imperfect: The Heart-Centered Leadership Podcast

Hosted by Deborah Crowe

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333

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Jul 2025

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Every single imperfection adds to your leadership, join Deborah Crowe as she speaks with Heart-Centered Leaders from around the world. debcrowe.substack.com

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May 30, 20256 min

Episode 325: A Heartfelt Thank You! Season Five’s Finale with Deborah Crowe

The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership has been redefining leadership since its 2023 release.This insightful guide emphasizes the integration of emotional intelligence (EQ), compassion, and authenticity as the cornerstones of effective leadership.Dr. William Park also commends the book, stating:“Deb's approach to leadership is a breath of fresh air. Her playbook doesn't just teach you to lead; it teaches you to lead with heart, transforming not only your leadership style but also your life."Whether you're a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this book serves as a roadmap to leading with impact while staying true to yourself.Available in:📱 Ebook | 📚 Paperback | 🎧 AudiobookHave you begun your heart-centered leadership journey?📚 **Get your copy today:➡️ Ebook & Paperback - https://lnkd.in/e3FSzExY🎧 Audiobook- https://lnkd.in/eiXYbR6G5 Years. 87 Countries. 300+ Heart-Centered Leaders. Countless Imperfect, Beautiful Conversations.Today, I hit “record” on the final solo episode of Season 5 of Imperfect: The Heart-Centered Leadership Podcast—and my heart is full.Five years ago, I started this podcast with a simple belief: leadership doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful. It just needs to be real.Since then, I’ve sat in sacred dialogue with extraordinary leaders—some bold, some quietly courageous—all willing to lean into the messiness, the magic, and the meaning of leading with heart.I’ve learned that vulnerability is a strength.That wisdom whispers when we slow down and listen.That global connection is possible through a shared commitment to leading differently.To every guest who’s said yes, every listener who’s pressed play, and every soul who’s reached out to say, “This episode spoke to me…” — thank you.I’m taking the summer pause to rest, recalibrate, and dream even bigger for Season 6.Because heart-centered leadership is no longer a movement. It’s a mandate.With deep gratitude,DebIf this message resonates with you, feel free to amplify it with a re-share.I invite you to follow along for thoughtful ways to elevate your emotional intelligence, always through the lens of creativity, strategy, and heart-centered leadership. 🌿💫Connect with Deborah Crowe:* https://debcrowe.com* https://backnbalance.ca* https://masteringtheheart.com* https://twitter.com/Over40Wisdom* https://www.linkedin.com/in/debcrowe* https://www.facebook.com/executivecoachdeb* https://www.instagram.com/heartcenteredleader* The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook on AmazonThanks for reading How to Master The Art of Heart 💜 ! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

May 23, 202528 min

Episode 324: Beyond Profits: Redefining Workplace Purpose and Impact with Katie Sandoe

The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership has been redefining leadership since its 2023 release.This insightful guide emphasizes the integration of emotional intelligence (EQ), compassion, and authenticity as the cornerstones of effective leadership.Dr. William Park also commends the book, stating:“Deborah's approach to leadership is a breath of fresh air. Her playbook doesn't just teach you to lead; it teaches you to lead with heart, transforming not only your leadership style but also your life."Whether you're a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this book serves as a roadmap to leading with impact while staying true to yourself.Available in:📱 Ebook | 📚 Paperback | 🎧 AudiobookHave you begun your heart-centered leadership journey?📚 **Get your copy today:➡️ Ebook & Paperback - https://lnkd.in/e3FSzExY🎧 Audiobook- https://lnkd.in/eiXYbR6GIn this week’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Katie Sandoe, an award-winning communicator, emotional intelligence coach, and advocate for courageous leadership. Katie’s story is one of transformation, from masking her authentic self to embracing her natural boldness and energy as a powerful tool for connection and impact.Together, we explore the deep challenges of modern leadership, from battling burnout in what Katie calls our "human energy crisis" to navigating the societal pressures of perfectionism. She shares her insights on the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, offering a stimulating perspective on finding purpose not in grand achievements but in the beauty of small, meaningful moments.Katie also redefines emotional intelligence as a leadership superpower, breaking down how self-awareness, empathy, and adaptability can reshape workplace norms and redefine power in leadership. This episode will inspire you to embrace authenticity, challenge societal expectations, and lead with a heart-centered purpose.Join us as we uncover the keys to courageous leadership and living with intentionality in every moment.If this message resonates with you, feel free to amplify it with a re-share.I invite you to follow along for thoughtful ways to elevate your emotional intelligence, always through the lens of creativity, strategy, and heart-centered leadership. 🌿💫Connect with Katie:* https://www.lightecho.co/* https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-sandoe/* https://web.facebook.com/kathryn.katie.sandoe?_rdc=1&_rdr# This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

