Leadership Live - SoundSage

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What happens when you've asked clearly, explained why it matters and the work is still late, incomplete or not good enough? You feel the frustration rise and you get frustrated that you're angry. In this episode of Leadership Live, I speak with Karen Thrall, author of Don't Lose Your Shit at Work, about what anger at work is really trying to tell us before it turns into an explosion, withdrawal or the conversation we keep avoiding.

This conversation looks at anger as data: a signal that a boundary may have been crossed, a standard has slipped, a role isn't being fully owned or something important needs to change.

We talk about the hidden cost of reactive leadership, the power of composure and why the most effective leaders aren't the loudest in the room — they're the ones who can create clarity in chaos.

If you're leading people, navigating pressure or finding yourself emotionally stretched in your work, this episode will give you practical insight, honest reflection and a different way to think about leadership under pressure.

If this episode made you think about a conversation, reaction or leadership pattern that keeps repeating, pause before rushing to fix it. Ask what it is trying to show you. And if you want support thinking through the deeper leadership pattern underneath it, reach out to Daphna.

Join our community to continue the conversation:

⁠https://chat.whatsapp.com/CKtF2WR1frH6aW2jr40UTQ⁠

Take the Life Clarity Quiz here:

⁠https://daphnahorowitz.com/life-clarity⁠

Connect with Your Host Daphna Horowitz:

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/⁠

⁠https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions⁠

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@daphnahorowitzleadership⁠

For more resources and coaching:

⁠www.daphnahorowitz.com⁠

Connect with Karen Trall

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenthrallinc/⁠

⁠https://www.karenthrall.com/⁠

⁠https://www.karenthrall.com/book⁠

Timestamps

[00:03:34] Anger as information in leadership

[00:07:24] The gift of anger

[00:08:07] Anger as a catalyst for change

[00:12:12] Tough Conversations and Self-Reflection

[00:19:41] Anger as an alarm clock

[00:26:40] Now vs. Later

[00:30:05] Communication styles in conflict

[00:34:26] Finding your voice

[00:36:36] Naming emotions

[00:39:57] Restoring trust as a leader

[00:45:20] Apologizing as a leader

[00:49:03] Energy's impact on communication

[00:52:11] Emotional expression in leadership

[00:55:50] Growth through personal storytelling

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it, subscribe and leave us a review.

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This isn't an episode about endurance or bucket lists. It's about who you become under pressure.

When your body is exhausted, your mind starts bargaining, and the usual ways you lead, cope or push through stop working.

In this episode, I share what climbing Kilimanjaro revealed about pressure, identity, the voices that show up when things get hard and the moment I didn't think I could take another step.

This is a reflection on fear, asking for help, the unseen cost of coming back down and why the real transformation often only becomes clear after the climb is over.

If you're leading, navigating change or in a season that's quietly demanding more of you than before, this episode will meet you where you are.

Just like the climb, clarity doesn't always arrive at the summit — it often comes when you stop and really look at where you are. The Life Clarity Quiz helps you reflect on what's aligned, what feels heavy and what support could change the way you move forward.

Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Lead-Leadership-Lessons-Kilimanjaro/dp/B09F1CGQTR/

Join our community to continue the conversation: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CKtF2WR1frH6aW2jr40UTQ

Take the Life Clarity Quiz here: https://daphnahorowitz.com/life-clarity

Connect with Your Host Daphna Horowitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/ https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions https://www.youtube.com/@daphnahorowitzleadership

For more resources and coaching: www.daphnahorowitz.com

Timestamps 00:00 Why doing hard things changes us 03:20 Saying yes before you feel ready 11:00 Identity disruption begins in preparation 21:10 What you carry and what weighs you down 26:40 Barranco Wall and learning to accept help 30:45 Summit night - fear, voices, and the breaking point 44:30 The moment the internal switch flipped 51:00 The descent no one prepares you for 58:00 The seven leadership lessons that stayed with me

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it, subscribe and leave us a review.

