Sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest difference. In this episode, I explore gratitude as a practical leadership tool and one that strengthens trust, motivation, and connection. Drawing on research from Robert Emmons, Sara Algoe, Adam Grant, Francesca Gino, and Fred Luthans, I share how noticing and naming what’s good can help leaders build cultures where people truly thrive.

Reference Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.2.377 Grant, A. M., & Gino, F. (2010). A little thanks goes a long way: Explaining why gratitude expressions motivate prosocial behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 98(6), 946–955. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0017935 Algoe, S. B. (2012). Find, remind, and bind: The functions of gratitude in everyday relationships. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 6(6), 455–469. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2012.00439.x Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.56.3.218 Luthans, F., Youssef, C. M., & Avolio, B. J. (2007). Psychological capital: Developing the human competitive edge. Oxford University Press.

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Big goals can energise us, but they can also drain us. In this episode, I explore how hope can turn ambition into momentum. Drawing on Charles Snyder’s Hope Theory and the Broaden-and-Build research by Barbara Fredrickson, I share how to set goals that inspire, not exhaust, and how small, intentional shifts can reignite belief and progress in your team.

Reference Snyder, C. R. (2002). Hope theory: Rainbows in the mind. Psychological Inquiry, 13(4), 249–275. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1304_01 Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.56.3.218

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What if the most powerful part of your leadership plan isn’t the strategy, but the language you use to share it? In this episode, I explore how optimism and clarity can transform the way teams think, feel, and act. You’ll learn how small shifts in language can expand possibility, strengthen connection, and set a hopeful tone for the year ahead.

Reference Seligman, M. E. P. (1998). Learned optimism: How to change your mind and your life. Pocket Books. Frederickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.56.3.218 Cameron, K. S. (2012). Positive leadership: Strategies for extraordinary performance. Berrett-Koehler.

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