May 16, 202519 min

Episode 323: Leadership at Sea: Heart-Centered Decisions with Scott Marshall

The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership has been redefining leadership since its 2023 release.This insightful guide emphasizes the integration of emotional intelligence (EQ), compassion, and authenticity as the cornerstones of effective leadership.Dr. William Park also commends the book, stating:“Deborah's approach to leadership is a breath of fresh air. Her playbook doesn't just teach you to lead; it teaches you to lead with heart, transforming not only your leadership style but also your life."Whether you're a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this book serves as a roadmap to leading with impact while staying true to yourself.Available in:📱 Ebook | 📚 Paperback | 🎧 AudiobookHave you begun your heart-centered leadership journey?📚 **Get your copy today:➡️ Ebook & Paperback - https://lnkd.in/e3FSzExY🎧 Audiobook- https://lnkd.in/eiXYbR6GThis week, we set sail on a journey through leadership, culture, and purpose with Scott Marshall, President and CEO of the Institute for Shipboard Education and host of the As Unexpected Podcast. Currently aboard a ship near Spain, Scott shares a unique perspective on leadership that stems from his global travels and experiences with Semester at Sea.In this episode, Scott discusses the importance of humility, empathy, and being present in both leadership and life. Scott shares valuable lessons he's learned from fostering cross-cultural connections and navigating challenges like tough executive decisions. Don’t miss Scott’s insights on creating psychological safety and leading with authenticity.We also explore the personal side of leadership, how Scott’s global experiences have shaped his family and legacy, his admiration for figures like Bruce Lee, and the profound impact of visiting places like Myanmar. Join us for an inspiring conversation that reminds us why leading with heart can transform not just teams but lives.If this message resonates with you, feel free to amplify it with a re-share.I invite you to follow along for thoughtful ways to elevate your emotional intelligence, always through the lens of creativity, strategy, and heart-centered leadership. 🌿💫Connect with Scott:* Scott’s podcast: https://www.asunexpected.com* https://www.semesteratsea.org/* https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-marshall-b250305/* https://www.instagram.com/semesteratsea/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

May 9, 202518 min

Episode 322: From Self-Discovery to Self-Creation: Leadership Lessons with David Olcott

The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership has been redefining leadership since its 2023 release.This insightful guide emphasizes the integration of emotional intelligence (EQ), compassion, and authenticity as the cornerstones of effective leadership.Dr. William Park also commends the book, stating:“Deborah's approach to leadership is a breath of fresh air. Her playbook doesn't just teach you to lead; it teaches you to lead with heart, transforming not only your leadership style but also your life."Whether you're a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this book serves as a roadmap to leading with impact while staying true to yourself.Available in:📱 Ebook | 📚 Paperback | 🎧 AudiobookHave you begun your heart-centered leadership journey?📚 **Get your copy today:➡️ Ebook & Paperback - https://lnkd.in/e3FSzExY🎧 Audiobook- https://lnkd.in/eiXYbR6GJoin us this week as we sit down with David Olcott for an inspiring exploration of leadership, identity, and growth. David challenges the conventional notion of "finding yourself," proposing instead that we are meant to create our identities. This transformative perspective, rooted in wisdom from a master teacher David met three decades ago, offers a fresh lens on personal and professional development.In this episode, we explore the profound connection between internal growth and effective leadership. David shares his insights on the importance of healing inner struggles, building structure and discipline, and cultivating mindfulness to thrive in today’s demanding world. Let’s reflect together with David on the value of experience, self-awareness, and curiosity as tools for creating meaningful impact. May David’s journey and actionable wisdom inspire you to align with your chosen identity, embrace growth, and lead with heart-centered intention. Don’t miss this enriching conversation designed to ignite your leadership potential!If this message resonates with you, feel free to amplify it with a re-share.I invite you to follow along for thoughtful ways to elevate your emotional intelligence, always through the lens of creativity, strategy, and heart-centered leadership. 🌿💫Connect with David:* https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-c-olcott-1107bb1/* https://www.instagram.com/samurai_success/* https://www.youtube.com/@samuraisuccessinc.1101* https://samuraisuccess.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

