The Employee Help Desk with Susan Mahaffee

This episode is part of a special series tied to Susan Mahaffee’s bestselling book, When People Rise: HR Secrets for Small Business Growth, Success, and Legacy (now available on Amazon). The book features 21 experts sharing stories and practical tools to help leaders build stronger, people-centered workplaces.This series highlights each co-author’s perspective and how their insights can be applied in real-world situations.In this episode, Susan is joined by Kris Valerio Shock, President and CEO of Leadership Anne Arundel, to explore how presence, community engagement, and volunteerism shape meaningful leadership.Kris shares how her early background in acting continues to influence her leadership style today—especially the importance of being fully present, grounded, and intentional in every interaction. Together, they discuss how leaders can use mindfulness, breathing, and self-awareness to stay focused during high-stakes moments.They also explore the power of community leadership, the joy of volunteerism, and how aligning personal passions with community needs can create deeper fulfillment and greater impact.This conversation is a reminder that leadership is not just about what we do at work—it’s also about how we show up for our communities, relationships, and future leaders.About Kris Valerio Shock:Kris Valerio Shock is the President and CEO of Leadership Anne Arundel in Annapolis, Maryland. A graduate of the Leadership Anne Arundel Flagship program, Kris brings a mix of personal and professional experience to expand the visibility, value, and reach of the LAA program and network.Before joining LAA, Kris held leadership roles with the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Chesapeake Regional Tech Council, where she helped grow membership, revenue, grant funding, and regional impact.A native of Annapolis, Kris is also the Co-founder of Ignite Annapolis and an active community volunteer. She lives in Annapolis with her husband, three stepdaughters, dogs Lucy and Desi, and cat Mimi.Notable Quotes:"Presence is one of the most powerful tools a leader can practice.""Volunteerism becomes joyful when it connects to what you care about.""Community leadership creates connection, learning, and lasting impact."How to get in touch with Kris Valerio Shock:Website – https://www.leadershipaa.org/page/TeamLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisvalerioshock/Links & Resources:If you enjoyed this episode, follow, leave a review, and share it with another leader navigating the people side of work.Apply to be a guest:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewformLearn more: https://peoplerisellc.comBook a consultation: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-riseBook updates: https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates

This episode is part of a special series tied to Susan Mahaffee’s bestselling book, When People Rise: HR Secrets for Small Business Growth, Success, and Legacy (now available on Amazon). The book features 21 experts sharing stories and practical tools to help leaders build stronger, people-centered workplaces. This series highlights each co-author’s perspective and how their insights can be applied in real-world situations.In this episode, Susan is joined by Maura Sniegoski, CEO of Sniegoski Life Group, to discuss the importance of legacy planning for business owners, leaders, and families.Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, Maura shares why proactive planning is one of the greatest acts of leadership and care. Together, they explore life insurance, business continuity planning, and protecting the people who depend on you—both at home and at work.Maura also introduces her LEGACY framework, offering practical guidance for organizing important documents, preparing for unexpected events, and creating long-term security for loved ones and businesses alike.This conversation is a reminder that protecting your future isn’t just about finances—it’s about creating peace of mind and lasting impact for the people who matter most.About Maura Sniegoski:Maura Sniegoski is the CEO of Sniegoski Life Group, where she helps individuals, families, and business owners build financial security through personalized planning solutions.Passionate about empowering women in leadership and insurance, Maura combines expertise, empathy, and practical guidance to help clients make confident decisions about their future.Outside of work, she enjoys baking with her husband and three children, cheering at sporting events, and dreaming about her next trip back to New York for the food.Notable Quotes:"Leadership means protecting the people who depend on you.""Small actions today can create lasting security tomorrow.""Legacy planning is an act of care, not fear."How to get in touch with Maura Sniegoski:Website – https://www.sniegoskilifegroup.comInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/maura.sniegoski/LinkedIn – http://www.linkedin.com/in/maura-dowd-sniegoski-6338778Company LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/sniegoski-life-groupLinks & Resources:If you enjoyed this episode, follow, leave a review, and share it with another leader navigating the people side of work.Apply to be a guest:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewformLearn more: https://peoplerisellc.comBook a consultation: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-riseBook updates: https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates

This episode is part of a special series tied to Susan Mahaffee’s bestselling book, When People Rise: HR Secrets for Small Business Growth, Success, and Legacy (available on Amazon). The book features 21 experts sharing stories and practical tools to help leaders build stronger, people-centered workplaces. This series highlights each co-author’s perspective, focusing on how their insights can be applied in real-world situations.In this episode, Susan is joined by Laura Reynolds: executive coach, endurance athlete, and Founder of Executive Endurance Coaching. With a background in recruiting and leadership consulting for organizations including Meta, ZeroFox, and Johns Hopkins, Laura brings a unique perspective on resilience, mindset, and sustainable performance.Together, they explore what it means to move beyond survival mode and lead with intention. Laura shares how endurance principles from ultramarathons and triathlons apply directly to leadership, personal growth, and navigating change.From overcoming fear and outdated identities to building resilience through small intentional steps, this conversation offers practical insights for leaders navigating transition, burnout, and self-doubt. This episode is a reminder that transformation doesn’t happen overnight—it happens through clarity, consistency, and the courage to evolve.About Laura Reynolds:Laura Reynolds is the Founder and CEO of Executive Endurance Coaching, LLC, where she helps leaders move from survival mode into sustained, intentional performance.With more than 14 years of experience in recruiting, hiring, and talent strategy, Laura has worked with organizations including Meta, ZeroFox, and Johns Hopkins. She is also a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), host of The Grit Files podcast, and a multi-time ultramarathon and triathlon competitor. Through coaching, writing, and speaking, Laura helps people break free from limiting stories and build lives aligned with who they want to become.Notable Quotes:"Clarity beats chaos.""Consistency beats intensity.""You hold the power to decide who you are becoming."How to get in touch with Laura Reynolds:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-leeb-reynolds/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/executive_endurance_coaching/The Grit Files – https://www.instagram.com/the.gritfiles/Email – LReynolds2124@outlook.comLinks & Resources:If you enjoyed this episode, follow, leave a review, and share it with another leader navigating the people side of work.Apply to be a guest:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewformLearn more: https://peoplerisellc.comBook a consultation: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-riseBook updates: https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates

This episode continues a special series tied to Susan Mahaffee’s upcoming collaborative book, When People Rise: HR Secrets for Small Business Growth, Success, and Legacy (available April 21, 2026). The book features 21 experts sharing stories and practical tools to help leaders build stronger, people-centered workplaces.This series highlights each co-author’s perspective—focusing on how their insights can be applied in real-world situations and inspire action.In this episode, Susan is joined by Brooke Toomey—career coach, former HR executive, and founder of Her Perfect Career. With over a decade in HR leadership, Brooke brings an insider perspective on how hiring really works—and uses that knowledge to help women navigate career pivots, reenter the workforce, and recover from burnout.Brooke shares her journey of rebuilding her own career after time away from the workforce and redefining success beyond traditional metrics. She emphasizes the importance of clarity, confidence, and relationship-building—offering practical strategies for staying connected, leveraging informal networks, and creating opportunities through meaningful connections.This conversation challenges the idea that success is one-size-fits-all and encourages listeners to build careers that align with their values, lifestyle, and long-term goals.About Brooke Toomey:Brooke Toomey is a career coach, former HR executive, and founder of Her Perfect Career. She helps women navigate career transitions, reenter the workforce, and build sustainable careers that support both income goals and real life.After rebuilding her own six-figure career, Brooke now helps other women do the same—on their own terms. Her work focuses on clarity, confidence, and alignment with personal values.When she’s not coaching, you’ll likely find her traveling, exploring nature, or discovering new foods 🌍✨Notable Quotes:"Success isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s something you define for yourself.""Clarity creates confidence in every career decision.""Relationships—not résumés—open the right doors."How to get in touch with Brooke Toomey:Website – http://www.herperfectcareer.com/Contact – http://www.herperfectcareer.com/contactEmail – brooke@herperfectcareer.comLinks & Resources:If you enjoyed this episode, follow, leave a review, and share it with another leader navigating the people side of work.Apply to be a guest:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewformLearn more: https://peoplerisellc.comBook a consultation: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-riseBook updates: https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates

