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

Hosted by Kimberly J Benoit

Business Management Education

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 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

June 8, 202639 min

Workplace Incivility: The Real Cost of Rudeness and How Leaders Can Fix It with John O'Brien

Dr. John O'. Brien joins the show to discuss the real-world impact of rudeness and incivility in both the workplace and at home. Discover the science, strategies, and cultural influences behind everyday interactions.Defining incivility and its unintentional vs. intentional aspectsThe psychological and physical effects of rudeness on individuals and teamsHow virtual communication can fuel misunderstandings and negative reactionsThe role of culture, region, and generational factors in perceived rudenessPractical techniques for leaders and individuals to address and reduce incivilityLearn more about Dr. O'Brien:Today’s guest is Dr. John O’Brien, is a psychologist, professional speaker, executive coach, and author based in Portland, Maine. John’s work focuses on helping people and organizations bring more civility, calm, and compassion into everyday life. He is the author of “Rudeness Rehab: Reclaiming Civility in the Workplace and Your Home Space”, a book that blends humor, heart, and science to explore how we can stay grounded and kind—even when stress runs high. John’s engaging style and practical insights have made him a trusted voice on emotional well-being, communication, and personal resilience.Contact him here: https://linktr.ee/activatesuccessSave your seat today at the Power of Your People Leadership Summit! Support the showTo 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

May 31, 202617 min

Why How You Lead Matters More Than What You Decide

Every leader faces moments where they have to deliver hard news, make tough calls, or drive change their team didn't ask for. Most leaders focus all their energy on making the right decision. But here's what the best leaders understand — it's not the decision that defines your leadership. It's how you deliver it.In this episode, we explore why the how of leadership matters more than the what, and how the small everyday moments — how you respond to a mistake, how you run a meeting, how you give credit — quietly shape your team's trust, culture, and performance over time.Whether you're a seasoned executive or a first-time manager, this episode will challenge you to think differently about your leadership presence and give you practical ways to close the gap between the leader you intend to be and the one your team actually experiences.In this episode you'll learn:Why the right decision can still damage team trustThe four most common ways leaders get the how wrongWhat great leadership communication actually looks like in practiceA simple challenge to apply this week with your own teamSupport the showTo 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

May 18, 202617 min

Key Takeaways from the Power of Your People Summit

Missed some sessions? You can still grab a seat! Grab a Pass to the Power of Your People Summit!Get a behind-the-scenes look at the recent Power of Your People Leadership Summit and what it takes to pull off an event like this. Learn what real leadership lessons stuck with Kimberly Benoit and practical takeaways you can apply.What went into organizing the leadership summit and why the latest episode was delayedKey topics and powerful sessions from the summit, including financial wellness, feedback, and AIThe difference between knowing the right thing and actually doing it as a leaderReal-world challenges of asking for help and overcoming the overachiever mindsetUpcoming August summit details and how to access resources from past eventsSupport the showTo 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

May 3, 202626 min

Leadership Skills for Burnout, AI Disruption & Difficult Conversations | Power of Your People

Register for Power of Your People HERE: https://poyp26.kimberlyjbenoit.com/?sc=Lk4xlJo8&ac=HsMR77RgJoin Kimberly Benoit as she breaks down the upcoming Power of Your People Summit focused on practical leadership during uncertain times. Get the info you need to help your team thrive, not just survive.Key reasons leaders and teams are struggling right nowOverview of the Power of Your People Summit (May 12-14, 2026)Expert panels and sessions on topics like burnout, tough conversations, AI anxiety, and succession planningHow the Daily Huddle sessions foster peer learning and real supportDetails on free registration, all-access pass options, and who should attend#Leadership #TeamManagement #WorkplaceWellness #PeopleSummit #AIDisruptionSave your seat today at the Power of Your People Leadership Summit!Support the showTo 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

