn angrily in traffic? Seen someone who takes to social media in rage to complain about poor customer service or a sports parent yelling angrily at an umpire for a small offense? They are showing signs of poor emotional intelligence. This is me sometimes. You may see yourself in this as well. It happens, we are human. Too often we’re living in the “red” and “orange” zones where we are prone to stress and anger. But if you work at your skills of emotional intelligence, if you truly practice at it with an intent to get better, you CAN improve your EI. You can slip more easily into a zone of calm and creativity – the green zone where you feel safe, you learn, and grow. Take a deep breath, find your safe space, and listen in and learn some practical tips on developing your emotional intelligence. Feeling stuck? Want to unlock your potential? Take advantage of an offer for one-hour of free coaching with Ashlee (as available). Book now: https://bit.ly/ashlee-clarity-call Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

Kimberly Roy describes herself as a recovering perfectionist. In her self-development journey, she has been working on how her perfectionism correlates to her self-confidence. She works on her mindset every day, reminding herself that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, and that opening yourself up to “good” helps you become unstuck and move forward. With a lot of work, Kimberly has learned to focus on her energy levels, and cycles of feeling good and anxious, allowing herself to take advantage of times of energy, and give herself a break when she’s feeling low. In this intimate conversation with Ashlee, Kimberly reveals how perfectionism blinded her to joy, and how letting go has allowed her to love herself with grace and compassion. Through her self-development, she feels a renewed sense of joy and accomplishment, and has more space to deeply love others in her life. Feeling stuck? Want to unlock your potential? Take advantage of an offer for one-hour of free coaching with Ashlee (as available). Book now: https://bit.ly/ashlee-clarity-call You can follow Kim on Instagram at: running.on.grit Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

In this age of same-day delivery, texting, social media likes, and binge-watching, we have gratification delivered up daily on a platter. We’re used to it. We expect it. It’s easy to fall into the trap of getting disappointed that you haven’t already reached the finish line. It’s easy to get stuck on the reward of the big goal and want that instant gratification. But big things take time. The finish line is always moving. Learn more about the joy – and value – of celebrating wins. And get inspired to make celebrating wins your new habit. Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

Before COVID, Renee France Boudreau was a salon owner in Burlington Ontario. When COVID hit, Renee pivoted with her team as much as possible and survived the series of lock downs. During this time Renee found clarity in her business – feeling into what was bringing her joy and felt aligned and what didn’t. After a long journey, Renee and her husband completely upended their lives, quitting their jobs, selling her business and moving the family to Nova Scotia. The move, and the change in life was not easy, or comfortable. But more than a year later, Renee reflects on the energy the change sparked within her, and how her life has changed in many positive ways. In this episode, Renee and Ashlee talk about how confidence is created when you give yourself capacity to grow, and how focusing on yourself helps you better serve others. It takes enormous bravery to make change in your life. And in the end, Renee reflects that bravery is a habit that you can practice and hone. Listen in and find the courage to make change in your own life. Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone Follow Renee’s journey: Instagram: wispcollectiveco

Most of us have participated in work training of some sort. Learning new software, attending conferences, learning new processes. This is generally considered “professional development,” and most companies invest money in keeping employee skills up to snuff. Personal development is working on yourself. And while we may prioritize professional development to get ahead at work, or please our bosses, we often set personal development aside because we don’t have time, or we’re too busy. I have focused a lot on personal development, and I’ll tell you one thing I’m completely sure about: I have gained more from my investment in personal development than in any skills training. It has helped me get unstuck and move forward, uncover my blind spots, learn to work in a new way, and become a better leader. Retraining your brain IS possible, and you will find the effort brings you more ease and harmony in your work. Want to learn more? Book a complementary call with Ashlee to gain clarity on the challenges you are facing. https://bit.ly/ashlee-clarity-call Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

Gone are the days of “do what I say not what I do”.   As a leader, you may want to move up the corporate ladder, coach your team through a challenge, find more ease at work…or even be a more engaged leader at home. But none of this is possible without self-leadership. Before you can truly pick up your team or coach them through a challenge you need to know how to pick yourself up, show yourself compassion, love, and trust. When you show up authentically and BE the leader you want to be, your team will take note, and follow your lead. That’s what it means to be a leader, right? It’s not impossible – it just takes work. Put the tools in place to be the leader you want to be. PODCAST LISTENERS SPECIAL OFFER – As a special for our podcast listeners, I'm offering a free one-hour coaching session. Take advantage of this special deal today! https://bit.ly/ashlee-clarity-call Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

When you’re training for a marathon, you don’t just listen to podcasts on how to train – you show up to do the work to strengthen your body, and build the muscles you need to run the race. When we’re trying to be better leaders, to make positive change in our behaviour, we often fall back on passive activities like listening to podcasts or reading leadership books. And hey, we’re certainly not telling you NOT to do these things. They do help. But we need to actually do the work as well. We may hire a personal trainer to improve our body. Why not invest in coaching / training for the mind and spirit? To train and build our mental muscles? Erin Baute is an enneagram expert and behaviorist who has worked in leadership development and behaviour change for the past 20 years. She uses the enneagram tool to help her clients fast forward their self-awareness and guide their efforts to make positive change in their lives. Want to learn more about what an enneagram is and how it can help? Listen in to the podcast, and check out Erin’s free digital typing guide to learn more: https://livingtheenneagram.myshopify.com/products/enneagram-typing-guide-coming-soon Learn about Erin: Instagram: @livingtheenneagram YouTube: Living the Enneagram Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

We talk a lot on this podcast about building loyalty. But what happens when you are a loyal employee who is let go? This happened to Robin Merle, who was fired from her company after more than 10 years of employment. Working through her period of “disorientation,” Robin learned a lot about herself and connected with many others on the same journey. Grieving the loss of a job is not a linear journey, and it’s okay not to be okay. Ultimately, she learned to see the experience for what it was: an opportunity for change and growth. She now mentors others through the same journey. Robin sees that there is strength in both loyalty and a “caring indifference” to work. She feels there can be “too much loyalty,” so she guides others to build a strong sense of self both inside and outside the workplace, making it easier to adapt to change and move on. Robin Merle, CFRE has been a senior executive for billion-dollar nonprofit organizations and a veteran of the power, value, and identity wars at the top ranks. She is the author of Involuntary Exit, A Woman’s Guide to Thriving After Being Fired (She Writes Press) which received the 2021 Gold Medal Award from the Non-Fiction Authors Association and a 5-star review from Foreward. Get your copy of Robin’s book on Amazon or via her website: https://theprofessionalguide.com Connect with Robin: LinkedIn: Robin Merle CFRE Instagram: @robinmerletpg Facebook: Robin Merle, Author Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

