Leaderful

In this episode of The Leaderful Podcast, we sit down with Janet Livingstone, an Internal Family Systems-informed coach and facilitator with global experience helping leaders develop emotional intelligence, navigate complexity, and unlock deeper self-awareness. Drawing on her work across cultures and industries (from Central Europe to Asia), Janet shares a rich perspective on how leadership is shaped by context, identity, and the unseen inner dynamics we all carry. This conversation moves beyond surface-level leadership advice and into the inner world of leaders: the parts of ourselves that drive behaviour, the emotions we avoid, and the patterns that quietly shape our teams. Together, we explore how developing emotional intelligence isn’t a solo pursuit, but a collective, relational practice - and how leaders can create the conditions for more honest, human, and effective collaboration. In this episode, we explore: Why emotional intelligence is a foundational (and learnable) leadership skill How Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help leaders understand their inner “parts” and patterns The impact of culture and history on leadership styles and assumptions Why self-awareness is a team sport, not an individual exercise How leaders can shift from “expert” to facilitator to unlock team intelligence Creative approaches to team development, including role play, somatic awareness, and even music If you’re a leader navigating complexity, culture, or change - and are ready to look inward as a path to leading outward more effectively - this episode offers both practical insight and a powerful reframe of what leadership really requires. Learn more about The Co. → a leadership development opportunity for impact-conscious and power-curious leaders.

In this episode of The Leaderful Podcast, we sit down with Nic Etheridge Calder, founder of Invoke Coaching, to explore how leaders can design and facilitate meetings that actually move the needle. Drawing on years of experience in leadership development and team facilitation, Nic brings a practical and human-centred lens to one of the most overlooked aspects of organizational life: meetings. Together, we unpack the “6 P’s of High-Impact Meetings” - a simple but powerful framework for transforming meetings from routine, mediocre time-fillers into intentional, engaging, and outcome-driven spaces. This conversation goes beyond agendas and logistics, diving into the deeper dynamics that shape how teams gather, make decisions, and collaborate. In this episode, we explore: Why most meetings fail (and how lack of clarity around purpose quietly derails outcomes) How to rethink inclusion and ensure the right people (not just more people) are in the room The hidden influence of power dynamics - and how they shape who speaks, who stays silent, and what decisions get made Why facilitation is a critical leadership skill, not an optional add-on How presence, energy, and pace can make or break a meeting’s effectiveness Practical ways to redesign your meetings so they lead to real clarity, ownership, and action If you’ve ever left a meeting wondering what was accomplished - or sensed that your team is capable of more than what shows up in the room - this episode offers a clear, actionable framework to rethink how you gather and lead. Learn more about The Co. -> a leadership development opportunity for impact-conscious and power-curious leaders.

In this episode of The Leaderful Podcast, we sit down with Mike Derricott, a seasoned municipal executive and former Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Cochrane, to explore the realities of leading complex public-serving organizations. Drawing on his experience guiding rapidly growing municipalities, Mike shares candid insights about leadership under pressure - where competing stakeholder expectations, rapid growth, and public accountability collide. From navigating the tension between collaboration and decisiveness to building cultures of accountability in human-centred organizations, this conversation explores what it really takes to lead when the work is messy, political, and deeply consequential. Together, we unpack the subtle dynamics that shape leadership teams: the discomfort of using power responsibly, the risks of consensus-driven decision-making, and the importance of creating clear expectations for behaviour and performance. This conversation moves beyond leadership theory and into the practical realities of building mature, high-performing teams in complex systems. In this episode, we explore: Why consensus-based decision making can quietly erode accountability The hidden risks of prioritizing process over outcomes in public organizations How leaders can balance collaboration with decisive action Why effective teams must develop a tolerance for “messiness” and discomfort The difference between welcoming people and accepting all behaviours Why accountability is one of the greatest forms of respect a leader can offer If you lead in government, nonprofits, or any mission-driven organization, this episode offers grounded wisdom about building cultures that are both human-centred and high-performing. Learn more about The Co. → a leadership development community for impact-conscious and power-curious leaders.

In this episode of The Leaderful Podcast, we’re joined by Virginia Hervey and Denise Manderson, longtime leaders at Hull Services, for a grounded conversation about trauma-informed leadership, sector capacity, and leading in complex human systems. Virginia and Denise share Hull’s evolution from a primarily campus-based care model to a broad continuum focused on early intervention, prevention, and building resilience within families, communities, and systems. Rather than positioning Hull as the answer to every challenge, they articulate a clear commitment to building capacity across the sector, so fewer families require intensive interventions. The conversation also explores Hull’s leadership and culture work with The Ally Co., which began as a search for leadership training and quickly became something deeper. They reflect on the importance of slowing down, co-creating leadership development that truly fits the organization, and having honest conversations about power, intention, and impact. Shared language, reflective practice, and relationship-centred leadership emerge as critical levers for culture change. Zooming out, the episode tackles persistent nonprofit sector challenges - burnout, retention, system overload, and competing demands - and offers a hopeful, practical case for more intentional, collaborative, and power-conscious leadership. This episode is a must-listen for leaders working in trauma-exposed, mission-driven environments who want their leadership to reflect the care, dignity, and outcomes they’re striving to create. 🔍 Also covered in this episode: Translating evidence-based and clinical models into everyday practice Why intention vs. impact is a core leadership skill How shared language shapes culture and accountability The role of leadership development in reducing burnout and supporting retention Why early intervention and prevention matter for long-term impact Learn more about The Co. -> a leadership development opportunity for impact-conscious and power-curious leaders.

