The Leader in You: Recent Episodes
Lola Gershfeld and Ramin Sedehi at EmC Leaders
Welcome to the Leader in You podcast where we talk about how emotional connection can empower you at work and in your life.
When trauma enters the workplace, leaders often focus on getting everyone "back to work." But what if the fastest path forward is helping people feel emotionally safe first?
In this episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina Marian explore how leaders can help employees navigate loss, conflict, unexpected change, and other traumatic workplace experiences without leaving people emotionally stuck.
Using real client stories, they discuss:
- How grief and trauma affect team performance
- Why unresolved emotional experiences keep employees stuck
- The difference between repairing a relationship and deciding it's time to part ways
- Why employees stop aligning with an organization's values—and what often happens first
- The subtle warning signs leaders frequently miss before conflict and turnover occur
- How the EmC Process helps teams process difficult experiences and reconnect
- Why emotional safety accelerates healing, engagement, and long-term performance
Whether your organization is experiencing the loss of a colleague, organizational change, conflict, layoffs, or simply increasing disconnection, this conversation offers practical guidance for creating a workplace where people can heal, reconnect, and move forward together.
Because sometimes the greatest leadership isn't solving the problem—it's creating enough safety for people to process it.
Key Takeaways
✔ Trauma doesn't only happen outside of work—it can result from conflict, layoffs, sudden loss, or major organizational change.
✔ Employees often disengage because they are protecting themselves, not because they no longer care.
✔ Repairing relationships before making employment decisions creates healthier outcomes for everyone involved—even if someone ultimately leaves the organization.
✔ Early signs of disconnection are often subtle. Leaders who recognize them early can prevent unnecessary conflict and turnover.
✔ Emotional safety allows people to process difficult experiences, reconnect with others, and regain their ability to contribute.
✔ The strongest workplace cultures don't avoid difficult conversations—they create the safety needed to have them.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
When conflict arises, our first instinct is often to become critical—of others, of ourselves, or of the situation. But what if the most powerful response isn't criticism at all? What if it's curiosity?
In this milestone 100th episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina explore how curiosity transforms the way we experience conflict. Instead of reacting with blame, judgment, or defensiveness, emotional connection begins when we slow down and become curious about what's happening inside ourselves first.
You'll learn why people struggle to share their emotions, how past experiences continue to shape present-day workplace relationships, and why emotional safety is essential before meaningful conversations can happen. Through real workplace examples, Dr. Lola demonstrates how understanding your own triggers creates empathy, reduces reactivity, and helps teams move from negative cycles to secure connection.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why curiosity is more effective than criticism during conflict.
- How understanding your own triggers changes the way you communicate.
- Why past experiences continue to influence current workplace relationships.
- How emotional safety helps people become more open, accessible, and engaged.
- Why secure teams recover from conflict faster and navigate challenges together.
- A simple phrase that can immediately reduce misunderstanding:
"I don't know exactly what's happening with me yet, but I know something is happening."
Whether you're leading a team, navigating a difficult coworker, or trying to strengthen your relationships at work or at home, this episode will help you replace criticism with curiosity—and transform conflict into connection.
Remember: Every conflict is an opportunity to learn something about yourself, the other person, and your relationship. Stay curious, not critical. That's where emotional connection begins.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
Have you ever walked away from a difficult conversation thinking, "I don't even know what happened—I just know it didn't go well"?
When emotions become overwhelming, our thoughts race, our reactions become automatic, and meaningful conversations quickly fall apart. Yet beneath what feels like emotional chaos are predictable patterns that can be understood, organized, and transformed.
In this episode, Dr. Lola Gershfeld shares the story behind the creation of the EmC Reconnection Form and explains why organizing our emotional experience is the key to repairing relationships at work and at home.
You'll learn why people often struggle to identify what they're truly feeling, how emotional triggers activate protective behaviors, why unresolved conflicts continue to affect us long after they happen, and how recognizing the negative interaction cycle allows us to replace blame and defensiveness with understanding and connection.
