Leadership Laboratory

Welcome back to the Leadership Lab, labcats! In today’s episode, host Jamie McKinney dives into one of her favorite topics—uncovering and owning your unique strengths, gifts, and superpowers. Too often, especially for women, we downplay or overlook what makes us truly exceptional, assuming everyone has the same abilities. But as Jamie McKinney reminds us, the qualities and skills that come naturally to you are exactly what fuel your growth, your happiness, and your indispensability at work.Through inspiring stories, practical prompts, and actionable experiments, Jamie McKinney helps listeners recognize those “hit it to me” skills—the things you do with confidence, joy, and natural flair. Learn how to flex these strengths, build energy and resilience even during tough seasons, and communicate your value to managers and teams. Whether you’re looking to boost your leadership, create more visibility at work, or simply feel more lit up by what you do every day, this episode has the encouragement and tools you need to claim your superpowers and put them into action.Let’s get ready to name it, claim it, and bring your strengths to the forefront—because when you own what makes you brilliant, everyone wins!

Welcome back to the Leadership Lab, the podcast where leadership is approached as an experiment, and growth is the ultimate goal! In this episode, host Jamie McKinney welcomes Ryan Castle, co-founder of Level 10 Leaders - a global leadership development system praised for helping leaders focus on what truly matters. With stories from the front lines of leadership transformation, Ryan shares inspiring case studies of real-life mindset shifts, from turning around a “grumpy” team member to preparing organizations for explosive growth in unpredictable times.Jamie and Ryan dive deep into the crucial distinction between management and leadership mindsets, exploring how leaders can foster self-awareness, create space for others, and master both the strategic “big picture” and the nitty-gritty of execution. Ryan also opens up about his personal routines for managing stress and bringing positive energy to his team, while offering actionable advice for aspiring and experienced leaders alike.Whether you’re moving into a leadership role, wanting to build a stronger team, or just looking for inspiration to lead, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and encouraging stories. So get ready to pause, observe, choose, and take your leadership skills to the next level!https://www.level10leaders.com/https://www.level10leaders.com/the-active-manager-book

Welcome back to the Leadership Lab, where practical leadership wisdom meets real-world application. In this episode, host Jamie McKinney welcomes nervous system business coach Lindsay Troxell for an insightful conversation on stress, resilience, and how our bodies profoundly shape our leadership capabilities.Did you know that more than half of employees, and especially women, show up to work feeling stressed every day? That stress isn't just uncomfortable; it directly impacts our clarity of thought, quality of decisions, and how we respond under pressure. Lindsay Troxell, with over 20 years of experience coaching leaders in high-stress industries, reveals why regulating your nervous system is foundational to executive presence and sustainable high performance.Together, Jamie McKinney and Lindsay Troxell break down the science behind stress responses, explain how to identify when you're in a reactive state, and share simple, actionable tools, from breathwork to grounding exercises, to help you regain composure in tough moments. You'll learn why achieving your best isn't about pushing harder, but about cultivating internal safety and self-awareness.Whether you're leading a team or simply striving to bring your best self to work, this episode is packed with strategies to expand your resilience and unlock more authentic, effective leadership. So turn up the volume, grab your notebook, and get ready for an experiment in transformative self-leadership, right here in the Leadership Lab!We'd love to hear from you! For comments or to explore opportunities to partner, please contact us at Contact@JamieMcKinney.com. Referenced video:https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNipvSttDvr/?hl=en

Welcome to another episode of the Leadership Lab podcast, where holistic leadership takes center stage – exploring how self-care outside of work is just as important as leading effectively within the workplace. In today’s episode, host Jamie McKinney sits down with Dr. Maggie Teliska, a trailblazing chemist and senior battery energy storage technical manager at Transgrid Energy. Not only is Maggie recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in CleanTech, but she’s also a chronic illness survivor who transformed her medical challenges into powerful leadership lessons.Jamie and Maggie dive deep into Maggie’s harrowing experience of surviving a sudden cardiac event, the hurdles women often face in healthcare advocacy, and how leadership principles can help navigate daunting doctor’s offices and exam rooms. You’ll discover how crafting concise “sound bites” and practicing self-advocacy can be life-changing, both at work and in medical settings. Maggie’s journey offers actionable advice and inspiring wisdom, reminding us all of the power of preparation, clarity, and confidence, even when the stakes are high.Grab your notebook - today’s episode is full of practical strategies you’ll want to remember, whether you’re leading a meeting or discussing your health. Let’s jump in!

Welcome back to Leadership Lab, where we don’t just talk about leadership theory, we experiment with real, practical steps you can instantly apply. On today’s episode, host Jamie McKinney sits down with Lauren Palandino, a seasoned continuous improvement professional, to tackle one of the most elusive challenges facing high achievers: work-life balance.But Lauren didn’t just try to chase balance - she’s helping us redefine it. Instead of striving for a perfect, unattainable equilibrium, Lauren shares the empowering metaphor that changed everything for her: life’s priorities as piano keys, not a set of rigid levers. With major “white key” priorities, smaller “black key” commitments, and the freedom to play chords rather than just single notes, Lauren shows us how to find a more forgiving, achievable rhythm as a leader, a parent, and a person.Along the way, Jamie and Lauren get real about anxiety, boundaries, organizational chaos, and the everyday moments that add up, like five sips of water or five minutes reading to her son. Lauren opens up about the emotional journey of embracing her new identity as a mom, finding creativity in goal setting, and the power of accountability partners on the path to personal and professional growth.Ready to ditch perfection and embrace progress? This episode is packed with practical strategies, relatable stories, and just the right amount of encouragement for anyone struggling to juggle work, family, and self-care, all culminating in Lauren’s celebration of a well-earned promotion, on her own terms.So tune in, grab your metaphorical piano, and get ready to experiment with a new approach to work-life rhythm, progress over perfection, every time.