One last bonus episode until we launch season 4!!! Are you excited? We sure are. And we have a special treat for you this week. A replay of my conversation with the powerhouse Sarah Ernest. Her views are insightful, her enthusiasm infectious. What a great way to set us up for Season 4. ENJOY...and back to it with new episodes next week. ___ When you begin any new project or position, you don’t have big shoes to fill…you’re bringing your own shoes. Sarah Ernest is the Director of Philanthropy & Communications at the YWCA Hamilton. As a leader, she values and elevates the strengths of her team members rather than focusing on any weaknesses. That strength-based leadership approach helps her team channel their efforts, garnering loyalty and appreciation, while supporting retention and leadership development. In this episode, Sarah and Ashlee talk strength-based leadership, placing trust in your team, and celebrating our collective strengths. With over 14 years’ experience raising funds and awareness in the YWCA and YMCA movements, Sarah has held multiple roles at associations in Halifax, Silicon Valley, and Hamilton. Throughout her career, Sarah has provided leadership in fundraising of over $26 million for local charities, and has actively mentored, encouraged, and advocated for her employees, colleagues, and those most vulnerable. Want to support the latest YWCA Hamilton initiative and help build a Hamilton first? Learn about Women Build Hamilton: https://womenbuildhamilton.com/ Connect with Sarah: Twitter - @SarahJErnest and @YWCA_Hamilton Instagram - @sara_ernest and @ywca_hamilton Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone Episode segments Edit audio S3-Intro-FINAL

We're on hiatus for the summer, but wanted to keep the encouragement and positivity going by replaying some of our favourite episodes from season 3. Watch for us to return for Season 4 on August 25. In the meantime, enjoy this special bonus repeat of my conversation with Carm Bozzo. ___ Carm Bozzo is a fitness and nutrition coach who supports women who want to lose weight without restricting and fearing food (or overdoing it with cardio!). Carm helps women fix their relationship with food, and help them get stronger through strength training. Carm is fit and positive and supportive. She has it all together, right? Well, yes…but Carm also struggled with body image, weight, and restrictions most of her life. It was through working with another coach that she saw a radical shift in her mindset, and started showing up for herself. Her confidence increased, her goals shifted, and she felt renewed energy and purpose. If you’re feeling stuck, nothing changes until you change, whether that’s leading teams at work, showing up for your family, or meeting your fitness goals. It can be hard to invest in yourself, but ultimately worthwhile. Making a commitment to self care will have ripple effects through your work, family, and life. Learn more about Carm’s coaching: Instagram: @upandlifting Linktree: @carmbozzo Facebook: UpandLifting Fitness & Nutrition Coaching Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

We're on hiatus for the summer - watch for the launch of Season 4 on August 25. In the meantime, take some time to enjoy one of our most popular episodes from Season 3. Boundaries are a big topic - we need to think about them, plan them, set to them, and stick to them to uncover that elusive work life balance. Hope you're having a great summer. ___ Setting and communicating boundaries can be a difficult exercise. Boundaries can feel restrictive and limiting. But I challenge you to think of them as freeing – as setting yourself up for success. If you can train yourself to think of boundaries as a reason you are doing something now rather than an excuse for why you are not doing something else, you can become more productive and happier in your work and personal life. Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

We're on hiatus for the summer, so we're sending out this special bonus repeat of Ashlee's conversation with Lianne Kim. Don't miss out on the special offer for Lianne's book - if you want to build a Joyful Business, this offer is not to be missed! *** Lianne Kim is a Business Coach, and founder of Mamas & Co, a community for mama entrepreneurs. She also the host of the wildly popular podcast 'The Business of Thinking Big' and the author of the bestselling book 'Building a Joyful Business'.  Lianne helps female entrepreneurs shift from a mindset of being a “good employee” to recognizing they are thought leaders who can find joy – and profit – in running their own business. In this episode Lianne and Ashlee talk about the joys and pains of leadership, giving and receiving feedback, and how we can become joyful leaders. It’s not always easy, but it is possible.  For a free copy of Lianne’s book ($5.95 shipping & handling), visit: https://www.liannekim.com/offers/NBWSMeSo?coupon_code=TEAMS COUPON CODE: TEAMS Follow Lianne on Facebook & Instagram: @liannekimcoach   Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

Does the word “change” intimidate you? Are you afraid of failure, judgement, the unknown? If you’re unhappy, you may need to look inward to find the steps you need to take to evolve and grow. Melissa Gilller is the CEO and Founder of Life with Soul. She’s dedicated to teaching ambitious and driven women to identify their fears, their patterns and their energy leaks in order to create balance, alignment and a life of intention. She knows that sustainable change doesn’t happen in an instant. In this episode, Ashlee and Melissa talk about self-leadership. We’re naturally conditioned to be tough on ourselves. If we can look inwards for leadership, and be kinder to ourselves, everything can shift. Instead fearing change, ask yourself a simple question: "how can I," to begin to see the possibilities for growth. The key is to be curious about your feelings – the positive, negative, and neutral. To understand what we feel and learn how we can make positive change in our lives. Learn more about Melissa: Life with Soul podcast Web: melissagiller.com Instagram: @melissa_giller Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

Carm Bozzo is a fitness and nutrition coach who supports women who want to lose weight without restricting and fearing food (or overdoing it with cardio!). Carm helps women fix their relationship with food, and help them get stronger through strength training. Carm is fit and positive and supportive. She has it all together, right? Well, yes…but Carm also struggled with body image, weight, and restrictions most of her life. It was through working with another coach that she saw a radical shift in her mindset, and started showing up for herself. Her confidence increased, her goals shifted, and she felt renewed energy and purpose. If you’re feeling stuck, nothing changes until you change, whether that’s leading teams at work, showing up for your family, or meeting your fitness goals. It can be hard to invest in yourself, but ultimately worthwhile. Making a commitment to self care will have ripple effects through your work, family, and life. Learn more about Carm’s coaching: Instagram: @upandlifting Linktree: @carmbozzo Facebook: UpandLifting Fitness & Nutrition Coaching Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

When you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, it’s easy to look across the fence and see greener grass. You may make a move to a new job thinking things will be better than where you are. But often you find yourself in the same situation. The grass isn’t different. It’s just a different yard. Why? Because you’re bringing your same bad habits with you. Listen in as we discuss how to make a successfully move to a new job, position, or even personal relationship. You need to actively create the change you want to see. Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

Hugo Menard is interested in the mind-body relationship, and how we can make lasting improvements to our lives with little conscious effort by tending to our subconscious. We have experienced a few tumultuous years. While we may want to ignore our problems or make them go away, they will exist as triggers until we deal with them. It takes an inner, gentle, step-by-step process to move beyond the stress, and be okay with negative experiences. In this episode, Hugo and Ashlee have a wide ranging conversation about the body/mind disconnect, taming our negative subconscious beliefs, and how you can make subconscious change…and it can feel good. Learn more about Hugo by listening in to his High Performance Groundwork podcast, or visiting his website. LinkedIn: Hugo-Menard-14590a1a5 Website: www.highperformancegroundwork.com Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