This episode continues a special series tied to Susan Mahaffee’s upcoming collaborative book, When People Rise: HR Secrets for Small Business Growth, Success, and Legacy (available April 21, 2026). The book brings together 22 experts, each sharing a story and practical tools to help leaders build stronger, more people-centered workplaces.As the lead author, Susan partnered with voices across HR, leadership, and business. This series highlights each co-author’s perspective—focusing on how their insights can be applied in real-world situations.For HR professionals, business owners, and leaders committed to building healthier workplaces, these conversations are designed to inspire both reflection and action.In this episode, Susan is joined by Elizabeth Harris, RD—registered dietitian, Intuitive Eating counselor, and co-author of Chapter 2. Elizabeth challenges the idea that wellness is just a perk, reframing it as a core business strategy.She shares practical, cost-effective ways small businesses can support wellness—from leadership modeling and thoughtful policies to accessible nutrition and inclusive practices. Elizabeth also addresses diet culture and body bias, offering tools to create environments where employees feel supported physically, mentally, and emotionally.This conversation provides actionable strategies to help leaders build sustainable wellness practices that support both people and performance.About Elizabeth Harris:Elizabeth Harris, RD, is a registered dietitian, Intuitive Eating counselor, and co-host of Wellness Rebranded. She helps individuals and organizations ditch diet culture and build sustainable, feel-good wellness habits rooted in evidence-based, weight-inclusive care.Her philosophy? Food is meant to be enjoyed, movement should feel good, and life is too short to count calories.Notable Quotes:"Wellness isn’t a perk — it’s a fundamental part of doing business well.""Workplace culture directly impacts physical, mental, and emotional health.""Leaders set the tone by modeling the behaviors they want to see."Connect with Elizabeth Harris:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/elizabethharrisnutrition/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/elizabethharrisnutrition/Website – http://www.elizabethharrisnutrition.com/Book a session – https://elizabethharrisnutrition.com/bookingLinks & Resources:Follow, review, and share this episode with another business owner navigating the people side of work.Apply to be a guest:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewformLearn more: https://peoplerisellc.comBook a consultation: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-riseBook updates: https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates

Many small business owners start their business because they're great at what they do—but no one prepares them for the people side of leadership. In this episode of The Employee Help Desk, Susan breaks down why employee challenges often become the biggest obstacle for growing businesses. From unclear expectations to avoiding hard conversations, many leaders find themselves overwhelmed by the constant mental load of managing people. It's usually not a people problem—it's a systems and leadership tools problem. Susan shares practical insights to help business owners step out of frustration and start building teams that actually support the growth of the business. She also introduces her upcoming book When People Rise: HR Secrets for Small Business Growth, Success, and Legacy, launching April 21. If you've ever felt like the people side of your business is draining your energy, time, or confidence, this episode is for you. 🎯 What You'll Learn Why employee challenges drain small business owners The hidden mental load of leading a team Why avoiding hard conversations makes things worse The difference between a people problem and a systems problem How clear expectations change team performance Why leadership tools matter more than most owners realize 🎙 Key Quotes From This Episode "Most small business owners aren't struggling because they're bad at what they do—they're struggling because no one prepared them for the people side of running a business." "If you're not careful, you stop leading your business and start carrying it." "Your business can only rise so far if your people are confused, disconnected, or under-led." "You're not the problem because leading people feels hard—you're missing tools nobody ever taught you." Links & Resources: If you liked this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who's figuring out the people-side of work—just like you. Ask a question for the podcast or apply to be a guest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111804843386598791143 Learn more about People Rise: https://peoplerisellc.com Check out our Workshop Series (Virtual + In-Person): https://www.peoplerisellc.com/people-power-in-person-workshop-series-2025 Book a free 1:1 consultation with Susan: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise Subscribe for updates about our book: https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates 📲 Follow & Connect: Get in touch: https://www.peoplerisellc.com/contact LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peoplerisellc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplerisellc Instagram (Our most up-to-date content): https://www.instagram.com/peoplerisellc/ If you liked this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who's figuring out the people-side of work—just like you.

This summer gave me an unplanned leadership reset — from a once-in-a-lifetime trip overseas with my family, to unexpected foot surgery, to a piña colada moment in Jamaica that outed me on a client call. Each experience reminded me how much perspective and time management matter when it comes to leading with clarity. 🔑 What You'll Learn: Why pauses — forced or chosen — are critical to leadership clarity. How your team reads your calendar as a reflection of what you truly value. Why delegating and letting people step up is harder than it looks, but essential. The difference between unplugging fully vs. finding clarity while still staying responsive. ✅ Key Takeaways: What gets scheduled gets done — and what gets pushed off sends just as strong a signal. Small business reality: if you don't work, you don't get paid… but your business can still run without you. Perspective is often the byproduct of rest, not grinding harder. Letting others rise builds trust and resilience in your business. 🔥 Powerful Language for Leading the Shift: "Your employees are watching — what you prioritize is what they'll learn to prioritize." "Clarity comes not from doing more, but from stepping back." "Scheduling isn't just for tasks — it's for modeling values." "If you don't stop yourself, life has a way of stopping you." 💬 Bottom Line: Leadership isn't about holding it all together — it's about creating space for clarity, perspective, and for others to rise. Sometimes that space comes from a planned vacation, sometimes from an unexpected setback, and sometimes from a piña colada moment that reminds you: perspective is everything. Links & Resources: If you liked this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who's figuring out the people-side of work—just like you. Ask a question for the podcast or apply to be a guest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111804843386598791143 Learn more about People Rise: https://peoplerisellc.com Check out our Workshop Series (Virtual + In-Person): https://www.peoplerisellc.com/people-power-in-person-workshop-series-2025 Book a free 1:1 consultation with Susan: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise 📲 Follow & Connect: Get in touch: https://www.peoplerisellc.com/contact LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peoplerisellc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplerisellc Instagram (Our most up-to-date content): https://www.instagram.com/peoplerisellc/ If you liked this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who's figuring out the people-side of work—just like you.