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What if one of the greatest challenges in leadership isn't decision-making or managing stress but loneliness?

In this Unfiltered Series conversation, leadership experts Amy Riley and Daphna Horowitz get real about the isolation that often hides behind confidence and success. Even the most connected leaders can feel unseen when everyone's looking to them for answers.

Amy and Daphna explore how this quiet loneliness shows up at every level of leadership and why it's not a flaw but a signal—a call to pause, reflect, and reconnect. They share how to build your personal "A-Team," drop the mask selectively, and find spaces where you can be supported as much as you support others. True leadership, they remind us, isn't about standing alone at the top—it's about finding the courage to lead with openness and connection.

To deepen this reflection, the Life Clarity Quiz helps you quickly assess where you feel aligned, where you're stretched thin and where you may need your own "A-Team" around you. https://daphnahorowitz.com/life-clarity

Connect with Your Co-Hosts

Daphna Horowitz

www.daphnahorowitz.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/

https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573

Amy L. Riley

http://www.courageofaleader.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley

https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Timestamps 00:00:26 – The loneliness of leadership 00:06:21 – Vulnerability, connection, and the leadership paradox 00:09:45 – The leadership persona and the mask of composure 00:11:07 – How to identify indicators of loneliness 00:12:54 – The emotional weight of leadership isolation 00:15:55 – Belonging, distance and the leadership gap 00:18:35 – Building your A-team and finding meaningful support 00:24:08 – Reframing loneliness as a signal, not a flaw 00:26:41 – Stillness: What is this feeling asking of me?

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UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Anger and What your fire is trying to tell you

In this episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Anger and What your fire is trying to tell you, Daphna and her co-host explore the misunderstood emotion of anger, an experience many of us are taught to hide or downplay. Together, they unpack why anger is often labeled as "unprofessional" or "unproductive" and instead reframe it as a natural, informative and deeply human emotion.

They discuss how anger can signal our values, highlight boundaries and even serve as a catalyst for meaningful change when expressed with clarity and intention. From leadership to personal relationships, the conversation encourages listeners to acknowledge their emotions rather than suppress them and to use anger as a tool for understanding and conscious action.

If this conversation sparked something in you, the Life Clarity Quiz offers a moment to pause and notice what your emotions, including anger, might be trying to tell you. https://daphnahorowitz.com/life-clarity

Connect with Your Co-Hosts

Daphna Horowitz

www.daphnahorowitz.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/

https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573

Amy L. Riley

http://www.courageofaleader.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley

https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Timestamps 00:00 – Why anger feels taboo 00:04:32 – Anger as a catalyst for action 00:09:30 – What healthy expression looks like 00:13:18 – Gender differences & perception of anger 00:19:15 – Naming the emotion beneath the reaction 00:21:24 – Speaking from clarity instead of charge 00:23:45 – The cost of suppression and artificial harmony 00:28:10 – From reaction to response in 6 steps 00:32:57 – Anger as a sign of what we value 00:33:48 – Staying connected to our emotional experiences

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UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about The Cost of Being in Control

We all want to do things well — to be responsible, stay on top of it, make sure nothing slips through the cracks. But when does that turn into control?

In this episode of UNFILTERED, Daphna Horowitz and Amy Riley get honest about the fine line between responsible leadership and the need to control everything. They unpack why leaders grip so tightly, what it costs in terms of energy, creativity, and trust, and how letting go can actually be a deeper form of wisdom.

Join Daphna and Amy for a raw, relatable conversation on hidden control, delegation of authority, and the courage it takes to loosen your grip without letting things fall apart.

