We've All Done It: Leadership Development Tips for New & Struggling Leaders

Hosted by Kimberly J Benoit

Business Management Education

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Episodes

101

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Has a toxic person ever made your life hell at work?! Heck yea! But if we’ve all seen it - we’ve all done it, too! For a fresh and funny take on leadership, fulfillment, and engagement - join workplace toxicity expert and bestselling author, Kimberly J Benoit for the We’ve All Done It™ Podcast : Leadership Development Tips for New & Struggling Leaders . In this eye-opening series, get real about the role we each play in a toxic workplace and discover how we can kick toxic cultures from the inside out. With a judgment-free, humor-full perspective, Kimberly asks tough yet valuable questions of successful leaders from across industries and around the world. If you’ve ever struggled with an awful manager, dysfunctional situations, or challenging team dynamics, you’ll laugh and learn with each new episode of relatable stories, humbling moments, and actionable advice for better-navigating toxicity both at work and within ourselves.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 18, 202639 min

Authentic Leadership: Do You Talk in Buzzwords? | Alissar Kellow

Buy Alissar Kellow's book, Shape of Enough, here . Discover how leaders can unintentionally get authenticity wrong and why clear communication isn't always enough. Kimberly Benoit and Alissar Kellow share candid stories, practical tips, and insights from Alissar's book, "The Shape of Enough." Why jargon and job titles often create confusion in leadership communication Real-life stories about assumptions, misunderstandings, and acronyms gone wrong The importance of humility, repair, and checking for understanding as a leader How intuition and reading the room matter as much as clear language A fresh look at leadership, influence, and humanity from "The Shape of Enough" #authenticity, #leadership, #jargon, #communication, #humility, #feedback, #changemanagement, #influence, #selfawareness, #growth, #transparency, #teamdynamics, #reflection, #clarity, #bookdiscussion Schedule your FOCUS Session today : https://calendly.com/kimberlyjbenoit/focus-session Support the show To learn more about Kimberly J Benoit or how you can work with her, check out her website, kimberlyjbenoit.com, or find her on LinkedIn . ➡ NEXT STEPS 👋 Say hi on Instagram and and share your favorite takeaway from this episode in your stories. Be sure to tag @kimberlyjbenoit so I can say HI! 📖 Purchase a copy of We've All Done It: Getting Real About the Role We Each Play in a Toxic Workplace HERE ! 📆 Book a call to discuss how we can work together. 😍 Loving the show? Hit subscribe/follow so you don’t miss out on more podcasting tips. Have comments or questions about this episode, send them to podcast@kimberlyjbenoit.com. Special thanks to Esplanade Studios for mastering support & Melissa Argyle Designs. Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay #leadership #wevealldoneit #professionaldevelopment

September 27, 202620 min

Leadership Lessons From 100 Podcast Episodes: What I Got Wrong

Only 5 FREE sessions available . Offer expires October 30, 2026. Use coupon code 100WADI when scheduling. Grab your spot today ! https://calendly.com/kimberlyjbenoit/60-minute-coaching-session-special Once all 5 spots are booked, this link will be deactivated. Celebrating 100 WADI episodes, Kimberly Benoit gets real about the journey behind "We've All Done It." This episode is about what it actually takes to create, sustain, and grow a podcast—or any meaningful project. The hidden work and challenges behind every episode How AI has changed Kimberly Benoit’s content workflow Honest admissions about drifting from the show’s original purpose and course-correcting Why feedback—emails, charts, and messages—matters more than you think A special 100th episode giveaway: 5 free strategy sessions for listeners Support the show To learn more about Kimberly J Benoit or how you can work with her, check out her website, kimberlyjbenoit.com, or find her on LinkedIn . ➡ NEXT STEPS 👋 Say hi on Instagram and and share your favorite takeaway from this episode in your stories. Be sure to tag @kimberlyjbenoit so I can say HI! 📖 Purchase a copy of We've All Done It: Getting Real About the Role We Each Play in a Toxic Workplace HERE ! 📆 Book a call to discuss how we can work together. 😍 Loving the show? Hit subscribe/follow so you don’t miss out on more podcasting tips. Have comments or questions about this episode, send them to podcast@kimberlyjbenoit.com. Special thanks to Esplanade Studios for mastering support & Melissa Argyle Designs. Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay #leadership #wevealldoneit #professionaldevelopment