April 27, 202644 min

Why Employees Are Setting Boundaries and What Leaders Can Do About It

Register now for Susan's upcoming Power of Your People Session: https://poyp26.kimberlyjbenoit.com/?sc=Lk4xlJo8&ac=HsMR77RgExplore the realities of today’s workplace with Susan Bittner, Strategy Consultant, Talent Developer, Speaker, and Organizational Development expert, as we discuss employee engagement, the evolving job market, and why the “B+ employee” mindset matters more than ever. This episode cuts through the noise on quiet quitting, burnout, and what companies need to do to adapt.The impact of a tightening job market on employee engagement and succession planningWhy quiet quitting and burnout are on the rise—and what’s really fueling these trendsThe outdated expectations around loyalty, promotion, and the “grind culture”What the rise of the B+ employee means for organizations and workers alikePractical strategies for leaders to create healthier, more sustainable workplacesMore about Susan:Susan is a highly respected Strategy Consultant, Talent Developer, Speaker, and Organizational Development expert dedicated to helping leaders ignite their best selves. With over two decades of leadership experience in banking, healthcare, agriculture, technology, consulting, and publishing, she brings deep empathy and firsthand insight into the challenges and rewards of leadership. Whether working with clients one-on-one or crafting a strategy for a large organization, her style is always centered on each client’s needs, candid, compassionate, bold, and infused with humor.She has shaped end-to-end talent strategies for over 16,000 employees, led national action planning, engaged audiences from the stage, and directed the Talent Strategy and Executive Coaching division of a 21-location firm. Skilled in strengths-based coaching and several behavioral assessments including The Harrison Assessment, Myers-Briggs, DiSC, Clifton Strengths ™ and Leadership Circle™, she seamlessly integrates these tools to support meaningful growthWebsite:https://www.susanbittner.com/Save your seat today at the Power of Your People Leadership Summit! Support the showTo 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

April 19, 202622 min

Stay Conversations: How to Retain High Performers Before They Quit

Your high performers aren't telling you they're unhappy—until they hand in their resignation. By the time you're conducting an exit interview, it's too late. The solution? Stay interviews.In this episode, I break down the proactive conversation framework that helps 74% of companies prevent 75% of departures. You'll learn:The 5 core questions that uncover why people stay (and what might make them leave)How to create psychological safety so high performers tell you the truthWhat to do with the information once you get it—because listening without action destroys trustThe unique needs of high performers and how to address themWhen to have these conversations (and common timing mistakes to avoid)With only 28% of organizations conducting stay interviews, this is your competitive advantage. Stop losing your best people because you didn't ask the right questions at the right time.Support the showTo 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

April 5, 202649 min

Breaking Out of Firefighter Mode: Creating Thriving Environments in Leadership

Want more on People-First AI? Maximus Lih will be speaking at the Power of Your People Leadership Summit in May— FREE registration HERE.Leadership isn’t about putting out fires—it's about building systems that prevent them. In this episode, Maximus Lih shares practical strategies for moving from firefighter to fire chief so you can empower your people and scale your impact.The difference between hero (firefighter) vs. host (fire chief) mindsets in leadershipRecognizing when you’re stuck in problem-solving mode and how to shiftHow to effectively allocate your time between high performers and struggling team membersUsing agency instead of control to develop your team and yourselfPractical advice for leading through layoffs, change, and resource constraintsMore about Maximos Lih:Maximos Lih is an Executive Coach and founder of Emboldened LLC, where he helps small teams scale without losing their edge and leaders grow with purpose and trust. His leadership philosophy was shaped by his grandfather—a self-taught orphan who became a four-star general—who taught him that true greatness is measured by how you make people feel. After immigrating to the U.S. and graduating from UC Berkeley, Maximos joined Google, where he specialized in recruiting top engineering talent before moving to Google Ventures. There, he guided hundreds of founders through rapid growth, witnessing companies like Uber and Flatiron Health scale at remarkable speed. Today, he draws on those experiences to coach the next generation of leaders in building mission-driven, high-performing teams.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maximoslih/ #leadership #heromentality #firefightermindset #management #empowerment #agency #startupculture #GoogleVentures #HR #environment #highperformers #problemsolving #micromanagement #decisionmaking #performancemanagement #teamdynamics #controlvsagency #layoffs #resilience #AI #productivity #communication #rolemodels #boundaries #workculture #peoplefirst #leadershipsummitSave your seat today at the Power of Your People Leadership Summit! Support the showTo 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

March 22, 202625 min

The Feedback You're Not Getting (And Why That's a Problem)