May 2, 202530 min

Episode 321: Painting Leadership with Heart and Presence with Todd Hollow

The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership has been redefining leadership since its 2023 release.This insightful guide emphasizes the integration of emotional intelligence (EQ), compassion, and authenticity as the cornerstones of effective leadership.Dr. William Park also commends the book, stating:“Deb's approach to leadership is a breath of fresh air. Her playbook doesn't just teach you to lead; it teaches you to lead with heart, transforming not only your leadership style but also your life."Whether you're a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this book serves as a roadmap to leading with impact while staying true to yourself.Available in:📱 Ebook | 📚 Paperback | 🎧 AudiobookHave you begun your heart-centered leadership journey?📚 **Get your copy today:➡️ Ebook & Paperback - https://lnkd.in/e3FSzExY🎧 Audiobook- https://lnkd.in/eiXYbR6GIn this week’s episode of Imperfect, we have the pleasure of connecting with Todd Hollow-Bist, a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience across healthcare, academia, and corporate environments. Todd shares profound insights into the art of leading from the heart, blending neuroscience, psychoanalysis, and presence to inspire meaningful transformation.In this episode, we will embrace imperfection as a path to growth, the significance of awe and curiosity in leadership, and practical ways to cultivate emotional intelligence. Listeners will be inspired by Todd’s wisdom on navigating complex systems while staying grounded, building trust through humility, and the power of presence in fostering connection and innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this episode offers practical and heartfelt lessons for anyone striving to lead with purpose and authenticity.Tune in to explore how imperfections can become stepping stones to greater trust, creativity, and impact in leadership.If this message resonates with you, feel free to amplify it with a re-share.I invite you to follow along for thoughtful ways to elevate your emotional intelligence, always through the lens of creativity, strategy, and heart-centered leadership. 🌿💫Connect with Todd:* https://pathwiseleadership.com/* https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-hollow-bist-54ba3310/Thanks for reading How to Master The Art of Heart 💜 ! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

April 25, 20258 min

Episode 320: The Power of the Pause: Emotional Intelligence in Action with Deborah Crowe

The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership has been redefining leadership since its 2023 release.This insightful guide emphasizes the integration of emotional intelligence (EQ), compassion, and authenticity as the cornerstones of effective leadership.Dr. William Park also commends the book, stating:“Deb's approach to leadership is a breath of fresh air. Her playbook doesn't just teach you to lead; it teaches you to lead with heart, transforming not only your leadership style but also your life."Whether you're a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this book serves as a roadmap to leading with impact while staying true to yourself.Available in:📱 Ebook | 📚 Paperback | 🎧 AudiobookHave you begun your heart-centered leadership journey?📚 **Get your copy today:➡️ Ebook & Paperback - https://lnkd.in/e3FSzExY🎧 Audiobook- https://lnkd.in/eiXYbR6GAs we wrap up Q1 and step into Q2, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the lessons I’ve learned and the shifts I’m embracing. In this solo episode, I share how the power of the pause has shaped my leadership and why emotional intelligence is essential for creating deeper connections and purposeful actions.I dive into what it means to lead from the heart, acknowledging emotions, setting boundaries, and speaking the truth, all while staying aligned with what truly matters.My hope is that this episode inspires you to reflect on your own leadership journey as we step into the new quarter. Let’s realign together and embrace a life of authenticity, vulnerability, and heart-centeredness.💜If this message resonates with you, feel free to amplify it with a re-share.I invite you to follow along for thoughtful ways to elevate your emotional intelligence, always through the lens of creativity, strategy, and heart-centered leadership. 🌿💫Connect with Deborah Crowe:* https://debcrowe.com* https://backnbalance.ca* https://masteringtheheart.com* https://twitter.com/Over40Wisdom* https://www.linkedin.com/in/debcrowe* https://www.facebook.com/executivecoachdeb* https://www.instagram.com/heartcenteredleader* The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook on AmazonThanks for reading How to Master The Art of Heart 💜 ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