September 21, 202651 min

Closing Communication Gaps in the Workplace: Insights from Lee Caraher

Join Kimberly Benoit as she interviews communication strategist Lee Caraher about the real challenges leaders face around workplace communication. Discover the practical shifts that create better team dynamics, efficiency, and appreciation. Lee Caraher's personal story about a leadership communication blind spot and its impact The difference between appreciation and recognition in the workplace How assumptions and implied expectations cause misunderstandings across generations Practical strategies for clarifying expectations and closing communication gaps Actionable steps any leader can take to enhance team engagement and accountability Lee Caraher is a communication strategist, CEO of Double Forte, and author who helps leaders and teams talk to each other better so work doesn’t suck. With 25+ years advising organizations through change, growth, and conflict, she’s known for helping leaders deliver clear, honest messages that actually land. Lee is the author of Millennials & Management and The Boomerang Principle , and a sought-after speaker on leadership, communication, and workplace effectiveness. SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Website: https://leecaraher.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecaraher/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leecaraher/?hl=en #leadership, #communication, #appreciation, #feedback, #workplaceculture Schedule your FOCUS Session today : https://calendly.com/kimberlyjbenoit/focus-session Support the show To learn more about Kimberly J Benoit or how you can work with her, check out her website, kimberlyjbenoit.com, or find her on LinkedIn . ➡ NEXT STEPS 👋 Say hi on Instagram and and share your favorite takeaway from this episode in your stories. Be sure to tag @kimberlyjbenoit so I can say HI! 📖 Purchase a copy of We've All Done It: Getting Real About the Role We Each Play in a Toxic Workplace HERE ! 📆 Book a call to discuss how we can work together. 😍 Loving the show? Hit subscribe/follow so you don’t miss out on more podcasting tips. Have comments or questions about this episode, send them to podcast@kimberlyjbenoit.com. Special thanks to Esplanade Studios for mastering support & Melissa Argyle Designs. Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay #leadership #wevealldoneit #professionaldevelopment

September 6, 202615 min

How Leaders Get Resistance Wrong and Ways to Fix It Fast

Schedule time with Kimberly Benoit to talk about your resistance challenge: https://calendly.com/kimberlyjbenoit/30-minute-consult Struggling with resistance on your team? This episode breaks down how leaders can avoid common traps and handle challenging dynamics effectively. The dangers of making assumptions about team members before having conversations How assigning roles like "resistor" or "cheerleader" leads to self-fulfilling prophecies Why understanding the real reasons behind resistance is crucial for successful change The value of listening to critical feedback and leveraging it to improve plans Practical tools for stakeholder analysis to create better, reality-based strategies Support the show To learn more about Kimberly J Benoit or how you can work with her, check out her website, kimberlyjbenoit.com, or find her on LinkedIn . ➡ NEXT STEPS 👋 Say hi on Instagram and and share your favorite takeaway from this episode in your stories. Be sure to tag @kimberlyjbenoit so I can say HI! 📖 Purchase a copy of We've All Done It: Getting Real About the Role We Each Play in a Toxic Workplace HERE ! 📆 Book a call to discuss how we can work together. 😍 Loving the show? Hit subscribe/follow so you don’t miss out on more podcasting tips. Have comments or questions about this episode, send them to podcast@kimberlyjbenoit.com. Special thanks to Esplanade Studios for mastering support & Melissa Argyle Designs. Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay #leadership #wevealldoneit #professionaldevelopment

