What really happens in those moments when emotions take over at work?

In this episode of The Leader in You, we sit down with Karen Thrall, author of Don’t Lose Your Sh*t at Work, to explore the powerful patterns behind how we react under pressure—and why those reactions can either damage or deepen our relationships.

Karen shares her deeply personal journey—from being a successful executive who struggled with emotional outbursts to developing a transformative framework that has helped thousands of leaders navigate conflict more effectively.

We dive into her concept of “Nows” and “Laters”:

• Why some people feel the need to address conflict immediately
• Why others need time and space to process
• And how these differences often create cycles of misunderstanding, frustration, and disconnection

You’ll hear how:

• Emotional reactions are not flaws—but patterns shaped over time
• Triggers are signals, not problems to suppress
• What feels like “losing control” is often a move into survival mode
• Real leadership is not about avoiding emotion—but learning how to work with it

We also connect Karen’s work to emotional connection and explore how these moments of conflict can become opportunities for deeper understanding, trust, and repair.

This is an honest, relatable, and insightful conversation for anyone who has ever:

• Said something they regretted
• Stayed silent when they wanted to speak
• Or wondered, “Why do I react this way?”

Because the goal isn’t to choose between “now” or “later”…
It’s to learn how to stay connected—no matter what moment you’re in.

🔗 Connect with Karen Thrall:

• LinkedIn
• 🌐 https://KarenThrall.com
• 📱 @karenthrallinc

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 dynamics, and workplace...

What happens when you travel a million miles away from Earth… and discover what truly matters most?

In this deeply moving episode, we reflect on the emotional return of the Artemis II astronauts—and what their experience reveals about the human need for connection, trust, and belonging.

As the astronauts shared their journey, one message stood out above all: “We are bonded forever.” Their words weren’t just about space exploration—they were about something far more universal. The power of emotional connection.

Together, we explore:

• Why high-stakes teams depend on deep emotional bonds—not just skills
• How fear, risk, and uncertainty actually strengthen connection when we don’t face them alone
• What “secure attachment” looks like in action—even in the most extreme environments
• Why disconnection at work can feel like being “a million miles away” from each other
• How emotional safety unlocks clarity, resilience, and better decision-making

This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we go, what we truly long for is connection. And when we feel seen, supported, and valued—we can accomplish extraordinary things together.

Because at the end of the day…
It’s not just about the mission.
It’s about who we become—and who we’re connected to—along the way.

🎧 Listen now and rediscover what it means to be human, together.

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 dynamics, and workplace...

What if the most important leadership skill isn’t how you manage others—but how you manage yourself?

In this episode, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Niamh Hannan explore how the Emotional Connection (EmC) process can be used for self-development—helping you recognize when you’re triggered, understand your negative cycle, and shift out of reactive patterns that damage connection.

You’ll learn how to slow down, get curious about your emotions, and use the EmC Reconnection Form to become more grounded, present, and intentional—especially in high-stakes moments.

Because the way you show up with others starts with how you show up for yourself.

Your future self is shaped in the moments you choose awareness over protection—and connection over control.

Connect with Niamh Hannan on LinkedIn

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 dynamics, and workplace...

What if the very thing you’ve been taught to hide…
is actually your greatest strength?

For many men, emotions have been framed as something to control, suppress, or avoid—especially at work. Stay logical. Stay composed. Stay strong.
But underneath that message is something rarely acknowledged:

The pressure to disconnect—from your own experience, and from the people around you.

In this episode of The Leader in You, we open up an honest and necessary conversation about men and emotions in the workplace—not as a problem to fix, but as a pathway to stronger leadership, deeper connection, and real impact.

We explore:

• Why vulnerability has been misunderstood—and how it actually builds trust and respect
• What really happens when emotions are pushed down (and why they don’t stay there)
• The hidden cycle many men experience: holding it in, feeling alone, and then reacting in ways that don’t reflect who they truly are
• Why your nervous system is wired for connection—and why disconnection feels so intense
• How creating even a small moment of emotional safety can change everything in a conversation

You’ll hear real examples of what it looks like when someone moves from “I don’t do emotions” to feeling seen, heard, and understood—and how that shift transforms relationships at work.

This episode is not about becoming someone you’re not.
It’s about giving yourself permission to access something that’s already there.

Because vulnerability isn’t about losing control.
It’s about creating connection.

