Lead with Levity

Send us a textHave you ever walked into a meeting fully prepared, only to realize the decision was already made without you? You're not alone. In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the hidden dynamics of workplace power plays. You'll meet Rachel, a talented leader blindsided by decisions made behind closed doors, and Jack, who feels invisible despite putting in the work. Together, we'll break down why simply doing good work isn't enough and how you can proactively shape conversations and secure buy-in before the meeting even starts.You'll learn:Red flags you're being shut out of important conversationsHow to identify and connect with key influencers earlyPractical steps for securing allies and building your inner circleHow to position your ideas so they're impossible to ignoreSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a textWhat if leadership wasn’t about your title, but about the energy you bring into every room? In this episode, Dr. Heather Walker sits down with Tonya Kay Herb -- CEO, coach, and founder of Outspoken - to explore how redefining leadership starts with reclaiming kindness, starting with yourself.Tonya shares her signature BIKE framework (Be You, Insight, Kindness, Engage), a soulful and science-backed approach to showing up with purpose and presence in every area of life. You’ll hear how a forgotten bicycle turned into a powerful coaching tool - and why the voice in your head might just need a hug.If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, burnout, or that nagging inner critic, this episode offers the tools - and the mindset shift - you didn’t know you needed.Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a textEver feel like you're doing everything right at work but still not getting the recognition, resources, or results you deserve? You’re not alone—and you’re not crazy.In this powerful kickoff to a 4-part series, Dr. Heather Walker breaks down the 5 types of people every professional needs in their corner to grow, thrive, and finally stop operating in isolation. You’ll also hear Heather’s personal story of stepping into leadership without the support she truly needed—and what she wishes she had known earlier.This episode is for you if:You find yourself having to figure things out on your own.You lead a team but feel disconnected or under-supported.You want to get ahead without losing yourself in the process.Stay tuned for Part 2: “Hidden Power Moves Happening Behind Closed Doors (That You Can’t Afford to Ignore).”Mentioned in this episode:Why high performers still get shut outHow to evaluate your current networkThe real reason some people seem to “coast” into promotionsHow to stop playing the game aloneSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a textWhat if the biggest barrier to inclusion isn’t policy—but pride?In this episode, Justin Jones-Fosu, CEO of Work Meaningful and author of “I Respectfully Disagree,” joins me for a brutally honest, career-shifting conversation on what it really takes to lead inclusively.We go beyond the checkboxes and get into the messy middle—where unconscious bias meets real-time growth. Justin opens up about a personal moment of bias that still shows up for him and walks us through how he rewrites the story with curiosity, empathy, and humor.We talk about:🔹 Why inclusion must go beyond race, gender, and identity🔹 The leadership habit that’s more effective than the “open door” policy🔹 How childlike curiosity builds better teams🔹 The role of therapy in staying grounded under pressure🔹 What to do after the bias shows upThis episode might just change how you show up—at work and in life.If this hits home, DM me on Instagram @leadwithlevity or LinkedIn  https://linkedin.com/in/leadwithconfidenceSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a textEver find yourself buried in work that technically isn’t even your job anymore? You know you should delegate, but somehow, it feels easier (or safer) to just do it yourself. Sound familiar?In this episode, we’re flipping the script on delegation. Because real leadership isn’t about doing everything—it’s about making sure everything gets done.We’ll cover: ✔ Why delegation feels so hard (and how to get over it) ✔ The #1 mindset shift that makes letting go easier ✔ How to ask the right questions before delegating ✔ What to do when your team is junior, stretched thin, or error-prone ✔ Why mistakes will happen—and why that’s actually a good thingIf you’re tired of being overwhelmed and ready to step into true leadership, this one’s for you.If this hits home, DM me on Instagram @leadwithlevity or LinkedIn @ https://linkedin.com/in/leadwithconfidenceSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a textWhat if the thing that brings you joy… is the thing you’re most afraid to try?In this special International Humor Month episode of the Lead with Levity Podcast, Dr. Heather Walker sits down with UK-based comedian Stea to talk about the courage it takes to chase joy—even when the odds (and audience) feel stacked against you.What’s in this episode:How Stea overcame self-doubt to step on stage for the first timeWhy your “weirdness” might be your greatest strengthAnd how to find your people by being yourselfSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a