August 24, 202639 min

Workplace Conflict: When to Escalate and When to Seek Legal Help

Attorney Jesse Weinstein joins us to discuss workplace retaliation, discrimination, and the realities of addressing conflict at work. Learn how to respond strategically, protect yourself, and when it’s time to escalate issues. Jesse’s personal story about mishandling workplace conflict in the Navy and how it shaped his career The difference between being correct and being practical in workplace disputes How to determine when and how to escalate a workplace issue The importance of documentation and knowing your rights as an employee When to call a lawyer and what to expect when legal counsel gets involved To learn more about Jesse, visit: https://www.newyorkcitydiscriminationlawyer.com/our-team/jesse-s-weinstein/ Schedule your FOCUS Session today : https://calendly.com/kimberlyjbenoit/focus-session Support the show To learn more about Kimberly J Benoit or how you can work with her, check out her website, kimberlyjbenoit.com, or find her on LinkedIn . ➡ NEXT STEPS 👋 Say hi on Instagram and and share your favorite takeaway from this episode in your stories. Be sure to tag @kimberlyjbenoit so I can say HI! 📖 Purchase a copy of We've All Done It: Getting Real About the Role We Each Play in a Toxic Workplace HERE ! 📆 Book a call to discuss how we can work together. 😍 Loving the show? Hit subscribe/follow so you don’t miss out on more podcasting tips. Have comments or questions about this episode, send them to podcast@kimberlyjbenoit.com. Special thanks to Esplanade Studios for mastering support & Melissa Argyle Designs. Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay #leadership #wevealldoneit #professionaldevelopment

August 17, 202616 min

How Delegating Tasks Unlocks Leadership Potential and Boosts Team Growth

Schedule your free consult here: kimberlyjbenoit.com/consult Struggling to delegate even when you know you should? Kimberly J. Benoit gets real about the cost of doing everything yourself and how letting go leads to growth. The dangerous mindset of "just because I can, I should" Personal lessons learned from running a major leadership summit solo The shift that happened after finally hiring help Why delegation is essential for leaders and business owners How letting go creates room for growth for both you and your team Support the show To learn more about Kimberly J Benoit or how you can work with her, check out her website, kimberlyjbenoit.com, or find her on LinkedIn . ➡ NEXT STEPS 👋 Say hi on Instagram and and share your favorite takeaway from this episode in your stories. Be sure to tag @kimberlyjbenoit so I can say HI! 📖 Purchase a copy of We've All Done It: Getting Real About the Role We Each Play in a Toxic Workplace HERE ! 📆 Book a call to discuss how we can work together. 😍 Loving the show? Hit subscribe/follow so you don’t miss out on more podcasting tips. Have comments or questions about this episode, send them to podcast@kimberlyjbenoit.com. Special thanks to Esplanade Studios for mastering support & Melissa Argyle Designs. Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay #leadership #wevealldoneit #professionaldevelopment

August 2, 202612 min

How to Rebuild Team Trust When Plans Change

Register for Your Strategic Advantage : https://ysa26.kimberlyjbenoit.com Episode Description In this episode of We've All Done It , the conversation focused on the real challenges of leading through change and building organizational trust in times of uncertainty. Discover why team silence during strategic meetings may indicate disengagement or change fatigue, not agreement, and learn actionable leadership strategies for fostering team engagement and trust even when you don’t have all the answers 05:28. A key theme that emerged was the power of strategic transparency : authentically sharing what you know and admitting where there is uncertainty, which encourages teams to contribute their best ideas and effort 08:32. The discussion explored real-world advice for leaders facing frequent pivots, how to maintain credibility, and why vulnerability is crucial for authentic leadership in fast-changing environments. Plus, hear about the free Strategic Advantage Virtual Leadership Summit —a resource-packed event designed to help leaders navigate constant change , influence without authority, and plan effectively with incomplete information 10:10. Hashtags #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #OrganizationalTrust #StrategicTransparency #TeamEngagement #AuthenticLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #WorkplaceCulture #LeadThroughChange #WADI Support the show To learn more about Kimberly J Benoit or how you can work with her, check out her website, kimberlyjbenoit.com, or find her on LinkedIn . ➡ NEXT STEPS 👋 Say hi on Instagram and and share your favorite takeaway from this episode in your stories. Be sure to tag @kimberlyjbenoit so I can say HI! 📖 Purchase a copy of We've All Done It: Getting Real About the Role We Each Play in a Toxic Workplace HERE ! 📆 Book a call to discuss how we can work together. 😍 Loving the show? Hit subscribe/follow so you don’t miss out on more podcasting tips. Have comments or questions about this episode, send them to podcast@kimberlyjbenoit.com. Special thanks to Esplanade Studios for mastering support & Melissa Argyle Designs. Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay #leadership #wevealldoneit #professionaldevelopment