Today's episode is inspired by a listener-submitted question—and wow, it's a juicy one. You may have seen the viral moment at a Coldplay concert that turned into a full-blown HR scandal. Yes, this really happened. And yes, this is why The Employee Help Desk exists. We're unpacking the moment that sent shockwaves through the business and HR worlds—and pulling out powerful lessons for leaders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. 🔑 What You'll Learn: What really happened at the now-viral Coldplay concert—and why it became an HR crisis The ethical expectations of HR leaders (and what happens when they break them) How power dynamics and public behavior can ripple through a company's culture Why leadership isn't something you can turn off when you leave the office What business owners need to do before something like this happens to them ✅ Key Takeaways: You set the tone. Your behavior as a leader is always on display—especially in public. HR must lead by example. If we want people to trust us, we can't be part of the drama. Romantic relationships in the workplace rarely stay "just between two people." They impact power, culture, and trust. Your culture is what happens when no one's watching—not what's printed on the website. When you mess up, own it fast and recover well. That's where leadership shines. 🔥 Powerful Language for Leading the Shift: "You don't get to have a 'work you' and a 'personal you' in public settings like that." "Being a 24/7 leader is real. It doesn't mean you're perfect—it means you're intentional." "Workplace conduct is our department. Full stop." "Your credibility is built every day, in every interaction." "One of the best bosses I ever had told me: 'You've got to wow in the recovery.'" "If people don't trust your company, it doesn't matter how strong your team is." "It's one of those things that often turns into a behind-the-scenes nightmare—and when that happens, your HR person earns every bit of their paycheck." 💬 Bottom Line: This wasn't just a juicy story—it's a cautionary tale. When business owners or HR leaders blur boundaries, the fallout can be massive—internally and externally. Even if you're a small business, how you lead, behave, and respond in difficult situations is your culture. Don't wait for a mess to clean up. Lead with intention. Set the standard. And when in doubt, get a sounding board. You shouldn't have to do this alone. Links & Resources: If you liked this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who's figuring out the people-side of work—just like you. Ask a question for the podcast or apply to be a guest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111804843386598791143 Learn more about People Rise: https://peoplerisellc.com Check out our Workshop Series (Virtual + In-Person): https://www.peoplerisellc.com/people-power-in-person-workshop-series-2025 Book a free 1:1 consultation with Susan: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise 📲 Follow & Connect: Get in touch: https://www.peoplerisellc.com/contact LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peoplerisellc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplerisellc Instagram (Our most up-to-date content): https://www.instagram.com/peoplerisellc/ If you liked this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who's figuring out the people-side of work—just like you.

Somebody comes to you and says, "I heard that…" or "So-and-so told me…"—and now it's in your lap. Welcome to the world of running a business with employees. Is it gossip? Is it something serious? What do you do when you didn't actually witness the situation yourself? In this episode, we're breaking down exactly how to handle secondhand reports, complaints, or concerns without jumping to conclusions, ignoring it, or making it worse. This is one of the most important people leadership skills you can build—and one that every small business owner needs. 🔑 What You'll Learn: Why hearsay situations can wreck trust if not handled well How to stay neutral while gathering the facts The 5-step process for handling hearsay without overreacting (or underreacting) Simple, powerful phrases to set expectations in the moment How to document things the right way (a.k.a. leadership insurance) ✅ Key Takeaways: ✔️ The 5 Steps to Handle Hearsay: Slow Down. Stay Neutral. Get Specific. (Ask who, what, when, where, how.) Assess the Nature of It. (Is it tension? A serious violation?) Address the Right Thing. (Is it a conversation about professionalism, boundaries, or a real complaint?) Document. Document. Document. (Privately, factually—not assumptions.) 🔥 Powerful Language for Setting Expectations: "Here's what I expect moving forward..." "We don't sit in silence when things get stuck. That's not how we operate." "If something's not working, I expect people to bring solutions, not just complaints." "This company runs best when everyone assumes good intent and addresses problems early—with the right people, not about them." 💬 Real Talk: Most of what comes to you like this isn't an automatic crisis—it's a signal that something needs attention. It's either communication, expectations, or culture that needs a tune-up. The key is learning how to handle it calmly, clearly, and consistently—so it doesn't become a bigger problem later. Links & Resources: Ask a question for the podcast or apply to be a guest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111804843386598791143 Learn more about People Rise: https://peoplerisellc.com Check out our Workshop Series (Virtual + In-Person): https://www.peoplerisellc.com/people-power-in-person-workshop-series-2025 Book a free 1:1 consultation with Susan: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise 📲 Follow & Connect: Get in touch: https://www.peoplerisellc.com/contact LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peoplerisellc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplerisellc Instagram (Our most up-to-date content): https://www.instagram.com/peoplerisellc/ If you liked this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who's figuring out the people side of work—just like you.