Whether you're a leader, HR professional, coach, or simply someone who wants healthier relationships, this episode will help you understand that emotions are not the problem. When organized with clarity and intention, they become one of the most powerful tools for creating trust, healing conflict, and strengthening relationships.
In this episode, you'll discover:
• Why emotions often feel chaotic—and why they don't have to remain that way.
• The true story behind the creation of the EmC Reconnection Form.
• How identifying emotions, sensitivities, and protective behaviors transforms difficult conversations.
• The hidden patterns that keep people stuck in conflict.
• Practical ways to slow down emotional reactions and create conversations that build connection instead of disconnection.
When we organize our emotions, we organize our conversations. And when we organize our conversations, we create stronger relationships.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
When a highly publicized interaction between Caitlin Clark and her coach, Stephanie White, captured national attention, many people focused on the visible behavior. We saw frustration, conflict, and what appeared to be defiance.
But what if there was something much deeper happening?
In this episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina explore this situation through the lens of Emotional Connection (EmC) and attachment science. Rather than asking, "Who's right?" or "Who's wrong?", they ask a more important leadership question:
What emotional need is driving the behavior?
You'll discover why aggressive or disruptive behavior is often a signal of emotional distress rather than simply a performance problem, why star performers can become disconnected from their leaders, and how emotional safety—not control—is the foundation of sustained high performance.
Whether you lead a team, coach athletes, manage high performers, or simply want to navigate difficult relationships more effectively, this episode will challenge the way you think about conflict and provide practical strategies for recognizing and repairing disconnection before it escalates.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why disruptive behavior is often a signal of emotional disconnection.
- How attachment needs influence behavior under pressure.
- The difference between reacting to behavior and responding to the underlying emotional experience.
- Why validation and co-regulation can quickly de-escalate conflict.
- How leaders can recognize negative interaction cycles before they damage trust and performance.
- Practical EmC principles for creating emotional safety in high-pressure environments.
Conflict isn't solved by controlling people—it is transformed by understanding the emotional experience driving the behavior. That's where lasting leadership begins.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
What if the greatest skill for navigating team conflict isn't better communication—it's relentless empathy?
In this episode, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina explore why empathy is one of the most important skills leaders, managers, HR professionals, and L&D practitioners can develop to create emotionally safe, high-performing teams.
When team members become frustrated, defensive, or withdrawn, it's easy to react to their behavior. But what if that behavior is simply a signal that they're struggling?
You'll learn why empathy isn't just a personality trait—it's a skill that can be developed. Like any muscle, empathy grows stronger with intentional practice. Dr. Lola and Polina explain how emotional triggers block our ability to empathize, why curiosity is the first step toward emotional regulation, and how the EmC Process helps leaders respond with greater clarity, connection, and confidence during difficult conversations.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why empathy is different from sympathy
- How emotional triggers prevent us from responding effectively
- Why empathy is an emotional muscle that can be strengthened
- How curiosity helps you recognize your own emotional reactions before they escalate
- Practical ways to build emotional awareness and self-regulation
- How the EmC Process helps organize emotions so you can respond instead of react
- Why repairing relationships strengthens both the individual and the team
- How leaders create emotionally safe teams through consistent empathy
Whether you're leading a team, facilitating training, coaching leaders, or simply looking to strengthen workplace relationships, this episode will give you practical tools to help your team navigate challenges with greater trust, resilience, and emotional connection.
🎧 Listen now and discover how developing relentless empathy can transform the way your team handles conflict, builds trust, and works together.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
Most onboarding programs teach new employees how to do the job. Few teach them how to navigate the relationships.
In this episode of The Leader in You Podcast, Dr. Lola and Polina discuss one of the most overlooked gaps in employee onboarding: preparing new hires to recognize, navigate, and address team conflict before they become part of it.
When employees join a new team, they don't enter a blank slate. They inherit existing communication patterns, team dynamics, unresolved tensions, and relationship injuries that may have developed over months or even years. Without the right tools, new hires can quickly get pulled into negative cycles, workplace drama, and ineffective communication.