For a deeper look at your own patterns of control and alignment, take the Life Clarity Quiz, a brief pause with honest insight. https://daphnahorowitz.com/life-clarity

Connect with Your Co-Hosts

Daphna Horowitz

www.daphnahorowitz.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/

https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573

Amy L. Riley

http://www.courageofaleader.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley

https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Timestamps 01:15 - The Illusion of Holding It All Together 03:15 - Hidden Control: Responsibility in Disguise 08:40 - The Bottleneck of Decision-Making 13:30 - The Illusion of Being 'On Top of It' 17:45 - The Fear Beneath Control 22:00 - From Dependency to Capacity: The Real Leadership Shift 27:15 - Control Lives in the Body 30:30 - The Four Shifts: Transparency, Collaboration, Curiosity, Boundaries 34:15 - Moment of Stillness: Letting Go as Wisdom

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UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Focus and Presence in a Distraction-Heavy World

In today's world of endless notifications, overflowing inboxes and constant noise, focus and presence feel harder than ever to hold onto. In this episode of UNFILTERED Courageous Conversations about Focus and Presence in a Distraction-Heavy World, Daphna and Amy take an unflinching look at the cost of distraction from information overload (the equivalent of 16 movies a day!) to the hidden toll of multitasking.

This isn't about productivity hacks or quick fixes. It's about courageous conversations. How distraction shapes our leadership, our relationships and even our sense of self. Through personal stories, science-backed insights and practical tools, they explore what it really takes to reclaim focus and choose presence in a world that thrives on pulling us away.

If you've ever felt scattered, reactive or simply longed to slow down and be fully here, this episode is for you.

Connect with Your Co-Hosts

Daphna Horowitz

www.daphnahorowitz.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/

https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573

Amy L. Riley

http://www.courageofaleader.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley

https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Timestamps

[00:01:11] Information overload and distractions [00:05:25] Distraction vs intention [00:09:14] The importance of human connection [00:12:35] Presence and focus in team engagement [00:19:24] Tech boundaries for focus [00:22:56] The benefits of being present [00:26:36] Full presence in conversations [00:30:24] Commitment to personal challenges

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UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Grief and the Loss of Loved Ones

Grief isn't neat, predictable, or something to "get over." In this deeply moving episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations, Daphna and Amy explore the raw, human side of grief. What it really feels like to lose someone, how society often rushes the grieving process, and why true healing begins with acknowledgment, not avoidance.

From awkward condolences to moments of unexpected laughter, this episode invites listeners to embrace grief as a natural, messy, and profoundly human experience. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that reminds us all: you're not broken, you're grieving. And that's okay.

Connect with Your Co-Hosts

Daphna Horowitz

www.daphnahorowitz.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/

https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573

Amy L. Riley

http://www.courageofaleader.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley

https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Timestamps [00:00:25] Grief as a universal experience [00:07:15] Why acknowledging grief matters [00:14:08] What not to say when someone is grieving [00:20:31] Returning to work while grieving [00:22:48] Bereavement and workplace support [00:29:24] The ongoing nature of grief [00:31:09] Searching for meaning after loss [00:36:44] The messy and transformative nature of grief [00:41:15] Appreciating love before loss [00:43:46] Continuing relationships with loved ones

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UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Being an Introvert in an Extroverted Workplace

You don't have to be the loudest voice in the room to be a powerful leader. In this UNFILTERED episode, Daphna Horowitz and Amy Riley get real about what it means to be an introvert in an extroverted workplace. They unpack common misconceptions, explore how different energy styles show up at work, and reveal the quiet superpowers that make introverted leaders so effective. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to create space for deeper thinking, balanced conversations, and the brilliance that often goes unheard.

A powerful listen for leaders who want to think — and lead — differently.

Connect with Your Co-Hosts

Daphna Horowitz

www.daphnahorowitz.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/

https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573

Amy L. Riley

http://www.courageofaleader.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley

https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Timestamps

[00:01:07] Introversion vs Extroversion Explained. [00:06:17] Importance of extrovert-introvert dynamics. [00:10:12] Introverts and social interactions. [00:12:45] Reflection and refueling strategies. [00:19:24] Overlooked introverts in organizations. [00:21:03] Superpowers of introverts. [00:26:08] The power of introverts and extroverts. [00:30:12] Balancing extrovert and introvert needs. [00:35:34] Leveraging strengths in leadership.