In this episode, Kimberly tackles the challenge of receiving feedback as a leader and how it impacts trust and team culture. Learn actionable ways to ask for feedback, handle tough conversations, and turn input into real change.Why trust in leadership is dropping and why feedback mattersHow to create a safe environment for candid feedbackSpecific, actionable questions to ask your team for meaningful responsesTips on handling uncomfortable or negative feedback without getting defensiveSteps to act on feedback and rebuild trust within your teamReady to start getting real feedback and building stronger leadership? Tune in now!#leadership #feedback #trust #employeeSatisfaction #employeeTurnover #openCommunication #honestFeedback #selfReflection #safeEnvironment #actionableFeedback #teamBuilding #rapport #defensiveness #continuousImprovement #perception #takeAction #buildCulture #vulnerability #feedbackSystems #askQuestions #reflection #dialogue #followUpSave your seat today at the Power of Your People Leadership Summit!Support the showTo 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

March 15, 202634 min

Employee Engagement & Retention: How Compassionate HR Drives Results

To learn more about the Power of Your People Summit: https://poyp26.kimberlyjbenoit.com/Discover how compassionate HR and human connection can transform your workplace culture. In this episode, wellness expert Jillian Bernstein shares actionable strategies for building a people-first environment without breaking the bank.Why compassionate HR matters and how it’s different from traditional HR approachesSimple, no-cost ways leaders can make employees feel seen and valuedThe importance of psychological safety and human connection at workHow well-being programs support team loyalty and productivityTips for integrating micro-gratitude and recognition into your leadership routineJillian Bernstein Bio:Jillian Bernstein, CEO & Founder of The Wellness Extension, provides concierge HR services to small businesses who want to foster community and build connection among their colleagues. It takes effort to support your people and keep them engaged in the business, and that is where Jillian excels — creating systems and strategies that make this complex work manageable and effective. With over 20 years of experience in human resources and consulting, Jillian has hands-on expertise implementing every aspect of people operations, from benefits administration and compensation structure to talent management, all while maintaining focus on employee well-being and team engagement. She holds a BS in Economics from The George Washington University. Her mission is to help organizations grow, retain, and engage talent to achieve the ultimate trifecta: high retention rates, happy employees, and sustainable bottom-line growth. She has been on several podcasts, most recently interviewed for Better Having MetThem, was featured in BoldJourney magazine and has spoken at DisruptHR in Baltimore, MD.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellness_extension/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianbernstein/#wellness #workplaceculture #employeeengagement #compassionateHR #leadership #humanconnection #burnout #smallbusiness #teambuilding #mentalhealth #psychologicalsafety #gratitude #employeeretention #recognition #vulnerability #workplacewellbeing #remoteteams #companyculture #PowerOfYourPeopleSummit #TheWellnessExtensionSave your seat today at the Power of Your People Leadership Summit!Support the showTo 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

March 8, 2026Episode 815 min

Who Is the Right Leadership Partner? Meet Kimberly Benoit

Learn about the Leader Learning Lab (kimberlyjbenoit.com/lab)Learn about the upcoming Power of Your People Leadership Summit - May 12-14, 2026 (https://poyp26.kimberlyjbenoit.com/)Schedule a free consult to learn more about individual support (kimberlyjbenoit.com/consult)Curious about who Kimberly Benoit is and why she’s passionate about leadership development? In this episode, Kimberly shares her background, approach, and what you can expect if you work with her.Kimberly’s unique experience leading across healthcare, retail, criminal justice, and consultingWhy she rejects cookie-cutter solutions in favor of tailored, actionable supportHer commitment to both challenging and supporting leaders for real growthHow she makes leadership development accessible and community-drivenWho’s the right (and wrong) fit for working with her, and ways to get involved#LeadershipDevelopment, #Coaching, #LeaderLearningLab, #LeadershipSummit, #Accountability, #TeamChallenges, #PracticalTools, #Community, #ActionOverPerfection, #SelfImprovement, #LeadershipSupport, #Honesty, #Feedback, #LeadershipStrategies, #PersonalGrowth, #Transformation, #AccessibleTraining, #LeadershipResources, #LeaderCoaching, #LeadershipPodcastSupport the showTo learn more about Kimberly J Benoit or how you can work with her, check out her website, kimberlyjbenoit.com, or find her on LinkedIn.Support the showTo 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