Through a powerful real-world example of a newly hired CEO who became overwhelmed by team complaints within his first weeks on the job, Lola and Polina explore how organizations can transform onboarding into an opportunity to create emotional safety, strengthen relationships, and build healthier team cultures from day one.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why traditional onboarding often overlooks relationship dynamics
• How unresolved team conflict impacts new employees
• The role managers and trainers play in creating emotional safety
• How the EmC Process helps employees recognize and navigate disconnection
• Why new hires are often uniquely positioned to help teams reconnect
• How teaching relationship skills early improves engagement, retention, collaboration, and culture
People don't become part of a culture by learning the rules. They become part of a culture by learning how to connect.
Listen in to discover how onboarding can become one of the most powerful tools for preventing conflict and building emotionally connected teams.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
At the ATD Conference, we noticed a common theme: many leaders and learning professionals were excited about innovation and AI, yet hesitant when it came to navigating emotions, vulnerability, and human connection in the workplace. That tension inspired this conversation on emotional ambivalence—the experience of feeling pulled in two directions at the same time.
In this episode, Lola and Polina explore why people often struggle to make decisions, speak up, take risks, or embrace change. Together, they unpack the fears that drive emotional ambivalence, including the fear of making the wrong choice, being judged, appearing incompetent, experiencing rejection, or exposing vulnerability.
You’ll learn:
- What emotional ambivalence is and why it shows up in leadership, teamwork, and everyday life
- How psychological safety and secure relationships influence confidence and decision-making
- Why vulnerability is often the pathway to growth rather than a sign of weakness
- How shame, fear, and disconnection keep people stuck
- Why suppressing difficult emotions also limits positive emotions, engagement, and connection
- A practical framework called VERSE for helping leaders and teams navigate emotional uncertainty with greater clarity and confidence
Whether you're a leader, manager, coach, HR professional, or simply someone facing a difficult decision, this episode offers a powerful perspective on how emotional safety helps people move from fear and hesitation to confidence, connection, and action.
Because sometimes the problem isn't that we don't know what to do—it’s that we don’t feel safe enough to do it.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
After returning from the ATD Conference, one thing kept staying with us.
Yes, AI was everywhere. It was in sessions, at booths, and woven into conversations about the future of work. But what stood out most wasn't technology at all.
It was people.
In this episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld reconnects with Niamh Hannan and Aoife O'Brien to reflect on their experience after ATD and discuss what they discovered beneath the surface of all the AI conversations.
Together, they explore:
- Why attendees felt relieved to talk about emotions, relationships, and human connection
- The passion that drives L&D professionals to keep showing up and helping others grow
- Why workplace conflict often has less to do with the issue itself and more to do with emotional triggers
- How negative cycles quietly shape our teams and relationships
- Why connection doesn't happen automatically—it must be intentionally prioritized
- What organizations risk losing if technology replaces human touchpoints
If the future of work is changing, one important question remains:
How do we make sure we don't lose the relationships that help people thrive?
Join us for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, emotional safety, learning and development, and what truly stood out after ATD.
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Niamh Hannan
Aoife O'Brien
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
In this special live episode from the ATD Conference in Los Angeles, Dr. Lola Gershfeld welcomes returning guest Aoife O'Brien, author of Thriving Talent and host of the Happier at Work Podcast, for a thought-provoking conversation about one of the biggest questions leaders face today:
As AI becomes more integrated into the workplace, what happens to the human connections that help people feel safe, valued, and able to thrive?
Drawing from her U.S. book tour and conversations with leaders across organizations, Aoife shares insights on what organizations may gain through technology—and what they risk losing if human relationships are replaced by efficiency alone.
Together, Lola and Aoife explore:
• Why AI can support our work but cannot replace human connection
• The small moments and "bids for connection" that strengthen workplace relationships
• Why people may feel increasingly disconnected and lonely at work
• The difference between psychological safety and emotional safety
• Why feedback can feel threatening when relationships feel insecure
• How fixed and growth mindsets influence our ability to learn and change
• Why people and teams do not have to stay stuck
This conversation reminds us that thriving at work is about more than performance, productivity, and technology. People grow, learn, and do their best work when they feel emotionally safe, supported, and connected.
Because thriving talent isn't created by AI alone—it is created through human relationships.