April 18, 202522 min

Episode 319: Embracing Authenticity and Leadership with Bofta Yimam

The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership has been redefining leadership since its 2023 release.This insightful guide emphasizes the integration of emotional intelligence (EQ), compassion, and authenticity as the cornerstones of effective leadership.Dr. William Park also commends the book, stating:“Deb's approach to leadership is a breath of fresh air. Her playbook doesn't just teach you to lead; it teaches you to lead with heart, transforming not only your leadership style but also your life."Whether you're a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this book serves as a roadmap to leading with impact while staying true to yourself.Available in:📱 Ebook | 📚 Paperback | 🎧 AudiobookHave you begun your heart-centered leadership journey?📚 **Get your copy today:➡️ Ebook & Paperback - https://lnkd.in/e3FSzExY🎧 Audiobook- https://lnkd.in/eiXYbR6GThis week, Deborah sits down with the Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, Bofta Yimam, for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation. Bofta, a storytelling master, shares her incredible journey—from starting her career with over 100 job applications to becoming a groundbreaking newscaster and entrepreneur. Her wisdom shines as she reveals the power of storytelling in leadership, showing how connecting through vulnerability creates trust and impact.In this episode, Bofta gives us a practical way to highlight transformational moments in our lives. She also candidly shares her resilience journey, recounting challenges like working two jobs while chasing her dreams. Her message? Life is not a dress rehearsal, so take ownership, make bold choices, and live authentically. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation will inspire you to embrace imperfection, amplify your story, and lead with courage. 💪Join us for an unforgettable discussion that will leave you empowered to take charge of your life and leadership journey.If this message resonates with you, feel free to amplify it with a re-share. I invite you to follow along for thoughtful ways to elevate your emotional intelligence—always through the lens of creativity, strategy, and heart-centered leadership. 🌿💫Connect with Bofta:* https://boftayimam.com/* https://www.linkedin.com/in/boftayimam/* https://www.instagram.com/boftayimam/* https://web.facebook.com/BoftaYimamOnAirThanks for reading How to Master The Art of Heart 💜 ! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

April 11, 202531 min

Episode 318: From Perfectionism to Authentic Leadership with Erin Hatzikostas

The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership has been redefining leadership since its 2023 release.This insightful guide emphasizes the integration of emotional intelligence (EQ), compassion, and authenticity as the cornerstones of effective leadership.Dr. William Park also commends the book, stating:“Deb's approach to leadership is a breath of fresh air. Her playbook doesn't just teach you to lead; it teaches you to lead with heart, transforming not only your leadership style but also your life."Whether you're a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this book serves as a roadmap to leading with impact while staying true to yourself.Available in:📱 Ebook | 📚 Paperback | 🎧 AudiobookHave you begun your heart-centered leadership journey?📚 **Get your copy today:➡️ Ebook & Paperback - https://lnkd.in/e3FSzExY🎧 Audiobook- https://lnkd.in/eiXYbR6GIn this week’s episode of Imperfect, Deb sits down with Erin Hatzikostas, a leader who knows how to inspire through authenticity, imperfection, and unconventional methods. Join us as she shares her journey as a CEO, keynote speaker, and authenticity expert, revealing powerful strategies like her game-changing 50% Rule for balancing motivation with results.Erin’s stories—from dancing at a leadership conference to her experiments with humility moments—offer profound insights into building trust, fostering intrinsic motivation, and embracing imperfection as a leadership strength. This conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiring anecdotes, reminding us all that authenticity isn’t just about “being yourself”, it’s about showing up in the service of others.Whether you’re looking for ways to connect more deeply with your team, motivate through choice, or lead with courage and humor, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover why imperfection is a gift, and how it can unlock the best in you and your leadership.Connect with Erin:* https://www.instagram.com/erinhatzikostas/* Erin’s incredible Book! https://www.the50percentrule.com/* https://web.facebook.com/bAuthenticInc/?_rdc=1&_rdr#* https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-hatzikostas/* https://x.com/bcausepodcast* https://www.youtube.com/@bauthenticinc5074/featuredThanks for reading How to Master The Art of Heart 💜 ! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