textIf you've ever played it safe during a job offer—or stayed silent when you knew you deserved more—this episode is your wake-up call. Dr. Heather Walker sits down with salary negotiation expert John Gates, founder of Salary Coach, to reveal the insider strategies companies use to save money... at your expense.With decades of recruiting experience and over 75,000 job offers under his belt, John shares how you can negotiate more money, more flexibility, and a bigger title—without risking your offer or your relationships. From navigating the application box that asks for your salary expectations, to the under-the-radar power of political sponsorship, John breaks it all down with precision and empathy.Whether you’re aiming for a raise, a new role, or a seat at the leadership table, this episode delivers the clarity and courage you need to stop playing small and start commanding what you’re truly worth.🎧 Listen in to learn:Why negotiation starts before you even applyHow to position yourself as the obvious choice (even in a saturated market)The exact moment to ask for a raise—and when it’s too lateHow to make yourself promotable without begging for itWhat most onboarding programs miss (and how to reverse-engineer your first-year success)Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a textWhat makes a high-performance team actually work? In this episode, Dr. Walker sits down with INSEAD professor and leadership expert Henrik Bresman, co-author of X-Teams and co-founder of xLEAD. Henrik shares what elite organizations like Microsoft and the Museum of Modern Art are doing differently—and how you can apply those lessons right now.Dr. Walker and Henrik talk about leading through uncertainty, breaking out of rigid team structures, and the uncomfortable truth about why some teams soar while others stall.If you've ever felt like you're carrying the weight of your team while secretly wondering if you're doing it right, this episode is for you.They cover:What high-performing teams do differentlyHow to lead when you’re the new face in a high-stakes environmentWays to encourage innovation without losing controlWhy most leadership advice misses the mark—and what to do insteadIf you're ready to lead with clarity and courage—without burning out—tune in now.Follow @leadwithlevity on Instagram for tools to level up your leadership game.Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a textGreg did everything right—or so he thought. After serving his country with honor, he returned home, took an entry-level job, and spent five years quietly showing up, working hard, and checking all the boxes. But no one was checking for him.If you’ve ever felt invisible at work—like your talent is being overlooked and your potential is stuck in neutral—this episode is for you.In this powerful episode, Dr. Heather Walker shares: -   A raw, emotional story of her own journey from invisible to influential -   The 3 myths that keep smart, capable people stuck in the shadows -   Why hard work alone will never get you noticed (and what will) -   A 4-part system that helps you get recognized, respected, and rewarded -   An inspiring reminder that you don’t have to play politics—you just need a planRemember: You are capable. You are worthy. You deserve to be seen.💡 Ready to invest in yourself? Learn more about my course here: https://bit.ly/leadwithlevitySupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a textIn the latest episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, Dr. Heather Walker sits down with Dr. Jenny Powers, a chemical engineer turned author, to discuss the pressures of high achievement and how to find true balance in life.The Myth of Having It AllDr. Powers shares her deeply personal journey of chasing success—first as an athlete, then as a scholar—only to realize that relentless striving often leads to burnout rather than fulfillment. Her story challenges the belief that we must “do it all” to be worthy.Key Takeaways from the Conversation:Achievement vs. Well-Being – Society glorifies overachievement, but constant striving can disconnect us from what truly matters.Recognizing the Disconnect – Many struggle because modern life ignores fundamental human needs like rest, social connection, and self-reflection.Small Steps to Change – Transformation isn’t about drastic leaps but making intentional choices that align with personal values.Building a Support System – Community, spirituality, and creative outlets—like writing—help redefine purpose and fulfillment.Redefining Success – True success isn’t about meeting external expectations but about creating a life that feels meaningful and sustainable.A New Path ForwardDr. Powers’ journey illustrates that stepping away from the traditional definition of success can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life. By weaving in self-care, creativity, and connection, anyone can break free from the high achiever’s trap.Want to hear more from Dr. Jenny Powers?Follow her work and explore her co-authored book, On the Origin of BeingInstagram: @ontheoriginofbeingTune into Lead with Levityfor this powerful conversation and start creating a life that truly aligns with you!Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!