Connect with Aoife O'Brien:
• Aoife O'Brien on LinkedIn
• Thriving Talent
• Happier at Work Podcast
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
What really causes disengagement at work? Is it a lack of motivation, poor communication, or something deeper?
Broadcasting live from the ATD Conference in Los Angeles, Dr. Lola Gershfeld, Polina Marian, and Niamh Hannan explore the hidden emotional patterns that shape workplace relationships and team performance. Together, they unpack new research showing the powerful impact managers have on employee engagement and reveal why disengagement is often a symptom of something happening beneath the surface.
In this episode, you'll discover:
• Why disengaged managers create disengaged teams
• The surprising cost of disengagement on collaboration, productivity, and well-being
• The common pursue-withdraw cycle that keeps people stuck in workplace conflict
• Why the problem isn't the person — it's the pattern
• How emotional awareness helps leaders stay Accessible, Responsive, and Engaged (A.R.E.) during difficult conversations
• How changing emotional patterns can transform team dynamics and connection
Conflict isn't simply a communication problem or a skills problem. When emotions drive reactions, logic alone rarely fixes it. The key is learning how to recognize the cycle and create emotional safety that allows people to reconnect.
Join us for this special live ATD conversation as we explore what becomes possible when leaders learn to create stronger emotional bonds at work.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
In this deeply personal and insightful episode of The Leader in You Podcast, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina Marian explore why workplace relationships can feel so emotionally intense—and why conflict at work often has roots far deeper than communication skills alone.
Drawing from attachment science, emotional connection research, and real workplace examples, they unpack how the patterns we learned with our parents and caregivers can unconsciously shape the way we respond to managers, feedback, promotions, rejection, conflict, and emotional disconnection at work.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why managers often become “key attachment figures” in the workplace
- How childhood attachment patterns replay themselves in leadership and team relationships
- Why fear—not lack of skills—is often driving workplace conflict
- The hidden emotional meaning behind defensiveness, withdrawal, silence, and “I don’t want to talk about it”
- How emotionally responsive leadership creates stronger performance, engagement, resilience, and trust
- Why emotional safety is essential for teams to thrive
- How the EmC Process helps people recognize and restructure unhealthy relational patterns
Dr. Lola also shares powerful research on attachment and leadership, including studies showing how emotionally responsive leaders improve performance, stress management, and team connection.
This episode is a reminder that leadership is not just about strategy, accountability, or communication techniques—it’s about creating a secure emotional connection where people feel safe enough to grow, contribute, take risks, and succeed together.
If you’ve ever wondered why certain workplace interactions trigger such strong emotional reactions… this conversation may change the way you see leadership forever.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
What if the biggest challenge in your workplace isn’t culture… but disconnection?
In this episode, we explore a powerful insight from the recent SIOP Conference:
No matter where people come from—different countries, languages, or backgrounds—the way they respond to disconnection looks strikingly the same.
Through real stories—from a multicultural workplace to a transformative meeting in South Korea—we reveal why:
- Conflict isn’t a communication problem… it’s an emotional one
- You don’t need a shared language to create connection
- Validation, presence, and emotional safety transcend culture
You’ll hear how one conversation—without a shared language—rebuilt trust, strengthened a global partnership, and changed the trajectory of a business relationship.
We also unpack a critical leadership shift:
👉 Stop trying to change behavior
👉 Start sharing emotional impact
Because when people feel seen, valued, and important, change happens naturally.
This episode will challenge the way you think about feedback, culture, and communication—and give you a new roadmap for leading connected, high-performing teams anywhere in the world.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Disconnection triggers the same human responses across all cultures: pursue (anxious) or withdraw
- Emotional connection is the true universal language—not words
- You don’t need agreement to create connection—you need validation
- Feedback without connection damages relationships; impact deepens them
- When emotional safety is present, behavior change follows naturally
💬 Closing Thought
Across every culture, every team, every language—
the question is always the same:
“Do I matter to you?”
And everything changes when the answer becomes a felt, undeniable yes.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
What really happens in those moments when emotions take over at work?
