Summary:

In this deeply reflective solo episode, I explore the often-overlooked space between what was and what’s next—the transition gap. I share what it was like to leave a significant brand and spend three years in what I now call the “runway,” a season that felt quiet, disorienting, and deeply uncomfortable at times—but also essential to who I’ve become as a leader.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, release old identities, and trust the timing of your evolution. Instead of rushing toward the next title, business, or role, I talk about why honoring the gap matters, how joy can become a leadership compass, and what it really takes to prepare for a powerful takeoff. If you’re in a season of change and wondering when things will finally click—this conversation is for you.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

The Transition Gap Isn’t Failure—It’s a Runway

I reframe the space between leaving a known identity and stepping into what’s next as preparation, not lost time. The runway is where alignment happens.

Audience follow-up → Where are you pressuring yourself to “take off” before you’re ready?

The Brand Hangover Is Real

After leaving a big role or brand, I noticed how many habits, expectations, and validation loops I was still carrying. I call this the brand hangover—and it can quietly keep us stuck.

Audience follow-up → What titles, systems, or external validation are you still holding onto that no longer fit who you’re becoming?

Joy Is a Leadership Strategy, Not a Reward

I share why joy isn’t something we earn after success—it’s something we must cultivate during uncertainty to guide better decisions and healthier leadership.

Audience follow-up → What genuinely brings you joy right now—and are you letting it lead?

The Quiet Is Where Identity Gets Rebuilt

The gap is quieter. There’s less recognition and fewer external markers of success—but that silence helped me hear myself again.

Audience follow-up → How comfortable are you being unseen while you grow?

Momentum Comes After Release

Momentum didn’t come for me until I started shedding old patterns, timelines, and expectations that no longer served me. Preparation happens long before the lift-off.

Audience follow-up → What do you need to release before your next chapter can begin?

🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:

1. The “Runway” Metaphor – How I think about transition as preparation, not stagnation
2. Brand Hangover – The lingering identity and expectations after leaving a major role
3. My Three-Year Reset – A season of rebuilding, reflection, and recommitting to joy
4. Fire Horse Energy – A preview of what’s coming next: momentum, takeoff, and bold leadership
5. 
   

✨ Reflection Prompts:

1. What season of transition am I in right now?
2. What parts of my old identity feel heavy instead of helpful?
3. If I trusted my timing completely, what would change?
4. How could joy guide my leadership decisions this week?

Summary:

In this reflective and grounding solo episode, I invite you to pause and take a powerful year-end inventory—one that goes beyond goals, metrics, and checklists. Inspired by the symbolism of the Year of the Snake, I explore what it really means to shed what no longer fits: outdated habits, misaligned roles, relationships, and identities that quietly drain our energy.

As I look ahead to the action-driven fire energy of 2026, I share personal reflections from my own life—including divorce, career shifts, and the intentional pauses I had to take along the way. This episode is a reminder that transformation isn’t about rushing forward—it’s about creating space so we don’t carry old baggage into new chapters.

If you’re standing on the edge of a new season and want to enter it with clarity instead of chaos, this episode is for you.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Leadership Requires Inventory, Not Just Intention

I believe real growth begins when we take stock of what we’ve outgrown—not just what we want next.

Audience follow-up → What did you carry through 2025 that no longer serves who you’re becoming?

Shedding Creates Space for Alignment

Like the snake, I’ve learned that leaders must release old skins to grow. Letting go creates the energetic and emotional room needed for transformation.

Audience follow-up → Where are you holding on out of habit instead of alignment?

Pause Before the Pivot

I share how major life changes in my own journey required intentional reflection—so I didn’t bring unresolved patterns into new beginnings.

Audience follow-up → What do you need to process before you move forward?

Harness the Energy of What’s Coming

The fire energy of 2026 calls for focus, action, and passion—but only after we’ve cleared what’s outdated.

Audience follow-up → What deserves your full energy next year—and what doesn’t?

Reflection Is a Leadership Skill

I don’t see reflection as passive—I see it as preparation. Leaders who pause and look inward lead with more clarity, purpose, and power.

Audience follow-up → How often do you intentionally slow down to reflect as a leader?

🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:

1. The symbolism of the Year of the Snake and the power of shedding
2. The energetic shift into 2026 and its fire-driven leadership theme
3. My personal reflections on divorce, career transitions, and intentional pauses
4. The practice of taking a year-end leadership inventory
5. 
   

✨ Reflection Prompts:

1. What did you release in 2025—by choice or by force?
2. What space did that release create in your life or leadership?
3. How do you want to feel as you step into the next season?
4. What must stay behind so you can move forward lighter?
5. 
   

🧠 Who This Episode Is For:

1. Leaders navigating transition, endings, or new...

Summary:

In this heartfelt and joy-filled conversation, Lori sits down with longtime friend and leadership partner Christine Conroy to explore what it really means to lead with humanity. From Christine’s years at Coca-Cola to her current work at Grayston Bakery—home of the groundbreaking open hiring model—this episode is a powerful reflection on second chances, dignity at work, and leading with courage and compassion.

Together, Lori and Christine share personal stories about resilience, vulnerability, and building workplaces rooted in trust and purpose. As the holiday season approaches, they also reflect on gratitude, joy, and how leaders can stay grounded and hopeful—even in challenging seasons. This episode is a reminder that great leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence, empathy, and believing in people.

If you’re craving leadership that feels real, meaningful, and deeply human—this conversation is for you.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Second Chances Change Everything

Christine shares how Grayston Bakery’s open hiring policy removes barriers and gives people the opportunity to rebuild their lives through meaningful work.

Audience follow-up → Where in your leadership could you create space for someone’s fresh start?

Vulnerability Is a Leadership Strength

True connection comes from leaders who are willing to be real, honest, and human—not just polished and perfect.

Audience follow-up → What would shift if you led your team with a little more openness?

Empathy Builds Stronger Partnerships

From corporate boardrooms to social enterprises, Christine and Lori discuss how empathy and mutual respect create lasting, impactful relationships.

Audience follow-up → How well do you really know the people you work with—and what they’re carrying?

Purpose Makes Work Matter

Christine reflects on the deep fulfillment that comes from aligning values with work, and how purpose-driven leadership fuels resilience.

Audience follow-up → Does your work reflect what matters most to you right now?

Joy Is a Practice—Especially in Hard Seasons

As the holidays approach, the conversation turns to gratitude, perspective, and choosing joy even when life feels heavy.

Audience follow-up → What’s one small way you can protect your joy this season?

🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:

1. Grayston Bakery & Open Hiring Model – A pioneering approach to employment rooted in dignity and opportunity
2. Christine’s Leadership Journey – From Coca-Cola to purpose-driven work
3. Mentors and Meaningful Relationships – Lessons from leaders like Mike Rizzo
4. Personal Stories of Friendship, Loss, and Growth

✨ Reflection Prompts:

1. Where have you seen the power of a second chance—either given or received?
2. How do you balance results with compassion as a leader?
3. What helps you reconnect to joy when leadership feels heavy?

🧠 Who This Episode Is For:

1. Leaders who want to lead with heart, not just authority
2. Executives...