In this episode of the Leaderful Podcast, Pablo is joined by leadership coach and fractional COO Tina Mathas. Together, they unpack the deeply human side of startup scaling—from control and ego to purpose, burnout, and how hard it is to let go of your “business baby.” Drawing on decades of combined experience, Tina and Pablo explore what keeps founders from scaling effectively, and why bringing in a fractional COO can be a game-changer. You'll hear real stories of founders hitting their limits, the importance of reconnecting to values, and why “being nice” can sometimes be a leadership liability. They also share how fractional roles—when done right—can bring clarity, structure, and renewed focus to growing teams, and how trusted advisors can serve as the mirror founders often need to move forward. 🔍 Also covered in this episode: What ego and fear have to do with founder burnout The value of trusted advisors vs. tactical consultants How misaligned values create friction—and how to fix it What it really means to “fall back in love” with your business The difference between people-pleasing and service-oriented leadership Signs it might be time to bring in a fractional COO Whether you’re running a fast-growing startup or supporting one from the inside, this episode is filled with hard truths and compassionate strategies to help you grow—without losing yourself along the way. Learn more about The Co. → a leadership development opportunity for impact-conscious and power-curious leaders.

In this episode, Jeff Couillard and Pablo Romero dive into The Ally Co.’s Leadership Impact 360°s, powerful experiences designed to support both professional and personal development through a combination of useful feedback, meaningful review, and focused action. They discuss some of the reasons people struggle to request and receive meaningful feedback through typical performance review processes and present an opportunity to approach this important growth process differently. Along the way, Pablo and Jeff take us through TACO’s Leadership Impact 360° client journey, exploring how intentional design and facilitation can help participants: Engage in feedback discussions that (truly) help Identify alignments and gaps that currently exist in different relationships Focus in on what’s most important to them Take action to make measurable progress Deepen connection and trust in their relationships The Leaderful Podcast explores the use of power within teams and organizations, through the stories and perspectives of impact-conscious leaders who are disrupting outdated thinking, systems, and ways of working. Have an idea for other topics you think we should be exploring? We’d love to hear it! Here’s where you can find us: Website Email LinkedIn

Tammy Arseneau is a consultant and coach who takes a science-based, systems-level approach to help leaders at all levels get to the root of common workplace challenges and build resiliency. In this episode, she joins Co.CEOs Jeff and Pablo to discuss: Why change can be so hard for individuals, teams and organizations. What leaders can do differently to operationalize their leadership and their power. How neuroscience can help us build capacity for engaging in crucial conversations that lead to better outcomes. Also mentioned in this episode: Impact assessments (our version of true 360° feedback reviews) Trusted advising Find Tammy on LinkedIn and learn more about Cortical Consulting and Coaching The Leaderful Podcast explores human-centred, systems-conscious approaches to leadership and building high-functioning teams. We focus on the core problems of burnout, disconnection, conflict, misuses of power, unethical leadership and stuckness on teams and within organizations. Got an idea for other topics you think we should be exploring? We’d love to hear it! Here’s where you can find us: Website Email LinkedIn

In this episode of The Leaderful Podcast, we reflect on the last three years of The Ally Co.'s purpose and mission to create 'leaderful' teams. 🤔 What does being 'leaderful' mean and what have we been observing (and learning)? A few insights from our conversation about creating 'leaderfulness' on teams: 🧭 Foundational Alignment -- Leaderful teams are foundationally aligned on the impact (goals, outcomes, objectives) they are seeking to accomplish as a collective, and how their core values are expected to be operationalized through key decisions, actions, and behaviours. 🌟 Power & Communication -- Leaderful teams are aware of the power dynamics and systemic forces at play for them, and therefore regularly create space for engaging in deep listening, meaningful dialogue, and purposeful direction activities. 🎁 Safety & Feedback -- Leaderful teams engage in healthy tension and conflict, by creating inclusive and safe spaces for team members to regularly (and meaningfully) request, provide, and make sense of feedback - for the sake of connection, innovation, and performance. 🛶 Traction & Accountability -- Leaderful teams elevate each other - individually and collectively - by regularly clarifying and recognizing their roles, responsibilities, and contributions. They hold each other accountable, ask for help, and celebrate their learnings (misses and all). 🔒 Connection & Trust -- There is a richness that comes from embracing diverse thoughts and perspectives, particularly from those who have been marginalized. Inclusivity not only drives innovation but also builds deeper connections and trust. Learn more about our work with impact-conscious leaders by visiting our website, joining the conversation on LinkedIn or dropping us a note at team@theallyco.world.