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UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Menopause

Is it hot in here, or is it… Menopause?

In this powerful episode of UNFILTERED, Daphna and Amy crack open one of the most misunderstood and under-discussed life transitions: menopause. From brain fog to emotional turbulence, night sweats to shifting identities, they share their raw, personal experiences and invite you into a conversation that too often happens in whispers, or not at all.

This isn’t about medical jargon or “grin and bear it” advice. It’s about real talk: how menopause shows up in our bodies, our moods, our relationships, and our work and why it’s time we stop pretending it doesn’t exist.

If you’ve ever felt alone in your symptoms, invisible in the workplace, or unsure of what’s “normal,” this episode is for you.

Let’s break the silence and make space for truth, humour, and healing.

Timestamps

[00:02:11] Menopause experiences and challenges [00:07:10] Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause [00:09:10] Impact of menopause [00:14:15] Redefining identity in change [00:18:51] Sharing personal struggles [00:21:40] The journey of self-acceptance [00:27:06] Leadership and menopause [00:29:27] Authentic conversations

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UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Morning Routines

Feel guilty for not joining the 5 am club? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong.

In the latest episode of the UNFILTERED Series, Daphna and Amy break down the myth that success has to start before sunrise. Explore why early wakeups aren’t a magic formula and how tuning into your natural energy leads to more focus, creativity, and confidence throughout the day. Morning routines aren’t about checking off boxes.

They’re about anchoring yourself with what feels right for you. Whether it’s a cup of coffee in silence, a walk in nature, or journaling at lunch, the key is to find moments that support your well-being. Together, they share honest stories, practical ideas, and simple ways to create routines that leave you feeling grounded, not pressured.

Timestamps

[00:01:02] Morning routines and success myths [00:05:38] Morning routines and personal rhythms [00:08:46] Reflection time for leaders [00:14:10] Rethinking morning routines [00:16:16] Morning routine and intention [00:22:00] Morning routines and self-discovery [00:24:35] Conversations that need discussing

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Ever feel like a fraud—even with all your achievements? You’re not alone. In this first episode of UNFILTERED, Daphna Horowitz and Amy Riley explore imposter syndrome: what it is, why it shows up, and how to move through it.

Discover:

The 5 types of imposter syndrome
Why it hits women and minorities harder
How to reframe self-doubt as a sign of growth
Tools to name it, normalize it, and own your value

Raw, real, and relatable—this is the conversation we all need to hear.

🎧 Listen now. Share with someone who needs it.

Timestamps

[00:00:14] Imposter syndrome awareness and naming it.

[00:04:53] Types of imposter syndrome.

[00:11:14] Courage in the face of fear.

[00:14:56] Imposter syndrome and growth.

[00:20:06] Leadership under pressure.

[00:22:18] Unique value and self-awareness.

[00:26:40] Normalizing imposter syndrome discussions.

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Richard Parker, an expert in acquiring businesses, shares his journey of transforming business aspirations into reality. After facing a crossroad in his personal life, he realized the importance of making decisions based on uncertainty and the worst-case scenario. He emphasizes the value of buying a good business at a great price, rather than starting a risky startup. Richard also discusses the importance of humility and surrounding yourself with people who are smarter and more skilled. This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners.

About the guest:

Richard Parker is an expert in acquiring businesses and has transformed business aspirations into reality for over 30 years. He has acquired 13 companies and one co-investment, ranging from $50,000 to over $200 million. Richard's program, "How to Buy a Good Business at a Great Price," has empowered and guided prospective business buyers in 80 countries around the world. He has been featured in top-tier publications such as Forbes and The New York Times and has written over 300 published articles showcasing his authority in the field. Richard also served as a mentor in the Dalio family office, working with Ray Dalio's son and imparting the art of acquiring businesses.

