As the new year begins, many leaders set bold resolutions—yet struggle to create change that truly lasts. In this episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina explore one simple but powerful micro-habit that can fundamentally transform leadership: slowing down in moments of emotional intensity.

Rather than focusing on productivity hacks or self-improvement routines, this conversation dives into what really shapes leadership effectiveness—how we respond when emotions run high. Dr. Lola explains that most leadership breakdowns happen not because leaders lack intelligence or skill, but because they lose emotional balance in moments of stress, conflict, or urgency.

Using relatable metaphors from Argentine tango, yoga, and real-world leadership conversations, this episode shows how “slowing down” is not about doing less—it’s about holding your balance, staying emotionally present, and creating safety for others when it matters most.

Listeners will learn:

• What “slowing down” actually means in conversations with employees, colleagues, and teams
• How emotional reactivity and anxiety disrupt leadership balance
• Why the urge to fix, advise, or control often escalates conflict
• A set of simple, repeatable phrases leaders can use daily to create emotional safety
• How validation, reassurance, and presence unlock flexibility, trust, and collaboration

This micro-habit—pausing to acknowledge, validate, and emotionally tune in—helps leaders regulate themselves, de-escalate difficult interactions, and strengthen relationships over time. It’s a small shift with profound impact.

If you’re entering the new year wanting to lead with more clarity, confidence, and connection—this episode offers a grounded, human, and immediately usable starting point.

The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.

Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.

CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel

RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US

Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:

LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc

Connect with Polina Marian:

LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids

Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...

Some leadership frameworks are born in classrooms.
Others are born in suffering.

In this deeply personal episode of The Leader in You Podcast, Dr. Lola shares the story behind the Emotional Connection (EmC) process—a journey shaped by years of workplace conflict, disconnection, and emotional pain, and ultimately transformed into a path of healing, clarity, and hope.

Rather than offering another set of leadership tips or behavior-change techniques, this conversation explores what actually happens to us under pressure, why so many leadership and conflict-resolution programs fail when emotions run high, and how emotional connection became the missing piece.

In this intimate interview, you’ll hear:

• How prolonged workplace suffering led to the creation of the EmC process
• Why logic and skills break down during conflict and stress
• What attachment science and neuroscience reveal about leadership under pressure
• How emotional safety restores balance, trust, and performance
• Why anyone—not just those with formal authority—can bring light into a struggling team

This episode is especially meaningful for internal trainers, HR professionals, and L&D/O&D leaders who work with leaders and teams in distress and are searching for approaches that create lasting change—not just short-term relief.

This is a conversation about tragedy, resilience, and the quiet power of emotional connection to bring light back into our work, our relationships, and ourselves.

The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.

Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.

CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel

RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US

Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:

LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc

Connect with Polina Marian:

LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids

Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Merry Brown—a philosopher-turned-mediator, ombuds, facilitator, and host of Conflict Managed—to explore how her unique journey from academia to workplace conflict resolution is reshaping the way organizations think about tension, triggers, and team relationships.

Merry brings a calm, grounding presence and a rare ability to connect the intellectual world of philosophy with the emotional realities of human behavior at work. Her story offers a refreshing reminder: conflict is not a failure—it’s information. It’s a signal that something in the relationship needs care, clarity, and connection.

This episode is especially meaningful for internal trainers, HR professionals, L&D strategists, OD consultants, and people leaders who want to shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive relationship building.

Together, we explore:

• How philosophy prepared Merry to navigate the deeper “why” behind conflict
• What actually triggers emotional reactions at work—and why people get stuck
• How personal narratives, assumptions, and old patterns quietly shape team dynamics
• The difference between healthy conflict and toxic conflict
• Practical ways to help teams slow down, reflect, and interrupt negative cycles
• Why emotional safety—not policies—is the real foundation for performance
• How to guide people who are constantly triggered or overwhelmed
• What it looks like to co-create small, sustainable agreements that rebuild trust

Merry also gives us a preview of her new book on generational dynamics and how age-related narratives fuel misunderstanding at work. Her insights bring immediate value to anyone trying to build inclusive, emotionally intelligent teams.

If your role involves supporting people through difficult conversations—or teaching leaders how to handle conflict with confidence and compassion—this episode will give you practical tools and a renewed sense of hope.

A meaningful, energizing conversation for anyone committed to creating workplaces where people feel seen, valued, and connected.

Connect with Merry Brown on LinkedIn

Visit her website - 3pconflictrestorateion.com

The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.

Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.

CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel

RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US

Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:

LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc

Connect with Polina Marian:

LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids

Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...