Simply Feedback

Hosted by LearningBridge

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The word "feedback" can spark fear in people. Often our instinct is to hide or defend ourselves, but how does that open your eyes to opportunities at the present or even possible blind spots keeping you from achieving your career aspirations? Each month, join Troy Blaser, LearningBridge’s long-time software developer, as he interviews guests who are industry leaders as they share their ideas on professional growth, best practices, and the feedback lessons they learned that shaped their career today.

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60 recent

June 18, 2026Episode 534 min

65. Headamentals: Taming the Inner Critique Monster - Suzy Burke, Ph.D.

In this episode of Simply Feedback , host Troy Blaser talks with Dr. Suzy Burke , executive coach, organizational psychologist, and co-author of Headamentals . Suzy explains how the most important feedback we receive often comes from our own self-talk and how those internal conversations influence confidence, decision-making, and leadership effectiveness. Suzy introduces the concept of the “Monster” —the inner critic that can hold us back when we face challenges or uncertainty. She shares practical strategies from Headamentals , including the 3C Method: Catch, Confront, and Change , to help leaders recognize negative thought patterns, challenge outdated beliefs, and build a more supportive inner voice. The discussion also explores how a leader’s mindset affects team culture. Suzy explains why self-talk “leaks” into our interactions with others and how leaders who manage their inner critic can create greater trust, psychological safety, and engagement. This episode offers actionable insights for anyone looking to grow as a leader and make better use of feedback—both from others and from themselves. 📌You can find Headamentals here . Check out the free Q&A videos that we have produced with tips to help you receive feedback graciously and act on it visibly at www.learningbridge.com/tips .

September 3, 2025Episode 436 min

64. What is the Leadership Continuum? - Cathleen Swody

This episode of Simply Feedback features an insightful conversation with Cathleen Swody , PhD, an executive coach and organizational psychologist. As the co-author of The Leadership Continuum , Cathleen shares her sharp insights from two decades of shaping leaders and teams that thrive. From a pivotal personal experience receiving feedback to practical strategies for managers, Cathleen discusses how to shift from reactive to intentional leadership. She introduces the core idea behind her book's framework, explaining why flexing your leadership style is essential in today's fast-paced environment. She also provides guidance on how to avoid common pitfalls, such as the temptation to go on autopilot, and how to use feedback to identify when your current approach isn't working. If you're a leader aiming to be more intentional, foster better team engagement, and create a culture where feedback drives success, this episode is filled with actionable advice and valuable perspectives. 📌 Find Cathleen's book here . Check out the free Q&A videos that we have produced with tips to help you receive feedback graciously and act on it visibly at www.learningbridge.com/tips .

March 12, 2025Episode 333 min

63. Growing Through What You're Going Through - Sonia Alvarez-Robinson

In this episode of Simply Feedback, we sit down with Dr. Sonia Alvarez-Robinson, Associate Vice President for Strategy and Organizational Effectiveness at Georgia Tech. With over 25 years of experience leading change across industries and teaching resilience at the university level, Sonia shares powerful insights on how leaders can use feedback to foster growth, adaptability, and resilience. From transformative personal experiences to practical leadership strategies, Sonia discusses how to navigate adversity, develop self-awareness, and create a culture where feedback leads to real change. She introduces her FIRST model for resilience, offers guidance on receiving and utilizing feedback effectively, and shares compelling stories from her career. If you're looking for ways to strengthen your resilience and lead with intention, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable advice. 📌 Learn more about Sonia’s work at WhatCouldYouBe.com . Check out the free Q&A videos that we have produced with tips to help you receive feedback graciously and act on it visibly at www.learningbridge.com/tips .

February 5, 2025Episode 243 min

62. Growth on Purpose - Claire Chandler

Are You Growing Your Business on Purpose—Or by Accident? Many leaders struggle to align their people, purpose, and processes for sustainable growth. In this episode of Simply Feedback , Claire Chandler, author of Growth on Purpose , reveals the four fundamental needs every employee has—and how fulfilling them fuels both engagement and business success. Claire shares the eye-opening feedback that changed her leadership approach, why trust accelerates performance, and how leaders can balance vulnerability with confidence. If you're ready to build a culture where people want to follow you, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in to learn how purposeful growth can transform your organization—without burning out your people. Claire Chandler is the author of Growth on Purpose and a seasoned expert in leadership and organizational growth. As the president and founder of T alent Boost , she helps businesses expand sustainably by aligning their purpose, people, and processes. With a focus on building strong leadership teams and high-performing cultures, Claire’s strategies have guided organizations to achieve impactful, long-term success. Check out the free Q&A videos that we have produced with tips to help you receive feedback graciously and act on it visibly at www.learningbridge.com/tips .