Whether you work in a corporate job or are an entrepreneur, leadership can feel like being in a fishbowl. Everyone is looking to you…and everyone is looking at you to see how you will react. It’s okay to be human, it’s okay to have a bad day. Trust is hard to build and easy to fracture, but if you show you are human, apologize honestly when you have made a mistake and always leave room to grow, you’ll find your team will respond in kind. Tania Moraes is a serial entrepreneur and multi-passionate creative strategist, best-selling author, and host of the Reflections of a Warrior Podcast. A series of "yes" ventures led Tania to fuse her passion for creativity, holistic healing, photography, and writing and birth what is now known as Warrior Life Creative Co -- a creative agency with a full global team of 6 team members. Each member works in their zone of genius to create an ALL-IN-ONE immersive agency and mentorship experience for heart-inspired entrepreneurs and brands. Follow Tania: Instagram: @warriorlifecreative Facebook: Tania Jane Moraes-Vaz Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

When you begin any new project or position, you don’t have big shoes to fill…you’re bringing your own shoes. Sarah Ernest is the Director of Philanthropy & Communications at the YWCA Hamilton. As a leader, she values and elevates the strengths of her team members rather than focusing on any weaknesses. That strength-based leadership approach helps her team channel their efforts, garnering loyalty and appreciation, while supporting retention and leadership development. In this episode, Sarah and Ashlee talk strength-based leadership, placing trust in your team, and celebrating our collective strengths. With over 14 years’ experience raising funds and awareness in the YWCA and YMCA movements, Sarah has held multiple roles at associations in Halifax, Silicon Valley, and Hamilton. Throughout her career, Sarah has provided leadership in fundraising of over $26 million for local charities, and has actively mentored, encouraged, and advocated for her employees, colleagues, and those most vulnerable. Want to support the latest YWCA Hamilton initiative and help build a Hamilton first? Learn about Women Build Hamilton: https://womenbuildhamilton.com/ Connect with Sarah: Twitter - @SarahJErnest and @YWCA_Hamilton Instagram - @sara_ernest and @ywca_hamilton Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

No one loves having a difficult conversation. Leaders perhaps least of all. In fact, even the thought of having a difficult conversation can increase our stress levels. Over the years, I’ve honed the art of difficult conversations simply by having them, learning from them, and getting better each time. While having difficult conversations may never become easy for you, with these tips, hopefully having difficult conversations will become a little easier. Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

Julia Swaigen didn’t set out to be a leader; she fell into it. About 3 years ago, she founded Attuned Families, a child and family therapy and parent coaching practice in Toronto. Her business grew quickly, she hired more therapists, before she knew it, she found she had unintentionally become a leader. Despite falling into leadership, Julia approaches leadership intentionally. Her company has a values document that she reviews with all new team members, and she ensures that she and her team live by those values. She openly discusses boundaries with her team – both hers and theirs – and does her best to respect them. She recognizes that therapy work can be challenging both mentally and emotionally, so she makes sure her team takes time for self care. In this episode, Ashlee and Julia talk about the challenges and rewards of intentional leadership. How being a leaders is trying to do the best for your clients and the best for your team every day. Heads up – Attuned Families is coming to Prince Edward County on Wednesday June, 8 2022 They will be providing live in person support to families in Eastern Ontario. If you are looking to bring greater consciousness and clarity to your parenting, or you are parenting a child with ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, or who is highly sensitive, you’ll want to attend the seminar. Search for the Attuned Parenting Seminar on Eventbrite or register here. You can find Julia at: Instagram: @attuned_families Web: attunedfamilies.com Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

Decision-fatigue is a hot topic right now. Probably because so many of us are feeling it. When you are overwhelmed and burnt out, it’s difficult to know when, or how, to start. Sometimes just taking that first step is all you need. Brittany Stinson is a business strategist who accelerates the growth and impact of missional entrepreneurs by organizing their projects and creating custom strategies. She works with solopreneurs with almost no budget to 6-figure projects and best-selling book launches. In this episode Ashlee talks to Brittany about decision fatigue, reaching out to others to help make decisions, and how you can release yourself from the cycle of overwhelm and fatigue. Want to know more? Try Brittany’s “5 minutes to freedom” exercise to cut through decision fatigue. It’s available on her website: https://brittanyastinson.com/ Follow Brittany Instagram: @brittany_stinson LinkedIn and Facebook - Brittany Stinson Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

Many leaders come to me saying, “I just want my team to be happy,” or “I don’t know how to make Joe happy.” There’s a sense that we all should be happy all the time. And if we’re not, well then something must be wrong – with us, or with the situation we’re in. Leaders feel their job is to make their teams happy. Teams, in part, may feel their leaders’ job is to make them happy. It’s a potential recipe for dissatisfaction and burnout on both sides. Your responsibility as a leader is not to make everyone happy…It’s to create an environment where happiness and productivity can exist and thrive. Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone 

There’s no perfect recipe for success. Even if you watch what someone else does and follow in their footsteps, your end result will taste a little different. And that’s okay. You be you. Britteney Ofodile helps women level up their businesses, show up as their authentic selves, and align it all to their driven purpose. She takes the energy, drive, and passion from 20 years in corporate America to dig deep into business performance. With Britteny, there’s no quick fixes or band-aid solutions. She gets to the root of her clients’ problems so they can face what comes next with confidence. In this episode, Ashlee and Britteney (with a special guest appearance from Britteney’s one year-old daughter) talk about the servant leader, diversity of thought, building a culture of trust, and building an unselfish mindset. To approach leadership as a learning process that takes time. Britteny loves to connect with other entrepreneurs, so feel free to message her for a Zoom coffee! Find & follow Britteney: LinkedIn: Britteney Ofodile Instagram: britteney_coach Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone 

Lianne Kim is a Business Coach, and founder of Mamas & Co, a community for mama entrepreneurs. She also the host of the wildly popular podcast 'The Business of Thinking Big' and the author of the bestselling book 'Building a Joyful Business'. Lianne helps female entrepreneurs shift from a mindset of being a “good employee” to recognizing they are thought leaders who can find joy – and profit – in running their own business. In this episode Lianne and Ashlee talk about the joys and pains of leadership, giving and receiving feedback, and how we can become joyful leaders. It’s not always easy, but it is possible. For a free copy of Lianne’s book ($5.95 shipping & handling), visit: https://www.liannekim.com/offers/NBWSMeSo?coupon_code=TEAMS COUPON CODE: TEAMS Follow Lianne on Facebook & Instagram: @liannekimcoach Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

