Level the Field Leadership

Hosted by Rachel Gallardo, PhD

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Episodes

112

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Leadership isn't about a title—it's about influence. On this channel, I share practical leadership insights through short, 15–20 minute podcast episodes designed to help you grow your leadership skills and expand your impact. You'll also hear conversations with inspiring leaders who are passionate about developing others and making a difference. No matter your title, education, or position, you can lead. My goal is to equip and encourage you with principles you can apply right away to become a more effective leader in every area of life.

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60 recent

August 25, 2026Episode 11123 min

Episode 111: Did You React or Respond?

Think about the last time you received an unexpected email, difficult feedback, or bad news. Did you react—or did you respond? Leadership is tested most visibly during moments of uncertainty, conflict, and pressure. Teams often remember less about the problem itself and more about how their leader behaved in the moment. The quality of our leadership is often determined by the space we create between stimulus and action. Today I will explain both and give you an acronym you can use the next time you want to react. Check out my website ⁠⁠https://rachelgallardo.net⁠⁠ to review previous episodes, receive the newsletter, read my blog, or say hello. Follow me on social media: TikTok: @drg_ltfleadership Instagram: @level_the_field_leadership or @rachel_ltfleadership LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgallardo-phd/⁠⁠ YouTube: hthttps://www.youtube.com/@rachel_ltfleader Look for new episodes on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, wherever you listen to podcasts. Remember, being an effective leader is hard, but you don't have to do it alone. The tools we discuss on this podcast can help you level the challenges you face as a leader, no matter what season of leadership you are in. Music by ⁠Oleksii Striapchyi⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠

June 10, 2026Episode 11021 min

Episode 110: Your Energy, Your Leadership

Many leaders are taught to manage their time, but few are taught to manage their energy. In this episode, explore why understanding your natural rhythms, strengths, and peak performance times can help you lead more effectively, make better decisions, and avoid burnout. Listeners will learn practical strategies for aligning leadership responsibilities with their personal energy patterns to maximize impact and sustain long-term effectiveness. Check out my website ⁠⁠https://rachelgallardo.net⁠⁠ to review previous episodes, receive the newsletter, read my blog, or say hello. Follow me on social media: TikTok: @drg_ltfleadership Instagram: @level_the_field_leadership or @rachel_ltfleadership LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgallardo-phd/⁠⁠ YouTube: hthttps://www.youtube.com/@rachel_ltfleader Look for new episodes on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, wherever you listen to podcasts. Remember, being an effective leader is hard, but you don't have to do it alone. The tools we discuss on this podcast can help you level the challenges you face as a leader, no matter what season of leadership you are in. Music by ⁠Oleksii Striapchyi⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠

May 27, 2026Episode 10941 min

Episode 109: Building Trust and Taking Initiative with Glenn Poulos

Today’s guest is Glenn Poulos, a seasoned sales leader, author, and speaker with decades of experience in building high-performing sales teams and driving revenue growth. Glenn is best known for his practical, relationship-focused approach to sales, which he outlines in his book Never Sit in the Lobby. Throughout his career, he has helped organizations and professionals move beyond transactional selling to create meaningful, trust-based client relationships. His insights continue to influence leaders and sales professionals looking to elevate both their performance and their impact. To connect with Glenn: Personal website https://glennpoulos.com/ Company website https://progusa.net/ Book https://amzn.to/3whwPh3 Socials https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennpoulos/ https://www.facebook.com/glenn.poulos/ https://www.instagram.com/glenn.poulos/ https://twitter.com/GlennPoulos https://www.youtube.com/@glennpoulos ******* Check out my website ⁠⁠https://rachelgallardo.net⁠⁠ to review previous episodes, receive the newsletter, read my blog, or say hello. Follow me on social media: TikTok: @drg_ltfleadership Instagram: @level_the_field_leadership or @rachel_ltfleadership LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgallardo-phd/⁠⁠ YouTube: hthttps://www.youtube.com/@rachel_ltfleader Look for new episodes on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, wherever you listen to podcasts. Remember, being an effective leader is hard, but you don't have to do it alone. The tools we discuss on this podcast can help you level the challenges you face as a leader, no matter what season of leadership you are in.

