Show Up as a Leader with Dr. Rosie Ward

Hosted by Dr. Rosie Ward

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303

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Show Up as a Leader helps you lead authentically, break barriers, and make a positive impact, no matter your role. Dr. Rosie Ward leverages experience, stories, books, ideas, and insights to help further our understanding of ourselves.

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August 27, 202653 min

Replay: The Missing Link in Organizational Change: Developing Middle Managers with Carajane Searcy Moore

When change is moving faster than your team can process, clarity becomes the leadership move that holds everything together. Rosie sits down with Carajane Searcy Moore, President and Partner of Big Hunt Sales, to unpack what it really means to step up and step in as a leader. Carajane shares how she was unexpectedly thrust into leadership after major personal and business challenges, and how that experience shaped her passion for helping leaders create clarity, alignment, and measurable expectations. Together, Rosie and Carajane explore why so many change efforts fail, the critical role of middle managers, how to "complain up" instead of down, and why vague leadership requests create confusion instead of accountability. From the black pen, red pen strategy to the reminder that "general requests create failure," this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for people-first leaders navigating growth, change, and the messy humanity of work. Additional Resources: Connect with Carajane on LinkedIn Get your copy of "Future-Proofing Leadership" Dr. Rosie Ward! Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn Learn more about Salveo Partners Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Clear expectations prevent confusion, frustration, and avoidable failure. Middle managers are the glue during organizational change. Everyone can lead by asking for needed clarity. Peer support makes lonely leadership roles more sustainable. Change succeeds when people feel included, not pushed.

August 18, 20263 min

Replay | Rosie in My Pocket: The 5 C's

Change gets a little less overwhelming when clarity leads the way. Rosie shares a simple, powerful framework for helping yourself and others navigate change with more alignment and less confusion: the Five C's. From painting a clear picture of what "done" looks like to explaining the bigger-picture impact, this tool helps leaders communicate expectations with care, confidence, and intention. Whether you're delegating a project, guiding your team through transition, or even working through something at home, the Five C's can help create clarity, reduce anxiety, and move people forward together. Additional Resources: Get your copy of "Future-Proofing Leadership" Dr. Rosie Ward! Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn Learn more about Salveo Partners Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Paint a clear picture before asking for change. Context helps people understand the bigger picture. Connective tissue reduces uncertainty during transitions. Cost clarifies time, effort, and resources needed. Consequence explains what is truly at stake.

August 11, 202636 min

Replay: Cultivating the Extraordinary Leader Within with David Gorsage

Leadership doesn't become extraordinary in one giant leap. It happens one honest, intentional step at a time. Rosie sits down with performance coach, leadership development expert, and speaker David Gorsage to unpack why "good to great" is no longer enough for today's leaders. David shares how extraordinary leadership starts from within, by clearing out the "head trash," closing the gap between who we want to be and how we actually show up, and strengthening the mindset that drives our behaviors. From structured journaling and self-candidness to practical questions that help teams unlock their unique gifts, this episode is packed with tangible tools for people-first leaders who want to create more human workplaces. Tune in for a powerful reminder that becoming extraordinary starts with the next step right in front of you. ✨ Additional Resources: Connect with David Gorsage on LinkedIn Get your copy of "Future-Proofing Leadership" Dr. Rosie Ward! Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn Learn more about Salveo Partners Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Extraordinary leadership begins with honest self-awareness. Mindset drives behavior, skills, and performance. "Head trash" blocks authentic leadership and impact. Leaders unlock teams by believing in people first. Small intentional steps create extraordinary transformation.

July 23, 202657 min

Replay: Mattering Is the Future of Leadership with Zach Mercurio

What if the key to transforming workplace culture isn't perks or programs, but one powerful, overlooked human need? Rosie sits down with Zach Mercurio, author of "The Power of Mattering" and one of Inc.'s top 50 leadership experts, to explore why mattering might just be the most important leadership skill of our time. Together, they unpack how feeling seen, valued, and essential isn't just a "nice-to-have," it's a basic human need that directly impacts engagement, trust, and performance. Zach gives insights on why intuition doesn't scale, how "soft" skills are now business-critical, and why the future of leadership depends on how we treat each other in the next interaction. From practical tools like the "Noticing Notebook" to powerful mindset shifts that rehumanize the workplace, this episode is packed with soul and strategy. Additional Resources: Get your copy of "Future-Proofing Leadership" Dr. Rosie Ward! Get Zach's book: "The Power of Mattering" Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Learn more about Zach's work Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn Learn more about Salveo Partners Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Mattering is distinct from belonging or recognition. Mattering happens in micro, everyday interactions. You can't program your way to engagement. Soft skills are essential leadership capabilities. Intention and presence matter more than perfection.

July 21, 20264 min

Replay | Rosie in My Pocket: Authenticity

Authenticity sounds simple, until we realize how often we hide behind intellect, certainty, and the need to prove we know enough. Rosie invites people-first leaders to rethink what it really means to bring your whole self to work. Drawing from the Leadership Circle Profile and Mike Robbins' equation for authenticity, Rosie explores how honesty without judgment, paired with vulnerability, can move us out of self-protection and into deeper connection. This is a powerful reminder that extraordinary leadership is not about having the perfect answer. It is about being seen, staying curious, and letting more of your sparkle shine. Additional Resources: Get your copy of "Future-Proofing Leadership" Dr. Rosie Ward! Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn Learn more about Salveo Partners Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Authenticity requires honesty without standing in judgment. Vulnerability creates deeper, more meaningful workplace connections. Protecting yourself can limit your leadership impact. Curiosity helps leaders move beyond reactive tendencies. Your whole self is your leadership advantage.