Everyone has an AHA moment now and then. They can be as small as realizing your feet hurt because there is a pebble in your shoe to a life-changing realization. I recently faced 3 minutes in an ice bath – and I had a big AHA moment about how I face resistance in my life. Listen in to find out more. Connect with me: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Jenny Schlueter is a Certified Hypnotherapist and Breathwork Facilitator. She works with clients to help them dig deeper into the root causes of their stress or problems and learn to listen to the person they trust them most – themselves. Jenny believes that when you stop, take time to be present, and turn off the analytical part of your brain, you learn to trust your intuition. When that happens, it helps you find peace, clarity, and purpose. You can find it easier to tackle day to day life simply by taking time and relaxing your mind. If you’re interested in learning more, Jenny has a podcast, Mind Your Subconscious, and offers events and masterclasses on hypnotherapy and breathwork. Learn more about Jenny Events and masterclasses: https://linktr.ee/mindyoursubconscious Instagram: jenniferschlueter_ YouTube: jenniferschlueter89 Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

I recently spent some time away at a leadership retreat with many other small business owners and solopreneurs. When talking to my peers, one theme was clear: many of them deeply felt the loneliness of leadership.  As a leader, you can be surrounded by people … and still feel alone.  We carry a burden of responsibility – to keep our business running, to keep our team happy, to keep our team employed, to ensure their work goes well. What’s left in our tank? It's hard to be creative, to lead and inspire, when you have nothing left to give. What can you do to feed yourself as a leader, and drive your joy and passion? Join our monthly meetups where we discuss the joys and pitfalls of leadership…and support each other to find our leadership/life balance. Interested? Connect with me: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

We are hardwired to see the negative, and we tell ourselves stories to reinforce those negative beliefs. Shelley Bosworth wants us to disrupt those thoughts, and reframe the script to shift in another direction. It can be uncomfortable to see the positive. Focusing on the negative makes us feel like we’re protecting ourselves. If we want more, we need to become uncomfortable, confront our limiting beliefs, and begin focusing on becoming the person we want to be. Change can feel overwhelming, but the journey can ultimately be rewarding…and life-altering. It’s okay to have fear – just move beyond it, dig into your courage, and take the first step. Shelley Bosworth is a business mindset coach who helps women in business get out of their heads, and out of their own way to achieve their goals. She’s on a mission to help women understand the power of their mindset in the goal and inspire and empower them to believe and achieve. Join Shelley’s Facebook Group: Successful Ladies Escape Lounge Follow Shelley on Instagram: @shelleybosworthcoaching Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Helena Lucia says that as human beings, we need three things to feel safe: context, choice, connection. And during the last two years, all three have been sorely lacking in our lives. We have no context to deal with a global pandemic, our choices on how we can live our lives has been limited, and we’ve lost connections through isolation and working from home. If you’re feeling burned out, it’s no wonder. Helena understands that a big sign of burnout is when we have a hard time doing things that used to be easy. She says this is a sign your body is pulling back and trying to make you slow down to protect you. There’s no shame in it. The key is to recognize the signs, and focus on what you can do to heal. Helena Lucia is a trauma-informed money coach and founder of SISU Journey, where she teaches that money is so much more than math, and healing the money wound is so much more than mindset work. She’s also the host of SISU Journey podcast: Science and Stories of Resilience. You can find Helena: on the web at: www.sisujourney.com or follow SISU Journey on Instagram and Facebook Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Setting and communicating boundaries can be a difficult exercise. Boundaries can feel restrictive and limiting. But I challenge you to think of them as freeing – as setting yourself up for success. If you can train yourself to think of boundaries as a reason you are doing something now rather than an excuse for why you are not doing something else, you can become more productive and happier in your work and personal life. Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

We need help. We have people around us who want to help. Why can it be so hard to ask – or even accept – help? In his bestselling book “HumanKind,” Brad Aronson explores the world of difference that even the smallest acts of kindness can make. At work, celebrating small acts of kindness can do more to boost morale than a bonus. And as leaders, learning to accept help can bring you ease and joy. We all need a little more kindness in our lives right now. I highly recommend picking up a copy of Brad’s book. It’s available online (go to Brad’s website or search Brad Aronson HumanKind) and all author royalties go to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Visit Brad’s website: www.bradaronson.com Connect with Ashlee LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Spending money is like spending time. What’s most important is how you currently spend it, how you want to spend it, then spending it on what is important to you. Heidi Rumohr knows that more than 40% of Canadians lose sleep over their finances. If you’re a business owner, you may be worried about your cash flow. Your employees may also be less productive if they’re stressed about debt. The solution isn’t always making more money (though it would be nice, wouldn’t it?) It can be as simple as reminding employees (and yourself) to take advantage of the benefits of benefits, or arranging a workshop on finances to help you feel like you have more control. Connect with Heidi Podcast: Ditch the Budget Instagram: @heidirumohr Facebook: Heidi Rumohr Connect with Ashlee LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Whether you lead a team or are just starting out in your career, you want to be happy, and excel, in your career. In this episode, Ashlee and Brenda discuss finding happiness in your career path by understanding yourself. Brenda Pearson is a self-appointed Chief Happiness Officer. She boasts 20+ years in career and talent management, and recently launched her own organizational and career happiness coaching practice, Brenda Pearson Coaching. Brenda understands that as human beings we are designed to survive, not thrive. We are hard-wired to notice the negative...and the threats. To break out of our patterns, we need to flip the script. For example, think of jealousy as a gift that shows us what we want in life.     As leaders, when we understand ourselves and recognize the role we play in an individual’s happiness or our team’s success, we grow in confidence and are better equipped to support others to succeed. Supporting others makes you look good, makes you feel good, and helps the organization succeed.   Connect with Brenda: LinkedIn: Brenda Pearson Web: www.brendapearsoncoaching.com   Connect with Ashlee: email: ashlee@ourforte.ca Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

TIME MANAGEMENT...are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of each day? With an ever-growing to-do list do you feel like you’re never going to catch up? Don’t give up. Take control, trash the to-do list and learn how to manage your work, not your tasks. Getting in control of your time is not only do-able, it’s easy once you know how. Connect with Ashlee LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

We're taking a break before launching Season 3 on March 10. In the meantime enjoy this bonus repeat episode of my conversation with Melva Holt, the "Management Maven". In this episode, Melva and I discuss the importance of developing leadership talent within your organization, and  how you can become the type of manager you wish you had to lead your team and thrive. Connect with Melva: LinkedIn: Melva Holt Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

We're taking a break before launching Season 3 on March 10. In the meantime enjoy this bonus repeat episode of my conversation with Alex Gilbert (she/her) of Cape-Able Consulting. In this episode, we discuss how the need to negotiate accommodations has become commonplace during the Covid pandemic, and how seeing and understanding the whole person both helps us connect, AND be more productive and happier at work. Like our show? Be sure to give us rating to help others find and connect with our community. Connect with Alex: Instagram @iamcapeable Facebook and Linkedin @capeableconsultingLLC Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