Resources:

website: www.RichardParker.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richparker1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardParkerDiomo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardparkerdiomo/

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@richardparkerdiomo

Timestamps:

2:44 Facing crossroads in business and personal life

7:30 Acquiring a business after stock market investment went bust

10:11 There are no guarantees with a Startup

14:00 An MBA doesn’t mean that you know how to become a business owner

16:13 When you don’t have options, it is incredibly easy to make decisions

18:11 Thinking outside the box

20:08 Mitigating risks

26:25 What is the mission plan?

29:25 Startups are like adding jet fuel to the economy

35:21 Overcoming ego

41:49 Learn about yourself by asking questions

44:50 Embrace being wrong

45:20 A Small habit that has made a difference

47:55 Linking what you do to what you can do for the community

51:10 Connect with Richard Parker

Key Takeaways: * Richard Parker's personal crossroads, including his decision to separate and get a divorce, served as a catalyst for change and prompted him to evaluate his life and make important decisions. * Acquiring existing businesses can be a more practical and lucrative option compared to starting a startup, as it provides immediate income and the potential for growth through acquisitions. * When faced with uncertainty, it is important to determine the time available to make a decision and allocate probabilities to potential outcomes to make a better decision. * Richard emphasizes the importance of humility and surrounding oneself with people who are smarter and more skilled, as this leads to personal and professional growth. * Successful business owners often focus on building a great business or empowering others rather than solely pursuing financial gain.

Connect with Daphna:

www.daphnahorowitz.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/

https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions

Did you enjoy this episode of Leadership Live podcast? Leave us a review HERE.

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In this episode of Leadership Live, host Daphna Horowitz interviews Dr. Ilan Samish, CEO and founder of Amai Proteins, an Israeli food tech startup. Dr. Samish discusses his journey from academia to entrepreneurship and the development of a sugar substitute that is healthier, tastier, and more sustainable than traditional sweeteners. He also shares insights on the importance of effective communication, the impact of the recent conflict in Israel on his company, and the resilience and unity of his team. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with a leader who is making a difference in the world.

About the guest:

Dr. Ilan Samish is the CEO and founder of Amai Proteins, an Israeli food tech startup that has developed the first sugar substitute that tastes just like sugar. With a background in computational protein design and genetics, Dr. Samish has a stellar academic career and has made significant contributions to the field. He is also a former journalist and lecturer, bringing a unique perspective to his work. Dr. Samish is passionate about helping people reduce their sugar intake and improve their health.

Resources:

Amai Proteins website: www.miproteins.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilansamish

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.co.il/citations?user=HI8y1D8AAAAJ

ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ilan_Samish

Key Takeaways:

Dr. Samish's unconventional skill in journalism has served him well in his leadership journey, particularly in communicating complex scientific concepts to a wider audience.
Amai Proteins has developed a sugar substitute that is made from sweet proteins found in the jungle, offering a healthier alternative to traditional sugar.
The protein-based sweetener is zero-calorie, sustainable, and has a taste that is indistinguishable from sugar.
The recent war in Israel had a significant impact on MI Proteins, with the loss of a lead researcher and employees affected by military duty. However, the company rallied together and continued to deliver on their mission.

Timestamps:

3:45 Journalism has been an unconventional skill that has helped shape Ilan’s view on science

7:15 Communication is an important skill to develop from an expert to a leader

9:00 The journey to developing Amai Proteins - the mindset and the quilt

16:07 Taking unconventional routes in life

18:37 The innovation and difference between ordinary sugar and the substitute

24:20 The Effect of sugar and Obesity to people and World

26:30 War in Israel - everything changed

32:40 Importance of mental health support after traumatic events

38:09 Losing a colleague- what happened next?

39:19 Transformation and resilience in the face of challenges

44:30 Key lessons in the transition

49:40 If you had a magic wand, what would you change about your world?

Connect with Daphna:

www.daphnahorowitz.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/

https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions

Did you enjoy this episode of Leadership Live podcast? Leave us a review HERE.

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Transitioning from being an expert to being a leader can be a challenging process for actuaries. Actuaries are known for their technical expertise and analytical skills, which they have honed through years of studying and passing exams. However, when they are promoted to leadership positions, they often struggle to step back from the technical work and trust others to handle it.