In this episode of The Leader in You, we sit down with Karen Thrall, author of Don’t Lose Your Sh*t at Work, to explore the powerful patterns behind how we react under pressure—and why those reactions can either damage or deepen our relationships.
Karen shares her deeply personal journey—from being a successful executive who struggled with emotional outbursts to developing a transformative framework that has helped thousands of leaders navigate conflict more effectively.
We dive into her concept of “Nows” and “Laters”:
- Why some people feel the need to address conflict immediately
- Why others need time and space to process
- And how these differences often create cycles of misunderstanding, frustration, and disconnection
You’ll hear how:
- Emotional reactions are not flaws—but patterns shaped over time
- Triggers are signals, not problems to suppress
- What feels like “losing control” is often a move into survival mode
- Real leadership is not about avoiding emotion—but learning how to work with it
We also connect Karen’s work to emotional connection and explore how these moments of conflict can become opportunities for deeper understanding, trust, and repair.
This is an honest, relatable, and insightful conversation for anyone who has ever:
- Said something they regretted
- Stayed silent when they wanted to speak
- Or wondered, “Why do I react this way?”
Because the goal isn’t to choose between “now” or “later”…
It’s to learn how to stay connected—no matter what moment you’re in.
🔗 Connect with Karen Thrall:
- 🌐 https://KarenThrall.com
- 📱 @karenthrallinc
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
What happens when you travel a million miles away from Earth… and discover what truly matters most?
In this deeply moving episode, we reflect on the emotional return of the Artemis II astronauts—and what their experience reveals about the human need for connection, trust, and belonging.
As the astronauts shared their journey, one message stood out above all: “We are bonded forever.” Their words weren’t just about space exploration—they were about something far more universal. The power of emotional connection.
Together, we explore:
- Why high-stakes teams depend on deep emotional bonds—not just skills
- How fear, risk, and uncertainty actually strengthen connection when we don’t face them alone
- What “secure attachment” looks like in action—even in the most extreme environments
- Why disconnection at work can feel like being “a million miles away” from each other
- How emotional safety unlocks clarity, resilience, and better decision-making
This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we go, what we truly long for is connection. And when we feel seen, supported, and valued—we can accomplish extraordinary things together.
Because at the end of the day…
It’s not just about the mission.
It’s about who we become—and who we’re connected to—along the way.
🎧 Listen now and rediscover what it means to be human, together.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
What if the most important leadership skill isn’t how you manage others—but how you manage yourself?
In this episode, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Niamh Hannan explore how the Emotional Connection (EmC) process can be used for self-development—helping you recognize when you’re triggered, understand your negative cycle, and shift out of reactive patterns that damage connection.
You’ll learn how to slow down, get curious about your emotions, and use the EmC Reconnection Form to become more grounded, present, and intentional—especially in high-stakes moments.
Because the way you show up with others starts with how you show up for yourself.
Your future self is shaped in the moments you choose awareness over protection—and connection over control.
Connect with Niamh Hannan on LinkedIn
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
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RESOURCES:
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CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
What if the very thing you’ve been taught to hide…
is actually your greatest strength?
For many men, emotions have been framed as something to control, suppress, or avoid—especially at work. Stay logical. Stay composed. Stay strong.
But underneath that message is something rarely acknowledged:
The pressure to disconnect—from your own experience, and from the people around you.
In this episode of The Leader in You, we open up an honest and necessary conversation about men and emotions in the workplace—not as a problem to fix, but as a pathway to stronger leadership, deeper connection, and real impact.
We explore:
- Why vulnerability has been misunderstood—and how it actually builds trust and respect
- What really happens when emotions are pushed down (and why they don’t stay there)
- The hidden cycle many men experience: holding it in, feeling alone, and then reacting in ways that don’t reflect who they truly are
- Why your nervous system is wired for connection—and why disconnection feels so intense
- How creating even a small moment of emotional safety can change everything in a conversation
You’ll hear real examples of what it looks like when someone moves from “I don’t do emotions” to feeling seen, heard, and understood—and how that shift transforms relationships at work.
This episode is not about becoming someone you’re not.