February is the month of love – a great time to focus on your client relationships. Have you ever worked with a business that has a great sales process, but terrible delivery? How does that make you feel? You’re promised so much up front, but you don’t get what you expect in the end. Are you going to give that company a 5-star rating? Referrals? Likely not.   Referrals are the golden ticket to business success. It’s a sale without as much effort on your part. If you are not getting referrals from your current clients, it’s time to ask yourself WHY. And to make a plan that helps show your clients a little love.   Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Morgan Ruff spent 20+ years working in the environmental field. She found herself lost and broken down. Instead of giving up, she learned to cultivate hope and joy from within to become a stronger leader and a stronger person. In this episode Ashlee and Morgan discuss the practice and power of gratitude, and how learning to be truly grateful can help nourish your confidence as a leader...and in life. Learn more about Byron Katie and The Work: https://thework.com/instruction-the-work-byron-katie/   Follow Morgan Ruff on Instagram: @morganruffuplift   Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Andrew Grubb thinks a lot about how people spend their time at work. He describes his work as "employee experience design". In this episode, Ashlee and Andrew talk about a wide range of topics from what employees are looking for in their work, what leaders want their businesses to be, the search for survival vs. meaning in your work, practicing and building healthy habits, and identifying and addressing problems with your work culture. At the foundation of it all is the need to be curious.   Want to know more? Connect with Andrew at www.insidejob.agency.   Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

If you lead a team, team engagement is not a nice-to-do, it’s a MUST-DO. Employees are leaving the workplace in droves – it’s called the Great Resignation. Why are they leaving? It’s not necessarily pay. Workers want to feel valued, heard, and connected to their work. Building five simple steps to engage your team can pay off in increased employee happiness, productivity, and retention…and help you grow your business! Want to work with Ashlee? Here's how to contact her: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

If you’re interested in learning more about the Inside Out Project: Our Future, or Mending the Chasm, you can find Leena at: Web: www.mendingthechasm.ca Instagram/Twitter: @mendingthechasm or connect with Leena on LinkedIn  Leena Sharma Seth has a passion for diversity and inclusion. And not just because it’s the right thing to do. It’s because she sees that companies who truly embrace diversity are companies that also embrace innovation and change..and thrive! Diversity is not checking a box. It’s about recognizing the strength that comes from different points of view. As leaders, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the challenges of changing company culture. But you can take little steps every day to move forward. Leena Sharma Seth (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Mending the Chasm, a firm established to help leaders and organizations to build inclusive cultures from the inside out. Leena is an experienced coach, consultant, trainer, and speaker with over 20 years of experience in various leadership roles With a strong passion for inclusion, Leena has a unique ability to create spaces that are safe, respectful, reflective, and ripe for change.  She believes that meeting people where they are is integral to any long-term successful systems change initiative. If you’re interested in learning more about the Inside Out Project: Our Future, or Mending the Chasm, you can find Leena at: Web: www.mendingthechasm.ca Instagram/Twitter: @mendingthechasm or connect with Leena on LinkedIn You can follow Ashlee:   LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

We've been talking a lot about change and new years resolutions for your business. I'd also like to challenge you to do something scary next year - whether personally or to stretch the bounds of your leadership skills. The past few years have placed many of us in hibernation mode. We need to stretch ourselves to grow. This year, I did something really scary for me personally. I appeared on a live stream speakers event for the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Don't get me wrong. I love to talk. I love to meet with other people in groups. But there's a scariness to telling your personal story, to being vulnerable, with a group of people you don't know.  The theme of the night was "Metamorphosis". I told my story about how my high-risk pregnancy made me stronger, and prepared me for other changes and challenges. How it broke me out of my cocoon and helped me become the more realized person I am today. To remind everyone that although change can be scary and difficult, there can be hope and renewal at the other end. Listen in and Happy New Year!

This episode is all about making – AND KEEPING – new year's resolutions. Maybe it’s the time of year, maybe it’s my milestone birthday that just passed, but I’ve been reflecting a lot lately. Last year was big for me. I had some huge wins with clients, I took my business in new directions, I launched this podcast. What does next year have in store for you? I invite you to focus on three things for your business: Time Management, Team Engagement and Client Experience. And I want you to stop dreaming about the things you want to do, and start DOING them.    Connect with Ashlee: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Leaders and especially solopreneurs often resist delegating, either because it feels like giving away dirty work, or that they aren’t able to manage the work on their own. Dot Rock, Founder of Dot Rock Consulting, knows that great bosses know how to delegate.…like a boss. Honing your delegating skills can help create more time and energy to do the things you do best…and grow your business.   Dot Rock is a CPA, HR Professional and business strategist who helps business owners focus on their passions, and scale their business. Small businesses often fail because managing people and finances aren’t their jam. This is where Dot excels. With a firsthand understanding of scaling and growth, she works her magic by finding patterns, implementing systems, and interpreting behaviors at work. Dot can truly help you connect the DOTS. Connect with Dot: Instagram: dot_rock Facebook: dot.rock.consulting LinkedIn: dotrock   Connect with Ashlee at: LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

TIME MANAGEMENT...are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of each day? With an ever-growing to-do list do you feel like you’re never going to catch up? Don’t give up. Take control, trash the to-do list and learn how to manage your work, not your tasks. Getting in control of your time is not only do-able, it’s easy once you know how.   Connect with Ashlee LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

When you’re hiring employees or freelancers, how do you make sure they’re the right fit? Not just for skills, but with your company culture. Laura Couvillon thinks we should invest more in hiring and onboarding our team members to make sure they can support the company’s vision. Laura is a recruiting guru and founder of IntegrateUp, a hiring agency that helps visionary entrepreneurs build their dream team to help their businesses thrive. She sees too many companies looking for a quick fix – hiring on recommendation without digging deeper into their personality, motivations and skills. To find and keep the right people takes work, and Laura has seen first hand how that investment pays off for entrepreneurs in the end.  Want to know more?  Reach out to Laura at: LinkedIn: Laura Couvillon Instagram: @integrateuponline   And grab her free “What-They’re-Worth” Rate Sheet to see real-time data of what hundreds of contract workers and employees are saying their rates are when they apply for positions.   As always, you can connect with Ashlee at LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone

When there's tension on your team, everyone feels it. Your team suffers by feeling stuck and powerless. Your work suffers as productivity goes down. You as a leader suffer as your time is taken up by managing conflict. But there's hope - you can flip the script and help your team become empowered to solve problems. In this episode, we talk about the Drama Triangle, and the roles leaders and their teams can play in building - and continuing - conflict. By recognizing our own role, we can help change the dynamic and ditch the culture of complaining. Connect with Ashlee: email: ashlee@ourforte.ca Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Brenda Pearson is a self-appointed Chief Happiness Officer. She boasts 20+ years in career and talent management, and recently launched her own organizational and career happiness coaching practice, Brenda Pearson Coaching. Brenda understands that as human beings we are designed to survive, not thrive. We are hard-wired to notice the negative...and the threats. To break out of our patterns, we need to flip the script. For example, think of jealousy as a gift that shows us what we want in life. As leaders, when we understand ourselves and recognize the role we play in an individual’s happiness or our team’s success, we grow in confidence and are better equipped to support others to succeed. Supporting others makes you look good, makes you feel good, and helps the organization succeed. Connect with Brenda: LinkedIn: Brenda Pearson Web: www.brendapearsoncoaching.com Connect with Ashlee: email: ashlee@ourforte.ca Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Miscommunication can be a time suck, and when it happens in the workplace it can lead to misunderstanding, mistakes, and of course, blame. As leaders, how much time and productivity do we lose as a result of unclear communications? Whether it’s employees who aren’t clear on their tasks and may proceed in the wrong direction, or internal disputes that go unacknowledged or unresolved, clear communications set expectations, and as leaders, and our teams need US to lead the way. Connect with Ashlee: email: ashlee@ourforte.ca Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