And in leadership—
connection is what changes everything.

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 dynamics, and workplace...

In this episode of The Leader in You, Polina and Dr. Lola Gershfeld explore the four moves of the Emotional Connection (EmC) process—a practical framework for guiding difficult conversations and repairing workplace relationships.

When conflict happens at work, leaders often try to solve the problem first. But real resolution only happens when people feel safe, understood, and connected.

Dr. Gershfeld explains how the four moves help leaders:

• Track interactional patterns during conflict
• Clarify and organize emotions driving reactions
• Facilitate bonding conversations between team members
• Create a corrective emotional experience that rebuilds trust

By slowing down the conversation and focusing on emotional signals, leaders can move teams out of reactive cycles and into connection, collaboration, and problem-solving.

If you want to transform conflict into stronger working relationships, this episode will show you how.

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 episode of The Leader in You, Polina and Dr. Lola Gershfeld welcome leadership consultant and author Aoife O’Brien to explore a powerful question facing many leaders today:

Is psychological safety enough — or do teams need something deeper to truly thrive?

Drawing from her book Thriving Talent, Aoife shares her insights from working with organizations struggling with burnout, disengagement, and misaligned workplace cultures. She explains why many leadership initiatives fail to create lasting change and how psychological safety plays a foundational role in building healthier teams.

Together, we explore the difference between psychological safety and emotional safety, how leaders unintentionally erode trust in everyday interactions, and what it takes to create workplaces where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and bring their full capabilities to their work.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why many workplaces struggle to retain and engage talent
• The hidden signs of low psychological safety in teams
• The leadership blind spots that quietly damage culture
• How leaders can create environments where people feel safe and challenged

If you’re a leader who wants to build stronger relationships, healthier team dynamics, and a workplace where people can truly thrive, this episode will give you powerful insights and practical inspiration.

Connect with Aoife O'Brien on LinkedIn

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 ...

What if the real breakthrough in leadership isn’t about strategy — but about learning to pause?

In this episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola and Polina welcome entrepreneur and leader Lisa Zimmer for an honest, vulnerable, and deeply practical conversation about emotional growth in leadership.

Lisa shares how learning the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — the foundation behind the EmC process — transformed not only her personal life after divorce, but also the way she leads her business, handles conflict, and navigates difficult conversations.

She opens up about:

• Moving from anger and reactivity to self-regulation
• Learning to pause instead of proving she’s right
• Letting go of the need to blame
• Holding two truths at the same time
• Repairing relationships — even when letting someone go
• Breaking the “cut and run” pattern in leadership
• Surrounding yourself with people who refill your emotional cup

One of the most powerful moments in the episode is Lisa’s story of terminating a personal assistant — not from anger, but from care. Instead of burning the bridge, she repaired the relationship first. The result? Growth on both sides, and a relationship preserved.

This episode is a masterclass in what emotionally connected leadership actually looks like in real life — messy, human, and deeply courageous.

If you’ve ever felt triggered at work, misunderstood, emotionally exhausted, or tempted to walk away from leadership altogether, this conversation will remind you:

You don’t need to react.
You don’t need to win.
You can pause.
And you can grow.

Because leadership isn’t about control.
It’s about connection.

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 ...

What if “just think positive” is actually keeping you stuck?

In this powerful and slightly controversial episode of The Leader in You, we unpack a viral positive-thinking challenge that promises life change in seven days — no complaining, no criticizing, only positivity.

Sounds inspiring… but does it really work?

Drawing on neuroscience, attachment science, and real workplace stories, Dr. Lola and Polina explore why positive thinking alone cannot override emotional triggers, relational disconnection, or negative cycles at work. When the amygdala is activated, and emotional safety is threatened, the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain responsible for clear, rational thinking — goes offline. And no amount of forced positivity can fix that.

You’ll discover:

• Why suppressing “negative” emotions actually shuts down positive ones too
• How emotional disconnection fuels workplace conflict
• Why avoiding complaints creates deeper relational fractures
• What the Negative Cycle looks like in teams
• A powerful 7-day challenge that replaces toxic positivity with emotional awareness

If you’ve ever tried to “stay positive” while feeling hurt, dismissed, or disconnected — this episode will resonate deeply.

Because real change doesn’t come from thinking differently.
It comes from connecting differently.

Listen in — and learn how to shift from forced positivity to secure, emotionally connected leadership.

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 ...