July 26, 202649 min

BEST OF: How to Adapt Your Communication Style for Greater Influence and Results

Struggling with workplace miscommunication? In this episode, Kimberly J. Benoit sits down with Elizabeth Bachman to break down why communication gaps happen and practical ways to bridge the divide. * The roots of communication breakdowns, including gender stereotypes and different thinking styles * The difference between single-focused (task-oriented) and multi-focused (relational) communication * How workplace culture and technology are shifting communication patterns * Actionable strategies to communicate more effectively with different styles * The power of concise storytelling and strategic messaging in getting your point across Make sure to connect with Elizabeth Bachman on LinkedIn or her website ! A little more about Elizabeth: Elizabeth Bachman is THE go-to person for advanced level training in Speaking, Presentation Skills, Sales and Leadership. With a lifetime spent perfecting the art of presenting, she helps high-level clients master a message that brings * the Funding they need, * the Allies they want & * the Recognition they deserve. A sought-after speaker and strategist in Silicon Valley, nationally and internationally, Elizabeth works with leaders and influencers who need to become concise and compelling presenters. She helps them present as smart, down-to-earth, loose, friendly—even funny—and still be taken seriously. Elizabeth is the host of the international podcast: Speakers Who Get Results, where she interviews experts on presentation skills, leadership, visibility, and cross-cultural communication. Having spent over 30 years directing such luminaries as Luciano Pavarotti & Placido Domingo in more than 50 operas around the world, Elizabeth brings a wealth of tools to help business professionals become respected presenters. Fluent in 5 languages, she brings her global experience to her clients. #CommunicationStyles #WorkplaceCommunication #SingleFocused #MultiFocused #GenderDifferences #CorporateCulture #Creativity #Storytelling #StrategicCommunication #Leadership #ProjectManagement #RelationalThinkers #TaskOriented #WorkplaceDiversity #PresentationSkills #BulletPoints #TeamDynamics #BusinessCommunication #Stress #EffectiveMeetings #CareerAdvancement Schedule your FOCUS Session today : https://calendly.com/kimberlyjbenoit/focus-session Support the show To learn more about Kimberly J Benoit or how you can work with her, check out her website, kimberlyjbenoit.com, or find her on LinkedIn . ➡ NEXT STEPS 👋 Say hi on Instagram and and share your favorite takeaway from this episode in your stories. Be sure to tag @kimberlyjbenoit so I can say HI! 📖 Purchase a copy of We've All Done It: Getting Real About the Role We Each Play in a Toxic Workplace HERE ! 📆 Book a call to discuss how we can work together. 😍 Loving the show? Hit subscribe/follow so you don’t miss out on more podcasting tips. Have comments or questions about this episode, send them to podcast@kimberlyjbenoit.com. Special thanks to Esplanade Studios for mastering support & Melissa Argyle Designs. Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay #leadership #wevealldoneit #professionaldevelopment