In this episode of The Leaderful Podcast, Co.CEOs (Pablo Romero and Jeff Couillard) reflect on TACO's journey this past year. Part of their discussion focused on the latest positioning of our offerings in today's leadership and culture space, and what's become clearer in our work to create leaderful teams. Some highlights from the conversation: ⚡ Foundational Alignment & Leaderfulness -- Any meaningful change (e.g. developing adaptive capacity) requires power-based and systems-conscious leadership. The cultivation of awareness, skill, and alignment across organizational levels starts at the top. 🔄 Purposeful Direction & Ways of Working -- Leaders must clearly communicate how values will be (and not be) operationalized, and what expectations they have of themselves and others in aligning organizational intention and impact. How a team works together - decision-making, feedback, meetings, etc. - should reflect its core values, priorities, and intended impact. 🌟 Trusted Advising for Impact-Conscious Leaders -- TACO is focused on supporting leaders and teams who want to use their power to positively disrupt outdated thinking, systems, and ways of working. Our two core leadership archetypes are known as Courageous Activists and Supporting Sponsors. 🧩 Getting Unstuck & Achieving Clarity -- TACO's Trusted Advisor work helps leaders and their teams to get unstuck by helping them to cultivate new levels of awareness, skill, and capacity. This involves exploring behavioral patterns, redesigning workflows and processes, and fostering deeper levels of connection and performance. ----more---- Learn more about our work with impact-conscious leaders by visiting our website, joining the conversation on LinkedIn or dropping us a note at team@theallyco.world.

Learn more about The Co. → a leadership development opportunity for impact-conscious and power-curious leaders. Consultant, designer and strategist in the field of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Denyelle Fraser, joins our Co.CEO Jeff Couillard to discuss the opportunities and challenges of leading sustainable and systems-conscious change and transformation projects with an EDI focus. Listen in as they explore: The importance of moving beyond EDI check-box initiatives The value of centering the voices and perspectives of the people being served Denyelle's experience helping teams design and deliver more equitable and just services The Onion Tool from Community Wise Resource Centre About Denyelle As an equity-based designer, Denyelle brings a unique perspective to the table, focusing not only on driving systems change using innovative approaches, but also on designing for equity and social impact. She has a deep understanding of the ways in which design can be used as a tool for creating positive social change and is committed to using her skills to embed equity, diversity, and inclusion into all aspects of an organization.Outside of her work, Denyelle is a textbook introvert that values family time with her husband and 2 yr old. A true Torontonian at heart, still adjusting to "Yahoo" since her move to Calgary in 2021. And a lover of "mockumentary" style tv sitcoms. Connect with her on LinkedIn here.

Connector, Culture Catalyst and Executive Coach, Rod Miller, joins our Co.CEO's Jeff Couillard and Pablo Romero to discuss the evolving world of work, leading with empathy, developing your people and navigating the rapidly changing landscape of work and life. Listen in as they explore: The importance of creating psychologically safe spaces Practices and insights for staying grounded and present The importance of feedback and humility as a leader How the pandemic accelerated the re-design of our work lives About Rod Be sure to connect with Rod on LinkedIn and let him know what you enjoyed or found insightful in this episode! Interested in learning more about The Ally Co.? Find us on LinkedIn Explore our upcoming Transformational Leadership workshops Connect with our Co.CEOs Jeff Couillard and Pablo Romero

​Our Co.CEO's Pablo Romero and Jeff Couillard discuss the 'intention vs. impact' gap, and share practical steps leaders can take to close it. Listen in as they explore: The core drivers and indicators of problems/opportunities that exist within the intention vs. impact gap Why 'real' underlying problems don't get identified without conscious and skilled discovery work How leaders can approach doing meaningful discovery work The role of practitioners and consultants in holding the bigger picture and facilitating conscious sense-making Interested in learning more about The Ally Co.? Find us on LinkedIn Explore our model for leaderful workplace cultures Connect with our Co.CEOs Jeff Couillard and Pablo Romero

Tune in as our Co.CEOs Pablo Romero and Jeff Couillard share The Ally Co.'s model for leading meaningful workplace culture initiatives with their clients. Listen in as we breakdown the Five Ds for meaningful work: Discovery: "What do we know about this from 'their' perspective(s)?" Definition: "Why should people care about the 'problem(s)' we are prioritizing?" Design: "How might we approach these meaningful opportunities?" Delivery: "What will we do to ensure our intended impact?" Debrief: "What have we learned, and what now?" Interested in learning more about The Ally Co.? Find us on LinkedIn Learn more about our Transformational Impact model Connect with our Co.CEOs Jeff Couillard and Pablo Romero