When I approach leaders about virtual or hybrid team-building events, often one of the first things I hear is “No one wants to do an online event, we have Zoom fatigue.” Stefanie Furgiuele of Original Genes challenges that assumption.  She asks leaders, “Do you have Zoom fatigue or meeting fatigue?”   Stephanie hosts team building events where participants are allowed to unleash their inner artist learning to paint. Events are held in-person, virtually or hybrid. And she finds that teams soon forget about the camera and get lost in their creativity. It’s an individual activity that brings groups together.  Letting your creative brain fly is like taking a mini-vacation, you return relaxed and refreshed and ready to work. And Stephanie thinks we should all take a leap into creativity.   Learn more about Stephanie and Original Genes  Instagram: originalgenes_to  Web: www.originalgenes.ca   Connect with Ashlee: Instagram: ashlee.livingstone LinkedIn: Ashlee Livingstone

This episode is about Emotional Intelligence and Intentional Leadership.  The way we act and react shows the type of leader we are. But reacting can feel like it’s part of our nature – like we have no control. I like to say, “we’re all entitled to our first reaction, and we’re all responsible for our second reaction”. If you find yourself wishing you reacted better, or if your  3 a.m. thoughts are about how you could have handled work or home situations better, you are ready! It’s time to take radical ownership over your emotional reactions. Do you want to explore your reactions, and what you can do to become a more intentional leader? Click here to request a free 30-minute discovery session with Ashlee. https://ourforte.wufoo.com/forms/discovery-call-with-ashlee/  Or email: ashlee@ourforte.ca Want more? Sign up for our monthly newsletter.

A little over four years ago, Ginny Campbell felt stuck in her life. She had a long career in television production and was at the top of her game. She was a Director of Production at a global production company. Her job was a dream job – demanding and rewarding. But, still, something wasn’t right. Ginny found herself waking up in the middle of the night with the same thought spinning through her head: I want a new challenge. After a while she couldn’t ignore the thought any longer. It was time for a change. So she took a leap, resigned from her job and started the next chapter. Today Ginny is a coach…or as she terms it, “Life Strategist.” Her passion is helping other women push past the barriers that keep them stuck, and help guide them into discovering the next stage in their lives. In this episode, Ginny and Ashlee discuss feelings of overwhelm, and what leaders can do for themselves and for their teams to manage the overwhelm…and become a stronger team. Connect with Ginny Web: http://www.coachingwithginny.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnycampbell Connect with Ashlee: email: ashlee@ourforte.ca Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Alex Gilbert (she/her) is a New Yorker, a Mets fan, a yogi, and a brunch enthusiast. She also has dyslexia and ADHD. She grew up in a world where disabilities were not necessarily recognized, but was lucky that her parents had the resources to allowed her to advocate for accommodations at school. But when she entered the workforce, that support ended. She didn’t know how to ask for accommodations at work and didn’t want to be seen as unable to do her job. Knowing that she had a lot to offer, Alex taught herself how to sell the benefits of accommodations – how small work modifications for an individual could produce huge results. After spending her career working in leadership development, she decided to start a consulting and coaching business, Cape-Able Consulting, to help adults with learning disabilities and/or ADHD like herself who have struggled in their careers. In this episode, Alex and Ashlee discuss how the need to negotiate accommodations has become commonplace during the Covid pandemic, and how seeing and understanding the whole person both helps us connect, AND be more productive and happier at work. Connect with Alex: Instagram @iamcapeable Facebook and Linkedin @capeableconsultingLLC Connect with Ashlee: Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone Email: ashlee@ourforte.ca LinkedIn: @Ashlee-Livingstone

Confidence takes commitment. It’s easy to be safe and fall back on the things we know. It can be uncomfortable to ask for help, or to try and fail. As a leader, if you are holding back or sidelining yourself, what does that say to your team? When we put ourselves in the game, we show our teams that learning is positive and failure is a part of growth. If you have the confidence to step in even when it makes you uncomfortable, you’ll find your team, in turn, will be more creative and willing to grow. Connect with me: ashlee@ourforte.ca Insta: @Ashlee.Livingstone

Layne came to Auctioneering through their background as a leader in the non-profit world. A bold and entertaining “Philanthro-tainer”, Layne’s performance combines philanthropy with entertainment, equaling full-on engagement as an International Live Auction Performer and MC. As a leader, they believe that your responsibility is to create a caring two-way culture. And that you need to show your vulnerability – and invite your team to show theirs – in order to grow. Layne, The Auctionista is not your average auctioneer! Layne ignites the power of philanthropy with their signature high-octane, live fundraising style to standing ovations and wild applause! As a TOP Benefit Auction Specialist with over 1,000 events under their belt, Layne raises millions of dollars for charities every year and believes that “by inspiring giving, we make communities stronger”. Layne also acts as a keynote speaker, engaging audiences about the importance of breaking down barriers and the power of finding your voice. Learn more about Layne, The Auctionista LinkedIn: Layne the Auctionista Instagram: theauctionista Connect with Ashlee: email: ashlee@ourforte.ca Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Leadership comes from all levels in your organization, and no one knows that better than Melva Holt. Melva is “the Management Maven,” CEO and Founder of PAISE Leadership, a boutique consulting and coaching firm focused on helping small to mid size companies develop EXCEPTIONAL mid-level talent ready for business critical roles. In this episode, Melva and I discuss the importance of developing leadership talent within your organization, and how you can become the type of manager you wish you had to lead your team and thrive. Melva Holt began her career in Engineer and Supply Chain Operations before becoming an HR leader. After progressing through many positions of increasing responsibility through General Mills and Kaman Corporation over the course of 18 years, she left Corporate America as the Head of HR for Kaman Distribution Group to start PAISE Leadership. Melva holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and certifications in the Hogan suite of Assessments and Rejuvi Assessment. Connect with Melva: LinkedIn: Melva Holt Connect with Ashlee: email: ashlee@ourforte.ca Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