It’s about giving yourself permission to access something that’s already there.
Because vulnerability isn’t about losing control.
It’s about creating connection.
And in leadership—
connection is what changes everything.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
Workplace conflicts happen—but most leaders don’t know how to stop the cycle once it starts.
In this episode of The Leader in You, Polina and Dr. Lola Gershfeld explain how to beat the fight in four steps using the Emotional Connection (EmC) process.
Instead of escalating arguments or avoiding difficult conversations, leaders can guide teams through a structured process that helps people feel safe, understood, and connected—the foundation for real resolution.
In this conversation, you’ll learn how the four moves help leaders:
• Track the interactional pattern during conflict
• Clarify and organize the emotions driving reactions
• Facilitate bonding conversations between team members
• Create a corrective emotional experience that rebuilds trust
When people feel emotionally safe, the brain opens to collaboration, empathy, and problem-solving.
If you want to transform workplace fights into stronger working relationships, this episode will show you how.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
In this episode of The Leader in You, Polina and Dr. Lola Gershfeld welcome leadership consultant and author Aoife O’Brien to explore a powerful question facing many leaders today:
Is psychological safety enough — or do teams need something deeper to truly thrive?
Drawing from her book Thriving Talent, Aoife shares her insights from working with organizations struggling with burnout, disengagement, and misaligned workplace cultures. She explains why many leadership initiatives fail to create lasting change and how psychological safety plays a foundational role in building healthier teams.
Together, we explore the difference between psychological safety and emotional safety, how leaders unintentionally erode trust in everyday interactions, and what it takes to create workplaces where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and bring their full capabilities to their work.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
- Why many workplaces struggle to retain and engage talent
- The hidden signs of low psychological safety in teams
- The leadership blind spots that quietly damage culture
- How leaders can create environments where people feel safe and challenged
If you’re a leader who wants to build stronger relationships, healthier team dynamics, and a workplace where people can truly thrive, this episode will give you powerful insights and practical inspiration.
Connect with Aoife O'Brien on LinkedIn
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
What if the real breakthrough in leadership isn’t about strategy — but about learning to pause?
In this episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola and Polina welcome entrepreneur and leader Lisa Zimmer for an honest, vulnerable, and deeply practical conversation about emotional growth in leadership.
Lisa shares how learning the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — the foundation behind the EmC process — transformed not only her personal life after divorce, but also the way she leads her business, handles conflict, and navigates difficult conversations.
She opens up about:
- Moving from anger and reactivity to self-regulation
- Learning to pause instead of proving she’s right
- Letting go of the need to blame
- Holding two truths at the same time
- Repairing relationships — even when letting someone go
- Breaking the “cut and run” pattern in leadership
- Surrounding yourself with people who refill your emotional cup
One of the most powerful moments in the episode is Lisa’s story of terminating a personal assistant — not from anger, but from care. Instead of burning the bridge, she repaired the relationship first. The result? Growth on both sides, and a relationship preserved.
This episode is a masterclass in what emotionally connected leadership actually looks like in real life — messy, human, and deeply courageous.
If you’ve ever felt triggered at work, misunderstood, emotionally exhausted, or tempted to walk away from leadership altogether, this conversation will remind you:
You don’t need to react.
You don’t need to win.
You can pause.
And you can grow.
Because leadership isn’t about control.
It’s about connection.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
What if “just think positive” is actually keeping you stuck?
In this powerful and slightly controversial episode of The Leader in You, we unpack a viral positive-thinking challenge that promises life change in seven days — no complaining, no criticizing, only positivity.
Sounds inspiring… but does it really work?
Drawing on neuroscience, attachment science, and real workplace stories, Dr. Lola and Polina explore why positive thinking alone cannot override emotional triggers, relational disconnection, or negative cycles at work. When the amygdala is activated, and emotional safety is threatened, the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain responsible for clear, rational thinking — goes offline. And no amount of forced positivity can fix that.