July 19, 2026Episode 935 min

BEST OF: Cultivating an Empowered Mindset featuring Heather Wiser Soubra

In this episode, Kimberly & Heather Wiser Soubra, of Wiser Way Coaching , talk about what it takes to show up as your best self. Topics include: Wisdom comes from within Listening to your intuition leads to you showing up as your most confident self The importance of believing in yourself What If/Then thinking does to your confidence. The power of changing the channel in your mind A wonder conversation about being confident & kind to oneself in order to show up for others. #leadership #mindset #believeinyourself Learn more about Heather: Heather Wiser Soubra, ACC Founder and CEO, Wiser Way Coaching Heather Wiser Soubra is the Founder and CEO of Wiser Way Coaching, a professional coaching practice that empowers executives and teams who want to develop and elevate their leadership skills, cultivate workplaces where people thrive, and create their own paths for achievement while actively building team unity and open communication. Wiser Way Coaching collaborates with leaders and teams to discover how individual strengths come together to enhance leadership capacity and effectiveness. Heather’s role as Chief of Staff, Strategist, and Consultant for the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) provided her experience overseeing and facilitating complex systems, human development, collaboration and inclusiveness across the organization to achieve strategic goals. Most recently, she joined the faculty at the George Washington Leadership Institute at Mount Vernon to facilitate leadership trainings and lead strategic planning sessions for government agencies, trade associations, and emerging leaders. Heather conceptualized, implemented, and led the IDFA People Strategy . She created a suite of programs focused on leadership and the cultivation of organizational well-being, as well as on building the workforce and organizations for the future. A graduate of George Mason University, Heather earned her degree in intercultural communication and received her certificate in coaching from George Mason University’s Institute for Leadership Excellence. She received her ACC coaching credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. Where to find her: Website: www.WiserWayCoaching.com Email: heather@wiserwaycoaching.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/heathersoubra Instagram: @heatherwisersoubra Schedule your FOCUS Session today : https://calendly.com/kimberlyjbenoit/focus-session Support the show To learn more about Kimberly J Benoit or how you can work with her, check out her website, kimberlyjbenoit.com, or find her on LinkedIn . ➡ NEXT STEPS 👋 Say hi on Instagram and and share your favorite takeaway from this episode in your stories. Be sure to tag @kimberlyjbenoit so I can say HI! 📖 Purchase a copy of We've All Done It: Getting Real About the Role We Each Play in a Toxic Workplace HERE ! 📆 Book a call to discuss how we can work together. 😍 Loving the show? Hit subscribe/follow so you don’t miss out on more podcasting tips. Have comments or questions about this episode, send them to podcast@kimberlyjbenoit.com. Special thanks to Esplanade Studios for mastering support & Melissa Argyle Designs. Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay #leadership #wevealldoneit #professionaldevelopment

July 12, 2026Episode 551 min

BEST OF: Transitioning from Peer to Leader: Best Tips for Leading Friends

In latest episode of We've All Done It podcast , Transitioning from Peer to Leader: Best Tips for Leading Friends, Kimberly is joined by Erin Dallas and Jerry Benoit to discuss the what happens when your friend becomes your boss or when you are now the boss. News alert! Everything has changed and can get complicated if you don't realize that. Don't worry! We got you covered for what to do, what not to do and how to survive this transition! Together, we break down the following: What leaders get wrong in this kind of transition How to set good boundaries The importance of consistent accountability & documentation What about social media? Simple steps to make this a successful transition Make sure to learn more about Erin Dallas here and Jerry Benoit here . #wevealldoneit #getunstucknow #unlockyourgreatness #toxicleadership #createyourownpath #leadersmindset #takingaction #youareyouronlylimit #tipsforsuccess #personalgrowthtips #professionalgrowth #striveforsuccess #taketherisk #courageovercomfort #personalgrowthanddevelopment #stepoutofyourcomfortzone #overcomeobstacles #getoutofyourownway #taketheleap #thinkbigger #beyourbestyou #leadershipcoaching #takeachance #improveyourself #youarepowerful #leadershipquotes #empoweryourself #mindsetiskey Schedule your FOCUS Session today : https://calendly.com/kimberlyjbenoit/focus-session Support the show To learn more about Kimberly J Benoit or how you can work with her, check out her website, kimberlyjbenoit.com, or find her on LinkedIn . ➡ NEXT STEPS 👋 Say hi on Instagram and and share your favorite takeaway from this episode in your stories. Be sure to tag @kimberlyjbenoit so I can say HI! 📖 Purchase a copy of We've All Done It: Getting Real About the Role We Each Play in a Toxic Workplace HERE ! 📆 Book a call to discuss how we can work together. 😍 Loving the show? Hit subscribe/follow so you don’t miss out on more podcasting tips. Have comments or questions about this episode, send them to podcast@kimberlyjbenoit.com. Special thanks to Esplanade Studios for mastering support & Melissa Argyle Designs. Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay #leadership #wevealldoneit #professionaldevelopment