Welcome back to the Leadership Lab! In today's episode, host Jamie McKinney sits down with the whip-smart and inspiring Katica Roy, a renowned gender economist, former Global 500 executive, and CEO who's making waves on national media and in boardrooms across the country. Katica shares her unique journey, from being the daughter of immigrants and refugees to becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice and one of Colorado's most celebrated entrepreneurs.Together, Jamie and Katica unpack what it really means to be a gender economist, why equitable systems are not only the right thing to do but a vital economic opportunity, and how recent shifts in the workforce - like the troubling exodus of Black women - are shaping the future of work for everyone. Katica brings clarity to complex topics like intersectionality in workplace data, the pitfalls of rolling back DEI initiatives, and the real economic impact when companies sideline equity.You'll hear practical stories from Katica about fighting for equal pay, negotiating compensation, and the actionable ways individuals and companies can move the needle on gender equity. Whether you're leading a team, building your own career, or just passionate about building a fairer workplace, this episode is loaded with insights, motivation, and concrete strategies you can put to use immediately. Tune in and get ready to experiment with your leadership style, progress over perfection, every step of the way!If you enjoyed today’s conversation with Katica Roy, be sure to connect with her online! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katicaroy/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/katicaroy/New York Times front pageArticle feature: In Trump’s Federal Work Force Cuts, Black Women Are Among the Hardest HitVideo Feature: Why Black Women Are Seeing Job LossesShareholders of 30 companies worth $13 trillion defeat anti-DEI ProposalsHR Brew: Target CEO Brian Cornell is stepping downDesign Observer Column I mentioned: Why scaling back on equity is more than risky — it’s economically irresponsibleMSBNC: 300,000 Black women have left the labor force in 3 months. It’s not a coincidence.Fortune: Future CEOs, erased: the economic cost of losing Black women in the workforceForbes (this has the Lily Ledbetter story): How My Dad Taught Me To Fight For Equal Pay

Welcome to the Leadership Lab! In today’s empowering episode, host Jamie McKinney tackles a familiar foe for so many high-achievers - imposter syndrome. If you’ve ever felt that lurking doubt or questioned whether you truly belong in your position, this episode is your go-to pep talk. Jamie shares relatable stories from the Leadership Lab community and introduces a major reframe: what if it’s not imposter syndrome that’s holding you back, but simply an “imposter moment”?With gentle guidance and practical advice, Jamie walks you through a four-step framework to manage self-doubt when it strikes, so you can recognize it, ground yourself, challenge unhelpful narratives, and move forward with action. You’ll hear about the “missing tile theory” and learn why it’s normal for your brain to fixate on what’s missing, rather than celebrating your strengths.Get ready to walk away with plug-and-play solutions you can use today to silence that inner critic and reclaim your confidence. If you’re ready to experiment, grow, and own your brilliance, tune in and discover why you’re absolutely not alone, and exactly where you’re meant to be.

Welcome back to the Leadership Lab podcast! In today’s episode, host Jamie McKinney is joined by Bonnie Hudson, a trade compliance expert with a diverse background in aerospace, government regulations, and languages, who brings a passion for putting people first and influencing change through emotional intelligence. Together, they dive into the concept of “career ownership” and why it’s so crucial for modern leaders to take charge of their professional journeys.Bonnie shares her personal story of moving from self-doubt and imposter syndrome to stepping confidently into leadership by changing her mindset, challenging self-limiting beliefs, and experimenting with new ways to communicate and solve problems. She opens up about the fears and barriers she faced, the small but powerful shifts that led to lasting transformation, and the tools she uses - like the power of reframing thoughts and embracing curiosity, to bring her authentic self to work.Whether you’re battling self-doubt, looking to create a safer environment for your team, or eager to experiment with your leadership approach, this episode is filled with relatable stories, practical tips, and real inspiration that will help you focus on progress over perfection and own your career path. Let’s get into today’s conversation!

Welcome to the very first episode of the Leadership Lab, where leadership is not a destination - it's an experiment. In this launch episode, Lane Taylor sits down with the host, Jamie McKinney, to unpack what listeners can expect from this brand-new show designed for both seasoned and aspiring leaders. Jamie shares her vision for the Leadership Laboratory: a supportive space to try out new leadership styles, gain actionable tools, and build the confidence every leader needs to thrive in today’s ever-changing workplace.Together, Lane and Jamie discuss why now is the perfect time for this podcast, touching on the growing need for genuine human connection and confidence-building in a world increasingly shaped by AI. Jamie opens up about the leadership lessons that changed her own journey, and highlights the myths that the next generation of leaders need to unlearn to claim the driver’s seat in their careers.Whether you’re listening during your morning commute or a walk on the treadmill, Jamie promises that every episode will deliver bite-sized, practical insights you can apply right away. Expect stories, neuroscience-backed strategies, and plenty of encouragement to help you experiment with your leadership style and amplify your voice. If you’re ready to move from being your company’s best-kept secret to an empowered, confident leader, you’re in exactly the right place.