As a leader, when was the last time you stopped and asked yourself, “is this really what I want?”  We can spend our days on a hamster wheel, spinning so fast but never moving forward. Taking time to pause, think about how you want to lead, then making a plan to achieve your goals can get you off the hamster wheel and onto a clearer, calmer, more productive path forward. Reach out and let me know how you lead with intention Ashlee: ashlee@ourforte.ca Insta: @ashlee.livingstone 

Heather Chauvin is a leadership coach who helps ambitious, overwhelmed women conquer their fears and become leaders at work and home. She sees that leadership is present in every part of your life, and that we all need to take “radical responsibility” for our actions to be the best person – and best leader – we can be. In this episode, Heather and Ashlee discuss parenthood, leadership and how you as a leader can help turn the conversation from what you DON’T want to what you DO want to move forward in your business and life. Drawing from her professional experience as a social worker and her life experience raising three boys, Heather created a signature approach to help her clients create and enjoy sustainability, profitability and ease in business and life.  She is the host of the Mom Is In Control Podcast where she reveals her most vulnerable truths about womanhood, marriage, parenting, living through stage 4 cancer and running a successful business without burning out. She released her first book, Dying To Be A Good Mother in 2021. When Heather isn’t busy driving her boys to hockey practice, you can find her curled up on the couch next to her husband, planning their next family adventure. Learn more about Heather: Instagram: heatherchauvin_ Facebook: Heather Chauvin Coaching Connect with Ashlee: email: ashlee@ourforte.ca Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

At two pivotal moments in his life, Joseph Tassoni’s mother asked him a simple question: “What will make you happy?” Each time, the answer changed the course of Joseph’s life. From the stock room to Joe Fresh to starting his own eponymous line of “Proudly Made in Canada” fashion, Joseph Tassoni has led the industry, taken big leaps, and followed his heart to success.  As a fashion designer, he doesn’t compromise in his materials and in his quality. As a leader, he cares. And when you care, it shows in the product and the team.   Follow Joseph:  Facebook: Joseph Tassoni  Instagram: @JosephTassoni  web: josephtassoni.com  Connect with Ashlee: email: ashlee@ourforte.ca  Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Alexis Dean is the founder and Lead Steward of “The Dovetail Community,” an invitational community of high performing female entrepreneurs and experienced consultants.  The core of the Community is personal connections – one-on-one or small facilitated group sessions that are designed to build supportive relationships to help take the stress out of entrepreneurship.  If you haven’t listened to part 1, you’re encouraged to go back and check out the previous episode “A community is more than followers”.   In part two of our conversation, we talk about the benefits of engaging your team in your community, and how our new more online world creates both challenges and opportunities.   Find out more about The Dovetail Community and check out the new podcast on Instagram: @dovetailcommunity @thinkaboutthis_podcast   Share your experience building your business and brand community and connect with Ashlee:  email: ashlee@ourforte.ca  Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Alexis Dean is the founder and Lead Steward of “The Dovetail Community,” an invitational community of high performing female entrepreneurs and experienced consultants. The core of the Community is personal connections – one-on-one or small facilitated group sessions that are designed to build supportive relationships to help take the stress out of entrepreneurship.   In part one of our conversation, I talk to Alexis about what makes a strong community, the difference between “fans and followers” and a true community and how to sustain that community when we can’t meet face to face.   Find out more about The Dovetail Community and check out the new podcast on Instagram: @dovetailcommunity @thinkaboutthis_podcast   Share your experience building your business and brand community and connect with Ashlee:  email: ashlee@ourforte.ca  Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

I began my career in fundraising, and the biggest lesson I learned from fundraising is the importance of GRATITUDE.  Creating connections with donors and volunteers is critical for non-profits and charities. And it’s the same for your business. Your clients choose to work with you. How do you show them that their business matters to you? If they’re only with you because of price and product, it’s easy for them to go somewhere else. But if you’re creating personal connections and showing gratitude – even in small ways – you’re more likely to keep them as your customers…and your greatest allies.   Connect with Ashlee:  email: ashlee@ourforte.ca  Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Marianne Meed Ward is Mayor of Burlington, Ontario, a community located in the Greater Toronto Area. She has a passion to build consensus. In this episode, we discuss leading through uncertain times, building greater consensus in a black-and-white world and how to take care of yourself – and your team – when you’re not sure what the next day will bring.  Throughout the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Mayor has focused on the health and safety of the community through initiatives like the Burlington COVID Task Force, telephone town halls, and advocacy to other levels of government. Working hand in hand with Burlington’s city council, leadership team, and staff on initiatives like the Mayor’s Red Tape Red Carpet Task force, she led the city in partnering with local businesses to identify and remove the challenges to business expansion and attraction. She lives in Burlington with her husband, 3 children, and their Wheaten terrier, Boston.   You can follow the Mayor on: Twitter: @mariannmeedward  Instagram: marianne.meedward Facebook: Mayor Marianne Meed Ward   Connect with Ashlee: email: ashlee@ourforte.ca Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Have you ever said “Why me? I’m not qualified to do this?”, then took a deep breath and plunged ahead? If yes, you’ve likely experienced Imposter Syndrome.  Mimosa Kabir is a fundraising professional who experienced Imposter Syndrome herself when she first began her career. Fascinated by the topic, she went on a mission to talk to others about their own journey.  Together we discuss the downsides – and sometimes upsides - of this common feeling. When it can work for you, and how to avoid it becoming debilitating. We also talk about how it’s a two-way street, and how can you, as a leader, can help your team feel supported in developing their skills, avoiding the pitfalls of feeling like an imposter.   Follow Mimosa Kabir: Twitter: @mimosakabir LinkedIn: Mimosa Kabir   Connect with Ashlee: email: ashlee@ourforte.ca Instagram: ashlee.livingstone

Inspiration drives passion in the work you do. And your passion can inspire others - your team, your clients - bringing everyone together to support a common goal. This week I challenge you to think about what inspires you, talk to your team about what inspires them and to bring your passion to work, every day. You'll find your inspiration is infectious, creating stronger bonds, and stronger teams. Connect with Ashlee: ashlee@ourforte.ca Instagram: @ashlee.livingstone 

Think Again! In this conversation with Paul Nazareth, VP Education & Development, CAGP, we open up about leadership, personal growth and challenging our own beliefs on what we think we've always known.  As leaders and members on teams we need to challenge our assumptions, set boundaries for ourselves and be curious about it all. Take a listen and let me know - what do you need to rethink? About Paul: Paul Nazareth has worked in Canada’s philanthropic sector for over 20 years. Currently, Vice President, Education & Development at the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP), and was previously Vice President at the charity CanadaHelps. Paul has been a philanthropic advisor with a national wealth management firm in a trust company and spent 15 years working with charities like the University of Toronto and Canada’s largest network of Churches. Paul is on the board of several charities and on the Advisory Council of Carleton University’s Masters in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership program. He serves as a lead faculty for the Master Financial Advisor in Philanthropy (MFA-P) program with the Knowledge Bureau, and is a frequent instructor for the tax and advisor community through organizations like CPA, Advocis and Estate Planning Councils. He frequently speaks on television and radio on the power of personal philanthropy in Canada.

