The Dr. Denise Simpson Podcast

Hosted by Denise Simpson

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Episodes

224

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Denise Simpson is a public academic and the founder of the Masters of Leadership Institute. She has a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies and is a social scientist, grounding this work in disciplined scholarship and lived wisdom. The practices offered on The Dr. Denise Simpson Podcast emerge from sustained study, contemplative formation, and decades of real-world leadership. This is work shaped by depth, integrity, and responsibility. Whether you're an executive, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, this podcast is for you to learn and grow. To learn more about Denise and her programs, visit www.drdenisesimpson.com or find her on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 18, 2026Episode 430 min

Leaders Heal First

Hey there! Join me for a monthly coaching session for people leading movements, teams, families, founders, non-profit leaders, and everyday leaders at every level. Click here to register. It's free. In this conversation, Dr. Denise Simpson discusses the importance of healing from pain without letting it become suffering. She emphasizes the need for coping strategies and support systems during difficult times, encouraging listeners to take charge of their healing journey and to seek professional help when necessary. Takeaways Healing prevents suffering Coping strategies are essential Chapters 00:00 Navigating Pain and Suffering 09:30 The Role of Support Systems 18:10 Empowering Leadership Through Healing Visit www.drdenisesimpson.com to learn how to work together.

October 11, 2026Episode 331 min

Leadership Made Simple

Hey there! Join me for a monthly coaching session for people leading movements, teams, families, founders, non-profit leaders, and everyday leaders at every level. Click here to register. It's free. In today's podcast conversation, Denise Simpson explores love as a central theme in leadership, emphasizing that love means paying attention and intentionally focusing on oneself and others. She argues that leadership is overcomplicated and advocates a simpler approach centered on three key variables: mindset, skills, and strategy, while encouraging listeners to draw wisdom from past experiences to strengthen their future leadership. Takeaways Love is attention Leadership can be simple Chapters 00:00 The Power of Love in Leadership 03:01 Mining Wisdom from the Past 06:05 Simplifying Leadership: A New Perspective 09:09 Understanding Burnout and Its Causes 11:52 Coping Strategies for Leaders 14:54 The Three Variables of Leadership Visit www.drdenisesimpson.com to learn how to work together.

October 5, 2026Episode 232 min

Humans Lead While AI Manages

Hey there! Join me for a monthly coaching session for people leading movements, teams, families, founders, non-profit leaders, and everyday leaders at every level. Click here to register. It's free. In today's podcast episode, Denise Simpson discusses the importance of distinguishing between management and leadership, emphasizing that while AI can manage tasks, true leadership requires human qualities such as vision, empathy, and critical thinking. She encourages leaders to use AI for operational tasks to improve effectiveness and focus on their leadership roles. Takeaways AI manages, humans lead Balance management and leadership Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Season Theme Introduction 02:53 Understanding Management vs Leadership 10:26 The Role of AI in Management 18:52 Leveraging AI for Leadership Effectiveness 27:55 Becoming a Linchpin in Your Organization Visit www.drdenisesimpson.com to learn how to work together.

September 30, 2026Episode 119 min

Prelude: Moving Forward Together

Hey there! Join me for a monthly coaching session for people leading movements, teams, families, founders, non-profit leaders, and everyday leaders at every level. Click here to register. It's free. In this prelude episode, Dr. Denise Simpson returns for Season 5 after a break to discuss leadership, personal growth, and lessons learned from past experiences. She emphasizes moving forward, mining the gold from past challenges, and embracing a new vision of leadership that prioritizes humanity and personal integrity. Takeaways Embrace past lessons Focus on forward movement Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and New Beginnings 02:48 Mining the Gold from the Past 06:07 Shifting Perspectives for Growth 08:54 A New Vision of Leadership 12:11 The Anchor Method: Descend and Ascend 16:00 Join the Community of Anchored Leaders Visit www.drdenisesimpson.com to learn how to work together.

December 1, 202521 min

Stop Ignoring Your Calling: The First Principle of Contemplative Leadership

🎥 WATCH VIDEO PODCAST HERE! Join The Sanctuary by clicking here. It's a sacred and peaceful refuge where you can anchor these spiritual principles in your life and leadership. In this episode, I explore the first principle of Contemplative Leadership: your divine assignment . I share what it is, how to recognize it, and why so many spiritually-rooted leaders feel misaligned when they ignore the calling placed on their lives. If you're craving clarity, purpose, and a leadership path that finally honors your soul, this conversation will guide you back to what you were truly meant to do.

October 27, 202524 min

The Mess That Made Me A Contemplative Leader

🎥 WATCH THE PODCAST VIDEO HERE! Join The Sanctuary by clicking here. It's a sacred and peaceful refuge where you can anchor these spiritual principles in your life and leadership. There was a time when I led from chaos, not clarity. I was ambitious, driven, and determined, but underneath the surface, I was messy, reactive, and unhealed. In this episode, I share the truth I used to hide: the mess that made me a contemplative leader. You’ll hear how my mistakes, trauma, and conditioning became the very material that shaped my purpose and my message. This is not a story of perfection; it’s a story of awakening. Join me as we explore how the rubble of our past becomes the foundation of spiritual leadership.

October 20, 202529 min

Why Facts Alone Fail Leaders

🎥 WATCH PODCAST VIDEO HERE! Join The Sanctuary by clicking here. It's a sacred and peaceful refuge where you can anchor these spiritual principles in your life and leadership. I’ve spent nearly 30 years studying leadership as a practitionar and researcher — and I’ve learned facts and data aren’t enough. In this episode, I share how contemplative leaders integrate facts and truth to lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose. You’ll learn how to anchor in stillness and lead from depth, not pressure.

August 18, 202528 min

The 5 Principles of The Universal Leader

🎥 WATCH PODCAST EPISODE HERE! Join The Sanctuary by clicking here. It's a sacred and peaceful refuge where you can anchor these spiritual principles in your life and leadership. In this episode, I’m sharing The 5 Principles of The Universal Leader —Divine Assignment, Sacred Responsibility, Expansive Vision, Embodied Presence, and Transformational Impact. These principles are the foundation of my Contemplative Leadership Style, a way of leading that is sacred, soulful, and deeply strategic. I created these principles after years of burnout, disconnection, and following toxic models of leadership that no longer serve us. If you’ve been searching for a new way to lead—one that honors both your soul and your responsibility to others—this episode will give you the framework to begin that journey.

July 14, 202531 min

Stillness as Strategy: The Most Overlooked Leadership Strategy (Until Now)

🎥 WATCH PODCAST EPISODE HERE! Join The Sanctuary by clicking here. It's a sacred and peaceful refuge where you can anchor these spiritual principles in your life and leadership. In this episode, I share why stillness is not just a personal practice but a powerful leadership strategy. As a contemplative leader navigating the emotional weight of recent events in Texas, I invite you into a sacred pause to explore how stillness can restore your clarity, renew your energy, and reconnect you to your divine leadership assignment. If you’re overwhelmed, frustrated, or burned out, this conversation will help you lead with greater purpose, presence, and impact.

June 30, 202521 min

Rituals That Realign: How Contemplative Leaders Reconnect With Purpose

🎥 WATCH PODCAST VIDEO HERE! Join The Sanctuary by clicking here. It's a sacred and peaceful refuge where you can anchor these spiritual principles in your life and leadership. In this episode, I’m sharing how sacred rituals can help you reconnect with your purpose and become a more intentional, impactful leader. These aren’t just habits — they’re spiritual practices that support your emotional clarity, alignment, and leadership growth. You’ll hear how I use voice journaling, walking meditations, and seasonal resets to stay grounded and aligned with my divine assignment.