In this episode, we dive into a conversation with Julia Lessing, a fellow of the Institute of Actuaries, Australia, and principal actuarial director of Guardian Actuarial, about building management and leadership skills that go beyond simply reading books or studying theory. Some of the insights shared are the need for actuaries to let go of control and trust their team members, as well as the importance of active listening and empathy in building strong relationships, the value of learning from mistakes, and the need for patience and flexibility in career progression. We show that leadership can be broken down into a set of micro-skills that can be learned, even when these skills don’t come about naturally.

About the guest:

Julia Lessing is a fellow of the Institute of Actuaries, Australia, with 20 years of experience as a consulting actuary. She is also a certified organizational coach and an experienced counselor. Julia established Guardian Actuarial in 2015, where she is the principal actuarial director. She is passionate about fostering forward-thinking leaders in the actuarial industry and runs the Guardian Actuarial Leadership program to help actuaries build their management toolkits and leadership skills. Julia is a mother of four adult children and is actively involved in her community as a qualified counselor for Lifeline and an authorized foster carer.

Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-lessing/

Website: https://www.guardianactuarial.com.au/

Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program: https://www.guardianactuarial.com.au/ga-leadership-program

Podcast: https://www.guardianactuarial.com.au/podcast

Recommendations:

Book “Courage to Lead” by Daphna Horowitz on Amazon

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Lead-Leadership-Lessons-Kilimanjaro/dp/1920292284

Book “The Improbable Entrepreneur: A story about the other 99.9% of startups” by Ilan Leas

Link: https://www.amazon.com.au/Improbable-Entrepreneur-story-about-startups-ebook/dp/B09WCVWJTK

Watch full episodes of “Leadership Live” podcast on Youtube

Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/daphna1231

Timestamps:

3:40 The gap between technical skills and management skills

5:09 Importance of feedback in leadership

11:27 Challenges actuaries face when transitioning into leadership

13:00 We’re not taught how to manage people at “actuary school”

14:05 Mindset shift: stepping back and teaching junior team members

15:17 Building confidence and trusting people to learn from mistakes

19:45 Learning skills from general life experiences

24:48 Integration of leadership skills with actuarial expertise

26:14 Communication micro-skills

32:18 Careers are not linear

38:10 The importance of networking and building relationships

39:21 Two books: motivation and sparking resources for future development

42:03 Can AI take on the role of leadership?

45:10 Connect with Julia Lessing

Key Takeaways: * Actuaries often struggle with transitioning from expert to leader, particularly in letting go of control and trusting their team members. * Developing leadership skills requires active listening, empathy, and the ability to understand and connect with team members on an individual level. * Actuaries should embrace the non-linear nature of their careers and be open to sideways steps or additional experiences that can broaden their skill set. * Building strong relationships and networking with colleagues and industry professionals is crucial for career growth and advancement. * Actuaries should apply the time value of money concept to their careers, understanding that progress and success take time and patience.

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Are you craving deeper, more authentic connections in your life? In this compelling episode, we explore the profound impact of genuine relationships on personal and professional growth. Join us as we unravel the secrets to cultivating authenticity, fostering trust, and embracing vulnerability. Through personal anecdotes and thought-provoking insights, this episode inspires action, inviting you to embark on a journey towards deeper understanding, empathy, and impactful leadership.If you're ready to embark on a journey towards extraordinary leadership from within, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now for a deep dive into the transformative power of authentic connections.

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Key Takeaways: * Authentic connections are built on being true to oneself and being sincere in interactions with others. * Building authentic connections can be challenging due to societal pressures and fear of judgment. * Authentic connections are important in personal and professional relationships as they foster trust and support. * Vulnerability, empathy, and active listening are key factors in building authentic connections. * Engaging in genuine conversations and asking meaningful questions can lead to authentic connections.

To listen to the full episode and engage in authentic conversations, visit https://daphnahorowitz.com/leadership-podcast/ . Stay tuned for more enlightening content from Leadership Live.

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