July 9, 202640 min

Replay: Driving Results with People-First Culture with Christine Dolliver

When culture becomes more than a poster on the wall, it can change everything from retention to revenue. Rosie sits down with Christine Dolliver to explore what happens when a construction company chooses to be both people-focused and results-focused. Christine shares how Dealers Wholesale is building a leadership culture where titles do not define influence, values guide real decisions, and frontline leaders are equipped to have the hard conversations that create trust. From 88% retention in an industry where turnover is often high to record-breaking revenue, this conversation proves that investing in people is not fluffy. It is strategic. If you are ready to build a workplace where people feel seen, leaders feel equipped, and growth does not come at the expense of humanity, this episode will challenge and inspire you. Additional Resources: Get your copy of "Future-Proofing Leadership" Dr. Rosie Ward! Connect with Christine on LinkedIn Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn Learn more about Salveo Partners Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Leadership is influence, not a title. People-focused cultures can still drive record results. Values must guide daily decisions and behaviors. Great retention starts with equipped, engaged leaders. Hard conversations are an act of care.

June 25, 202652 min

Replay: Leading with Heart at Global Scale with Brian Garish

What if the secret to scaling leadership across 70,000 people wasn't strategy, but staying human? Rosie catches up with Brian Garish, an unapologetically people-first leader who brings equal parts strategy, humility, and heart. From mopping floors at Walgreens at 16 to guiding global teams across 20+ countries, Brian shares real talk about staying grounded, leading with courage, and putting purpose over ego. They dive into the art of listening at scale, why leadership is about how you make people feel, and how culture isn't what's on the wall, it's what happens in the halls. Laughter, reflection, and practical gems unfold, highlighting what it means to lead more humanely, whether at the helm of a global organization or creating impact in everyday spaces. 🐾 Additional Resources: Get your copy of "Future-Proofing Leadership" Dr. Rosie Ward! Connect with Brian on LinkedIn Learn more about Mars Veterinary Health Follow Mars Veterinary Health on LinkedIn Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn Learn more about Salveo Partners Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Leadership is about how people feel, not what you do. Stay connected to frontline realities, not just strategy. Listening without follow-up erodes trust and culture. Values must be lived, not framed on the wall. Accountability and compassion can, and must, coexist.

June 16, 20264 min

Rosie in My Pocket: Not Being Above Development

The best leaders do not graduate from growth. Rosie invites leaders to rethink development, not as a sign that something is wrong, but as a powerful practice for becoming more of who they are meant to be. Just like elite athletes work with coaches and commit to intentional practice, people-first leaders need time to reflect, sharpen their skills, and break old patterns that no longer serve them. Rosie challenges the belief that experience, credentials, or seniority make anyone "above development." Instead, she reminds us that growth is possible at every age and every stage, and when we invest in our own development, we create space for more of our sparkle to shine. Additional Resources: Get your copy of "Future-Proofing Leadership" Dr. Rosie Ward! Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn Learn more about Salveo Partners Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Growth is a leadership responsibility, not a weakness. Development helps leaders break ineffective old habits. Elite leaders practice reflection with intention. No one is ever above personal growth. Investing in yourself strengthens how you lead.

June 11, 202647 min

Replay: How to Foster a Feedback Culture with Jennifer Loper

Being "nice" might keep the peace, but being kind can change someone's life. Rosie sits down with Jennifer Loper, President of C3, to unpack what it really means to practice "clear is kind" in leadership, relationships, and workplace culture. Jennifer shares a powerful personal story that shaped her understanding of truth with care, then brings it into the everyday realities of leading a feedback-rich organization. 💛 Together, Rosie and Jennifer explore why feedback is a gift, how leaders can model vulnerability, and what it looks like to build systems that hold culture accountable. From 90-day reviews to rethinking nontraditional talent paths, this conversation is full of practical wisdom for people-first leaders who want to create workplaces where humans can grow, contribute, and become better versions of themselves. Additional Resources: Get your copy of "Future-Proofing Leadership" Dr. Rosie Ward! Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn Learn more about C3 | Creative Consumer Concepts Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn Learn more about Salveo Partners Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Clear feedback is kinder than vague support. Kindness requires courage, risk, and real care. Feedback cultures must be modeled by leaders. Nontraditional paths can unlock exceptional talent. Relationships make truth with care possible.

June 2, 20264 min

Rosie in My Pocket: The Value of Self Awareness

The basics are only basic until we stop practicing them. Rosie invites people-first leaders to step away from the shiny-object chase and return to one of the most powerful leadership practices: self-awareness. Using the example of Kobe Bryant's commitment to daily fundamentals, Rosie reminds us that the skills we assume we have mastered are often the ones that need the most consistent attention. Rosie explores why self-awareness is essential for staying grounded, recognizing emotional hijacking, understanding our impact, and showing up with intention in a volatile world. This episode is a simple but powerful nudge to create space for reflection, ask for feedback, and strengthen the foundation that allows more of your sparkle to shine brightly. ✨ Additional Resources: Get your copy of "Future-Proofing Leadership" Dr. Rosie Ward! Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn Learn more about Salveo Partners Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Self-awareness is a foundational leadership skill. Shiny objects can distract from real growth. Basic practices require consistent repetition. Reflection helps leaders stay grounded and intentional. Feedback strengthens awareness, impact, and connection.