May 12, 2026Episode 10828 min

Episode 108: All Together Now

This episode explores how five generations are working side-by-side — and great leadership has never mattered more. In this episode, we explore how to turn generational differences into strengths, build unity across ages, and lead with wisdom and vision. Check out my website ⁠⁠https://rachelgallardo.net⁠⁠ to review previous episodes, receive the newsletter, read my blog, or say hello. Follow me on social media: TikTok: @drg_ltfleadership Instagram: @level_the_field_leadership or @rachel_ltfleadership LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgallardo-phd/⁠⁠ YouTube: hthttps://www.youtube.com/@rachel_ltfleader Look for new episodes on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, wherever you listen to podcasts. Remember, being an effective leader is hard, but you don't have to do it alone. The tools we discuss on this podcast can help you level the challenges you face as a leader, no matter what season of leadership you are in. Music by ⁠Oleksii Striapchyi⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠

April 21, 2026Episode 10738 min

Episode 107: Turning Limitations Into Leadership with Mikael Avatar

Our guest is Mikael Avatar, a leadership coach, artist, and former Paralympic athlete whose life story is nothing short of remarkable. Born with cerebral palsy and given limited expectations early in life, Mikael refused to let those predictions define him. Instead, he went on to compete at the highest level of sport, setting a world record in the long jump at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta. Today, he works with leaders around the world, helping them discover clarity, purpose, and the power of small daily actions that create extraordinary change. Check out my website ⁠⁠https://rachelgallardo.net⁠⁠ to review previous episodes, receive the newsletter, read my blog, or say hello. Follow me on social media: TikTok: @drg_ltfleadership Instagram: @level_the_field_leadership or @rachel_ltfleadership LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgallardo-phd/⁠⁠ YouTube: hthttps://www.youtube.com/@rachel_ltfleader Look for new episodes on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, wherever you listen to podcasts. Remember, being an effective leader is hard, but you don't have to do it alone. The tools we discuss on this podcast can help you level the challenges you face as a leader, no matter what season of leadership you are in.

March 24, 202625 min

Episode 106: Quiet Wins

This episode explores how quiet wins—small, consistent, meaningful actions—strengthen leadership and improve workplace culture. Through research-backed insights, listeners will learn why subtle leadership behaviors often outperform loud, charismatic styles, especially in today’s fast-paced and emotionally demanding work environments. Check out my website ⁠⁠https://rachelgallardo.net⁠⁠ to review previous episodes, receive the newsletter, read my blog, or say hello. Follow me on social media: 🌟TikTok: @drg_ltfleadership 🌟Instagram: @level_the_field_leadership or @rachel_ltfleadership 🌟LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgallardo-phd/⁠⁠ 🌟YouTube: hthttps://www.youtube.com/@rachel_ltfleader Look for new episodes on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, wherever you listen to podcasts. Remember, being an effective leader is hard, but you don't have to do it alone. The tools we discuss on this podcast can help you level the challenges you face as a leader, no matter what season of leadership you are in. Music by ⁠Oleksii Striapchyi⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠

March 11, 2026Episode 10527 min

Episode 105: Is it Apathy or Something Else?

In an era of quiet quitting and shifting workplace dynamics, the greatest threat to a company isn't a lack of talent; it's a lack of care. Today, we will explore the intersection of leadership and professional apathy. We are going to seek to get to the root of the causes of indifference. Whether you're a leader struggling to re-engage a drifting team or a professional trying to reignite your own internal motor, I hope to provide you with the framework of "going through the motions" into true ownership and authentic purpose. ******* Check out my website ⁠⁠https://rachelgallardo.net⁠⁠ to review previous episodes, receive the newsletter, read my blog, or say hello. Follow me on social media: TikTok: @drg_ltfleadership Instagram: @level_the_field_leadership or @rachel_ltfleadership LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgallardo-phd/⁠⁠ YouTube: hthttps://www.youtube.com/@rachel_ltfleader Look for new episodes on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, wherever you listen to podcasts. Remember, being an effective leader is hard, but you don't have to do it alone. The tools we discuss on this podcast can help you level the challenges you face as a leader, no matter what season of leadership you are in. Music by ⁠Oleksii Striapchyi⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠

February 24, 2026Episode 10429 min

Episode 104: Trust Isn't Forged in Crisis - It's Tested

Crisis doesn’t create trust — it reveals it. In this episode, we’re talking about why trust isn’t forged in the storm… It’s tested there. If you’re a leader navigating pressure, burnout, or uncertainty, this conversation will challenge how you build culture before things fall apart. The next crisis is coming — what will it reveal about you? Let's get into it... Check out my website ⁠⁠https://rachelgallardo.net⁠⁠ to review previous episodes, receive the newsletter, read my blog, or say hello. Follow me on social media: TikTok: @drg_ltfleadership Instagram: @level_the_field_leadership or @rachel_ltfleadership LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgallardo-phd/⁠⁠ YouTube: hthttps://www.youtube.com/@rachel_ltfleader Look for new episodes on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, wherever you listen to podcasts. Remember, being an effective leader is hard, but you don't have to do it alone. The tools we discuss on this podcast can help you level the challenges you face as a leader, no matter what season of leadership you are in. Music by ⁠Oleksii Striapchyi⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠

February 10, 2026Episode 10321 min

Episode 103: Overcoming Fatigue with Self-Efficacy

Burnout has become a defining challenge for today’s leaders, often eroding not only energy and motivation but also confidence in one’s ability to lead effectively. In today's episode, I'll explore the concept of self-efficacy and its critical role in leadership during periods of sustained stress. By examining how burnout undermines self-efficacy, I'll show you why you may begin to doubt yourself, disengage from your teams, or overcompensate through overwork and control. Check out my website ⁠⁠https://rachelgallardo.net⁠⁠ to review previous episodes, receive the newsletter, read my blog, or say hello. Follow me on social media: TikTok: @drg_ltfleadership Instagram: @level_the_field_leadership or @rachel_ltfleadershipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgallardo-phd/⁠⁠ YouTube: hthttps://www.youtube.com/@rachel_ltfleader Look for new episodes on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, wherever you listen to podcasts. Remember, being an effective leader is hard, but you don't have to do it alone. The tools we discuss on this podcast can help you level the challenges you face as a leader, no matter what season of leadership you are in. Music by ⁠Oleksii Striapchyi⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠ #ltfleadership #workplaceculture #leadershipskills #leadershipcoach #iopsychology #iopsych #io #leadershippodcast #spotifypodcast #amazonpodcast #growthmindset #leadershiptip #bealeader #youarealeader #professorlife #writerswhospeak #103 #bobotheclown

January 27, 2026Episode 10220 min

Episode 102: The Power of Silence

Many leaders believe their role is to provide answers, direction, and clarity at all times. And while that’s often true, one of the most overlooked leadership skills is knowing when not to speak. Because when leaders speak too quickly or too often, they can unintentionally shut down ideas, discourage honesty, and limit ownership. On the other hand, when leaders remain silent at the right moment, they create space—for trust, creativity, and real engagement. In today’s episode, we’re talking about the power of pause. Why great leaders understand when their voice is necessary—and when their silence is far more impactful. ***************************** Check out my website ⁠https://rachelgallardo.net⁠ to review previous episodes, receive the newsletter, read my blog, or say hello. Follow me on social media: Instagram: @level_the_field_leadership X: @RG_LTFLeader LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgallardo-phd/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@rachel_ltfleader⁠ Look for new episodes on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, wherever you listen to podcasts. Remember, being an effective leader is hard, but you don't have to do it alone. The tools we discuss on this podcast can help you level the challenges you face as a leader, no matter what season of leadership you are in. Music by Oleksii Striapchyi from Pixabay