January 15, 2025Episode 133 min

61. Shaping Feedback Through Perspective - Lori Riznek

Lori Riznek is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. While being a favorite with students, she also has deep expertise in leadership development and organizational effectiveness and has dedicated her career to fostering leadership skills and enhancing team dynamics. As a consultant and executive coach, Lori helps organizations build strong feedback cultures and improve employee engagement. In today’s episode of Simply Feedback, I’m excited to learn from her decades of insights on leadership and high-performing teams in today’s evolving workplace. For more info regarding feedback and how you can develop yourself or your team, email contact@learningbridge.com. Brought to you by the LearningBridge Team Check out the free Q&A videos that we have produced with tips to help you receive feedback graciously and act on it visibly at www.learningbridge.com/tips .

December 4, 2024Episode 1248 min

60. What Could Go Right? - Emily and Erik Orton

Erik and Emily Orton, authors of “Seven at Sea” and co-founders of The Awesome Factory, share how they left their life in New York City to sail the world with their five children. They share how the question, “What could go right?” lead them to adopt a mindset focused on potential success and growth, rather than being held back by the fear of failure. On their journey, they embraced mentorship and practiced gratitude while navigating challenges together, strengthening their family and overcoming fears. Their story illustrates how being open to feedback, building leadership skills, and focusing on possibility can lead to personal and professional development. For more info regarding feedback and how you can develop yourself or your team, email contact@learningbridge.com. Brought to you by the LearningBridge Team Check out the free Q&A videos that we have produced with tips to help you receive feedback graciously and act on it visibly at www.learningbridge.com/tips .

November 6, 2024Episode 1139 min

59. Leading a Team of Mavericks - Sean Murray

Sean Murray, a leadership expert and author, delves into the crucial role of feedback in driving organizational growth. Drawing on the experiences of the 1984 U.S. men’s gold-winning volleyball team, he illustrates how trust and collaboration were cultivated through a challenging Outward Bound experience. Murray emphasizes that true leadership is about guiding teams to embrace challenges, fostering an environment where vulnerability and open communication thrive. The conversation highlights how such an approach not only builds resilient teams but also enhances their ability to collaborate and solve problems effectively. For more info regarding feedback and how you can develop yourself or your team, email contact@learningbridge.com. Brought to you by the LearningBridge Team Check out the free Q&A videos that we have produced with tips to help you receive feedback graciously and act on it visibly at www.learningbridge.com/tips .

October 2, 2024Episode 1030 min

58. Operate in Your Strengths - Yvonne Druyeh Dodd

Yvonne Druyeh Dood, a life and business coach, explains how she learned to “operate in your strengths” without sacrificing personal well-being or falling into the martyrdom mindset often associated with passionate work. She shares how feedback helped her recognize the importance of integrity and alignment in her pursuits. Her approach, which integrates business strategy with a holistic understanding of personal values and strengths, supports entrepreneurs in achieving both professional success and personal fulfillment. Through her Authentic Hustle workshops, she emphasizes finding balance, operating with ease, and achieving sustainability in work and life. For more info regarding feedback and how you can develop yourself or your team, email contact@learningbridge.com. Brought to you by the LearningBridge Team Check out the free Q&A videos that we have produced with tips to help you receive feedback graciously and act on it visibly at www.learningbridge.com/tips .

September 4, 2024Episode 937 min

57. Intentional Curiosity - Robert Avinger

Robert Avinger shares insights on the critical role of intentional curiosity when receiving feedback, even when it’s challenging or poorly delivered. He recounts personal stories that illustrate the impact of feedback on his career, both positive and negative, emphasizing the importance of how we respond to it. The conversation also touches on his experience developing a career conversations toolkit and his transition to running his own consulting firm, Avinger Consulting, which focuses on fostering strong relationships within organizations. For more info regarding feedback and how you can develop yourself or your team, email contact@learningbridge.com. Brought to you by the LearningBridge Team Check out the free Q&A videos that we have produced with tips to help you receive feedback graciously and act on it visibly at www.learningbridge.com/tips .

August 7, 2024Episode 827 min

56. Rising Together: A Path Forward - Sally Helgesen

Sally Helgesen, an expert on women’s leadership, discusses her book “How Women Rise” and effective strategies for women to rise in the workplace. Sally emphasizes how feedback should be based on recognizing strengths and provides insights into overcoming common habits that hinder women’s career advancement. She shares her observations on the evolution of workplace dynamics throughout her career. The conversation also highlights the importance of inclusive behaviors and how women can actively contribute to creating more inclusive work environments. Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace - Sally Helgesen For more info regarding feedback and how you can develop yourself or your team, email contact@learningbridge.com. Brought to you by the LearningBridge Team Check out the free Q&A videos that we have produced with tips to help you receive feedback graciously and act on it visibly at www.learningbridge.com/tips .