Easy ways to improve employee relationships—even the tough ones. You know the feeling. Someone on your team is off. There's tension. Things are getting weird. You hope it'll pass—but spoiler: it usually doesn't. In this episode of The Employee Help Desk, I'm sharing simple, effective ways to deal with people problems early—before they turn into drama, resentment, or turnover. No formal HR process required. 🔑 In this episode: Why waiting too long to address problems always backfires How to open a conversation without making things worse What most people are actually afraid of when it comes to conflict A real-life story of a team tension that got better—with one small move 💬 Real-world strategies you'll hear: Use "Hey, I've noticed…" as a soft opener that invites dialogue Get curious instead of accusatory—ask what's going on, not what went wrong Watch for patterns: Is this a one-off, or something bigger? How to follow up after the conversation so it doesn't fall flat 🧠 Ask yourself: Am I avoiding a conversation I know I need to have? Is someone on my team showing signs of frustration or burnout? What would it look like to address this earlier, with care? You don't need to be an expert in conflict resolution. You just need to care enough to say something—and say it well. Because when leaders act early with empathy, the whole workplace gets healthier. 🔗 Links & Resources: Ask a question for the podcast or apply to be a guest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111804843386598791143 Learn more about People Rise: https://peoplerisellc.com Check out our Workshop Series (Virtual + In-Person): https://www.peoplerisellc.com/people-power-in-person-workshop-series-2025 Book a free 1:1 consultation with Susan: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise 📲 Follow & Connect: Get in touch: https://www.peoplerisellc.com/contact LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peoplerisellc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplerisellc Instagram (Our most up-to-date content): https://www.instagram.com/peoplerisellc/ If you liked this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who's figuring out the people side of work—just like you.

If you have employees, you're a leader—whether you meant to be or not. But what kind of leader are you? And more importantly… is it working? In this first episode of The Employee Help Desk, I'm digging into the core of everything: your leadership style. Not the buzzwords. Not the theory. But the real, everyday way you show up—and how it shapes your team, your culture, and your results. I'll introduce the idea of your Leadership Signature—and why every business owner, manager, or team leader needs to uncover theirs. 🔑 In this episode: Why how you lead is the foundation of your business What your team already knows about your leadership style (even if you don't) 6 relatable types of leaders—and how to recognize yourself in them Why being intentional matters more than being perfect ✏️ Common leadership types I explore: The Fixer – Jumps in too fast, team never gets to learn The Supporter – Kind, but avoids conflict The Driver – High expectations, but may burn people out The Visionary – Big ideas, low clarity The Delegator – Trusts too much without follow-up The Firefighter – Always in crisis mode, no time to lead 🧭 What to reflect on: What would your team say it's like to work for you? Are your habits helping—or hurting—how your business runs? What kind of leader do you want to be? This is where the real leadership work begins. Because if you don't define how you want to lead, your stress, your habits—or your fear—will do it for you. 🔗 Links & Resources: Ask a question for the podcast or apply to be a guest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111804843386598791143 Learn more about People Rise: https://peoplerisellc.com Check out our Workshop Series (Virtual + In-Person): https://www.peoplerisellc.com/people-power-in-person-workshop-series-2025 Book a free 1:1 consultation with Susan: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise 📲 Follow & Connect: Get in touch: https://www.peoplerisellc.com/contact LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peoplerisellc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplerisellc Instagram (Our most up-to-date content): https://www.instagram.com/peoplerisellc/ If you liked this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who's figuring out the people side of work—just like you.