You started your business for a reason but now you are letting so many limiting beliefs stand in the way of your vision. Sound familiar? In this week's Teams with EDGE episode with Dot Rock we discuss the stories we all tell ourselves about what we can't do, how hard it is and why as business owners we must recognize these as just stories so we can scale and grow our business and get back to our zone of genius.    Be curious. Do the Work. See what is possible. About Dot: Dot Rock is a CPA, HR Professional and business strategist who helps business owners focus on their passions and leave the minutiae of accounting and HR to the experts.    After earning her BA in Accounting, Dot worked for KPMG International as a financial statement auditor and passed the CPA exam. She served in many top level Finance Director roles and worked in public accounting with Fortune 500 companies before realizing that her true passion was people, not being lost in spreadsheet land. Accounting and HR aren’t rocket science… but Dot was briefly the business manager of a rocket engine test facility. She then became an HR Director and now uses her combined experiences to help businesses thrive. Small businesses often fail because managing people and finances aren’t their jam. This is where Dot excels. With a firsthand understanding of scaling and growth, she works her magic by finding patterns, implementing systems, and interpreting behaviors at work. Dot can truly help you connect the DOTS.   In her spare time, Dot is passionate about Crossfit, outdoor adventures and flying. She’s dynamic and vibrant in every way and will help your business be the same. She also writes a blog: oxygenfirst.com - encouraging everyone to focus on their needs and desires first, before taking care of others.  Connect with Dot:  dot@dotrockconsulting.com Instagram: dot_rock_  Facebook: dot.rock.consulting (facebook.com/dotrockconsulting) LinkedIn: dotrock (linkedin.com/in/dotrock)

This episode is all about taking action and carving out the time and space to engage and develop connection with your team now. Put aside all the resistance and excuses and focus on what is possible and what you can do to improve this important business and human function.  Plus there are real "business" benefits to an engaged team 1. Increased Productivity  2. Talent Retention  3. Client Satisfaction & Retention  4. Decreased Absenteeism  5. Increased Profitability

In this week's Team with EDGE episode my guest, Alicia Wood from Camp Fuel and I discuss bringing back Water Cooler Talk and why these connections are so important for teams and engagement.  We all know COVID has changed how we work with our teams BUT we need to not let this continue to affect connection.   Learn the common mistakes we are making which are hindering connection and how to build connection on a consistent basis. Listen in to find ways you can bring back water cooler talk and connectivity to your team today.  About Alicia: Alicia is the founder and CEO of Camp Fuel Inc. a wellness company that empowers individuals and teams to achieve their goals through movement, play, mindset and community. She’s a speaker, corporate wellness consultant as well as a fitness and mindset coach.   She loves helping leaders create inclusive, engaging environments so that employees can feel empowered to step up and thrive in the workplace. She provides simple, action-oriented strategies to help teams boost mental and physical health, imagination, creativity and innovation so they can accelerate performance.   Alicia is the host of the top-rated podcast, “The Fuel Your Fire Podcast with Alicia Wood”, she’s an experience creator, Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, facilitator and consultant.

Julie Cole, Co-founder and Senior Director of Mabel's Labels shares her leadership tips to help entrepreneurs and leaders start to empower their teams, retain great talent and build a team of ambassadors who believe in the work they do. Set aside your ego and surround yourself with smart, creative, empowered people and you will see your business thrive!

I heard Simon Sinek and Brene Brown speak about becoming the leader you wish you had and this resonated with me so clearly! I thought "YES" this - this makes sense to me. Sitting with the question - what type of leader do I want to become and what leadership traits do I want to pass on to the next generation of leaders has inspired this week's episode.  Now your turn - what type of leader do you wish you had - and how will you become that?

In this week's episode I speak with Jessi Shuraleff about her experiences as a leader and how she builds psychological safety and an overall culture of seeing your team members as human beings and how you can too! Jessi Shuraleff has spent the last 13.5 years at Google, effectively leading & coaching sales teams using authenticity, value-based selling & storytelling to drive impact & revenue for her customers.  She’s worked with brands both big & small across numerous industries including Retail, Technology, Real Estate & B2B, partnering with brands’ executive suite to build sustainable marketing strategies across brand & performance KPIs. She has recently left the corporate world & has taken the leap into solopreneurship as the founder of the podcast & community, This Is My Truth.    Creating, building, and maintaining relationships is at the core of who she is and authenticity, vulnerability and storytelling have been the cornerstone of her skillset to get her to where she is today as a leader, a podcaster & a mom.  Her passion is working with entrepreneurs helping them develop their brand voice, amplify that voice in an authentic & proven way and helping to  grow their business by increasing sales while increasing profit, and/or increase engagement across marketing channels. Her personal mission is to create community & connection through sharing personal stories to empower individuals & brands to step into their own light, reclaim their voice & drive greater impact. Jessi is focused on creating community & connection through storytelling to empower women to step into their own light, reclaim their voice & drive greater impact in business, leadership & life. Her Storyteller's Collective is for for female business owners, entrepreneurs & leaders who want to amplify their voice in a way that feels authentic while increasing profit & driving impact. Follow Jessi here: www.jessishuraleff.com & @thisismytruthpodcast

In this episode I welcome Founder & CEO of Salon Wisp and Host of Wisp Collective Podcast, Renee France to share her leadership journey through the pandemic!   Renee is a third generation stylist and educator; With over 18 years of salon experience, Renee is a natural mentor who has invested thousands of dollars in educating herself and her team. Her training has taken her to Montreal, California, New York, the UK, Iceland and Puerto Rico. As a true leader in the industry who lives and breathes hair, the development of her team continues to be Renee’s biggest career accomplishment. Follow Renee at @salonwisp @wispcollectiveco and listen to The Wisp Collective Podcast: Leadership Training for salon owners. Helping salon owners achieve success through collaboration. Learn how to show up as a leader, gain profits and do it all with ease. New episodes every week! https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/wisp-collective/id1546909969

Do you take the time to appreciate your clients and team members? Gratitude should not be a check list but rather an automatic action that is built into your corporate culture. This episode digs into how small acts of appreciation can build loyalty, belonging and foster feeling valued. It may not come naturally or we may hide behind "busy" but gratitude in an organization is a must have!

As leaders how you value yourself and set boundaries will be reflected to your team. From taking breaks, fueling yourself, limiting emails and taking undisturbed vacation - you are setting the example for your team!

I often see a disconnect between leaders and their teams when it comes to gratitude and appreciation. Leaders often think they are showing their gratitude, and offering value-add benefits to their teams but the team sees if differently. Why are we missing the mark as leaders?

In this first episode I reflect on the different leaders I've encountered and how they have affected team culture. How the way they showed up mattered to the way the entire team showed up.