Lead With A Coaching Mindset Podcast

In this episode we explore how leaders create the conditions for high-performing sales teams. We talk with Susan Heiser, VP of Sales at MaryRuth Organics, about the habits that scaled a startup into a top retail brand: radical transparency from the top, empowering people to make decisions, and building a safe “try-and-learn” environment. Susan shares practical routines—brief daily check-ins, visible calendars, and public praise plus private correction—that keep teams aligned under pressure. She also describes how she turned a weakness (data fluency) into a strength by training and promoting from within, and why loyalty and willingness to learn often trump raw ability.Susan Heiser brings 20+ years in food & beverage sales leadership to the conversation. As VP of Sales at MRO MaryRuth, LLC, she’s driven brand growth, managed national sales teams, and built strategic retail programs. With a law degree from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Susan combines legal rigor with commercial savvy and a people-first approach. Her track record shows how coaching leaders can develop talent, retain employees, and turn setbacks into new opportunities.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

In this episode we explore ethical leadership—why integrity matters and how values-driven decisions build trust across teams and institutions. Donna-Marie Darlington-Dawes draws on 25+ years at the World Bank Group, IFC and the UN to show how ethical practice underpins coaching, inclusion, and organizational resilience. We discuss concrete actions—modeling behavior, creating safe spaces, speaking truth to power, and advancing DEI through forums like Women of Courage—that help leaders act with courage, restore credibility, and sustain engagement. We also highlight common pitfalls and practical next steps.Donna-Marie is a DEI and leadership expert with over 25 years across the World Bank Group, IFC and the United Nations. She has led signature programs: the World Bank Group Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Women of Color / Women of Courage forums, IFC’s Global Center of Excellence for Learning, induction redesign, and coaching programs for middle and senior managers. A PhD in Organizational Communication and Counseling Psychology, a certified executive coach and former instructor, she blends scholarship and hands-on program leadership to advance inclusive, values-based leadership globally.➤ 📘 Pre-order: Lead With a Coaching Mindset — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe: Please hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you won’t miss future episodes — and share it.

In this episode we explore coaching presence—how leaders show up, listen, and create space for others. We discuss practical habits that protect attention (phone-free meetings, intentional check-ins, short mindfulness exercises) and tactics for deeper listening: asking curious questions, sitting with silence, and centering the other person’s agenda. We examine trade-offs—time pressure, notifications, back-to-back Zooms—and offer simple remedies leaders can adopt to be more present and energize their teams.Bill Thompson is the President & Head of Growth at Young Storytellers. Bill led the organization through notable growth and sustainability as Executive Director (2008–2023) and now focuses on scaling impact. A Yale (MFA) and University of the Arts (BFA) graduate, Bill blends theater training with nonprofit leadership, emphasizing curiosity, collaboration, and listening as core leadership competencies. He’s a City Scholars fellow, Create CA Policy Council member, and recipient of awards for innovation and leadership development.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future

In this episode we explore how leaders at UNICEF adopt a coaching mindset to develop people and drive impact. We focus on career-centered learning, 360° feedback, and coaching that normalizes mistakes as learning opportunities. Elaine shares vivid examples—leaders who rotate drivers to build inclusion, reps who empower staff to decide, and managers who model humility and growth. We discuss practical tensions (time, emergencies, hybrid work) and concrete habits leaders use to coach under pressure: candid feedback, developmental conversations, and small, regular investments in staff growth.We host Elaine Lowe, Chief of Global Talent Development at UNICEF (Istanbul). Elaine holds a master’s from the London School of Economics and a BA from the University of the West Indies. She has led performance, career and leadership strategies across UNICEF and the FAO, centering career development in learning. Elaine is passionate about empowering diverse teams, role-modeling inclusive leadership, and building sustainable organizational capacity so leaders can do more with less while growing their people.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes.

In this episode, I explore cultivating trust as the bedrock of a coaching mindset. I define trust as believing in someone’s reliability, honesty, and integrity, then share why it’s essential before any coaching can happen. Referencing the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, I unpack four strategies—transparency, engagement, ethical conduct, and collaboration—to rebuild dwindling confidence in leadership. You hear how clear communication, involving people in decision‑making, and honoring commitments prevent groupthink and foster psychological safety. I discuss practical steps to listen deeply, share openly, and partner intentionally to show that you truly have your team’s best interests at heart.I’m honored to have Silvia Shin, RN, MSN/MPH, CNS, as my guest. As Director of Organizational Development and Training at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, she leads leadership programs, coaching services, and culture‑change initiatives for a diverse workforce. With over 20 years of service, Silvia blends her nursing background, professional coaching certification, and mindfulness teaching to facilitate group processes—from brainstorming to quality improvement. Her “people first” mantra drives every strategy she implements to build trust and sustain high‑performance teams.➤ 📘 Pre-order "Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential"http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more about my work: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned Hit “Subscribe” on the platform you’re listening on so you won’t miss future episodes!

In this episode, I dive into active listening—what it is, why it’s crucial, and how you can start practicing it today. We distinguish hearing (a physiological act) from listening (engaging both ears and eyes), explore linear versus nonlinear listening, and highlight context, values, and emotions that often lie beneath the words. You’ll learn three concrete steps to demonstrate understanding: summarizing, paraphrasing, and asking clarifying questions. Plus, I discuss how leaders can overcome common roadblocks—like thinking faster than we talk—by using tools such as internal summaries and the reverse‐summary technique.I’m joined by Master Certified Coach Patrick Donadio, who shares his IMPACT© Process and explains why a coaching mindset starts with intention and presence. Patrick Donadio is a communication strategist, Certified Speaking Professional (CSP™), and Master Certified Coach (MCC). He’s the author of Communicating with IMPACT©, a book and process that equips C-suite executives to craft clear messages, lead with purpose, and drive results. Patrick is one of the few professionals worldwide with the highest designations in both speaking and coaching. He delivers keynotes, training, and coaching that significantly boost engagement and business performance. His practical insights on active listening and strategic communication make him an ideal guide for leaders who want to elevate their impact.➤ 📘 Pre-order "Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential"http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more about my work: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned Hit “Subscribe” on the platform you’re listening on so you won’t miss future episodes!Learn More About Patrick: https://patrickdonadio.com/IMPACT overview: https://patrickdonadio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Communicating-with-IMPACT-Wheel.pdfActive Listening Article:  https://patrickdonadio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Communicating-IMPACT-Listen-to-Understand-1.pdf