April 4, 202525 min

Episode 317: Wisdom, Love, and Power: Reimagining Leadership with Eric Kaufmann

The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership has been redefining leadership since its 2023 release.This insightful guide emphasizes the integration of emotional intelligence (EQ), compassion, and authenticity as the cornerstones of effective leadership.Dr. William Park also commends the book, stating:“Deb's approach to leadership is a breath of fresh air. Her playbook doesn't just teach you to lead; it teaches you to lead with heart, transforming not only your leadership style but also your life."Whether you're a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this book serves as a roadmap to leading with impact while staying true to yourself.Available in:📱 Ebook | 📚 Paperback | 🎧 AudiobookHave you begun your heart-centered leadership journey?📚 **Get your copy today:➡️ Ebook & Paperback - https://lnkd.in/e3FSzExY🎧 Audiobook- https://lnkd.in/eiXYbR6GIn this powerful and vulnerable episode, we are joined by renowned leadership coach, author, and TEDx speaker Eric Kaufmann for a conversation that blends deep insight, personal reflection, and practical wisdom.Eric’s unique approach to leadership — rooted in decades of experience, Zen meditation, and even lessons learned as a scuba diving instructor — centers around three core virtues: wisdom, love, and power. Together, these form the foundation for what he calls conscious leadership, the kind that creates breakthroughs in both business and life.In this episode, we also explore the concept of “egomyopia”, the blind spots created by our ego’s need to be right, liked, and in control, and how these internal patterns quietly disrupt our leadership. You’ll hear about the unexpected link between meditation and executive decision-making, how anxiety and people-pleasing shaped Eric’s early leadership, and why he believes leadership is like underwater cave diving — risky, disorienting, and full of growth if we’re brave enough to stay present.Join us in this episode through stories and candid reflection, as Eric offers strategies to overcome these barriers by cultivating self-awareness, embracing imperfection, and deepening our presence.Connect with Eric:* https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickaufmann7/* https://www.instagram.com/eric.kaufmann/* https://sagatica.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com

March 28, 202529 min

Episode 316: Balancing Strategy and Empathy with Mark Vincent

The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life & Leadership has been redefining leadership since its 2023 release.This insightful guide emphasizes the integration of emotional intelligence (EQ), compassion, and authenticity as the cornerstones of effective leadership.Dr. William Park also commends the book, stating:“Deb's approach to leadership is a breath of fresh air. Her playbook doesn't just teach you to lead; it teaches you to lead with heart, transforming not only your leadership style but also your life."Whether you're a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this book serves as a roadmap to leading with impact while staying true to yourself.Available in:📱 Ebook | 📚 Paperback | 🎧 AudiobookHave you begun your heart-centered leadership journey?📚 **Get your copy today:➡️ Ebook & Paperback - https://lnkd.in/e3FSzExY🎧 Audiobook- https://lnkd.in/eiXYbR6GWhat does it mean to lead with both heart and strategy? In this episode, we sit with Mark L. Vincent, a pioneer in Process Consulting and emotional intelligence development, to explore the delicate balance between strategic decision-making and human connection in leadership.Mark shares his unique approach to aligning intellect, emotions, and body in challenging moments, offering practical tools for navigating tough decisions with authenticity and clarity. Together, Deborah and Mark look into the art of effective communication in difficult conversations, fostering a culture of imperfection as a path to innovation, and creating moments of human connection in high-pressure environments.Through deeply personal stories and actionable insights, Mark reflects on how life experiences, including profound loss, have shaped his leadership style. This episode is packed with inspiration, wisdom, and actionable advice for anyone striving to lead with empathy, resilience, and purpose. Whether you’re managing a team, navigating tough conversations, or seeking to bring more authenticity to your work, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss!Connect with Mark:* https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklvincent/* https://www.youtube.com/@MARKLVINCENT* https://www.teallvincententerprises.com/mark* https://web.facebook.com/EmellVee/?_rdc=1&_rdr#* Mark’s Book! https://www.amazon.com/Listening-Helping-Learning-Competencies-Consulting/dp/1938840526/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debcrowe.substack.com