You’ll discover:
- Why suppressing “negative” emotions actually shuts down positive ones too
- How emotional disconnection fuels workplace conflict
- Why avoiding complaints creates deeper relational fractures
- What the Negative Cycle looks like in teams
- A powerful 7-day challenge that replaces toxic positivity with emotional awareness
If you’ve ever tried to “stay positive” while feeling hurt, dismissed, or disconnected — this episode will resonate deeply.
Because real change doesn’t come from thinking differently.
It comes from connecting differently.
Listen in — and learn how to shift from forced positivity to secure, emotionally connected leadership.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
Why is vulnerability so often seen as weakness—especially at work? And what if it’s actually the key to movement, motivation, and lasting success?
In this episode, Dr. Lola and Polina build on their previous conversation about the basics of the EmC process and dive deeper into one of the most misunderstood leadership strengths: vulnerability.
You’ll learn:
- The difference between withdrawers and pursuers—and how their negative cycle fuels disconnection
- Why we are biologically wired for emotional connection
- How society trained us to suppress emotions in the workplace
- What vulnerability actually looks like in a professional setting
- How sharing emotion safely creates empathy, reassurance, and engagement
- Why vulnerability is the doorway to Stage 2 of the EmC process—healing, bonding, and repair
When leaders suppress emotion, teams get stuck. When leaders access and share vulnerability in a regulated, professional way, they create safety—and safety creates movement.
This episode reframes vulnerability not as emotional exposure, but as emotional clarity. Not as weakness, but as relational courage.
Because we are not robots.
We are wired for connection.
And success begins when we stop shutting down—and start showing up.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
What happens when a manager doesn’t respond to an employee’s text?
When a request is ignored?
When “we’re just here to do a job” becomes the culture?
In this powerful conversation, we sit down with employment attorney Hanna Ranaan, who has represented both employees and employers and now serves as in-house counsel for a publicly traded company. She gives us a rare inside look at how small moments of avoidance can spiral into miscommunication, discipline, termination—and costly litigation.
We explore:
- How unresponsiveness creates a domino effect of negative assumptions
- Why managers are legally considered agents of the company
- How misunderstandings escalate into lawsuits costing $40,000–$300,000 in defense fees alone
- The hidden cost of turnover and preventable separations
- Why employees often don’t report concerns—even when companies create formal channels
- The resistance HR professionals have to “bringing emotions into work”
- And why emotional connection isn’t about being “touchy-feely”—it’s about creating secure, responsive relationships that reduce legal exposure
Hanna shares real-world examples of how five seconds of responsiveness can prevent months of frustration—and how respect in the workplace is not just a cultural value, but a safety issue.
This episode bridges two worlds: legal risk management and emotional safety. Because when managers avoid difficult conversations, silence communicates something—and the consequences are rarely small.
If you’re a leader, HR professional, or manager who wants to reduce conflict, prevent escalation, and create a workplace where people feel safe to speak up—this conversation is for you.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re talking about something we don’t discuss nearly enough—love, emotional connection, and why they matter so deeply in our work and relationships.
In this episode, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina explore the simplicity of the Emotional Connection (EmC) process and why reconnecting emotionally changes everything—from how clearly we think, to how effectively we work, to how supported we feel in our relationships.
When we’re disconnected, even simple tasks feel exhausting. Our minds feel cluttered. Our energy drops. But when emotional connection is restored, clarity returns, motivation rises, and relationships soften. Dr. Lola shares a personal story that illustrates how quickly reconnection can shift our emotional and mental state—and why emotional safety is the foundation for productivity, collaboration, and trust.
You’ll hear:
- Why emotional disconnection is so draining at work
- How emotional connection brings us out of our heads and back into our hearts
- Why the EmC process works because it’s simple, experiential, and human
- How reconnection creates corrective emotional experiences that repair trust
- Why leaders, trainers, and teams need a clear process—not just communication tips
This conversation is a reminder that emotional connection isn’t extra, soft, or optional—it’s essential. And when we learn how to guide ourselves and others through emotional experiences with care, we create more clarity, resilience, and yes—more love—at work and beyond.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
What happens when leadership feels overwhelming, disconnected, or quietly empty—even when success looks strong from the outside?
In this episode of The Leader in You, we’re joined by Susan M. Taylor, CEO of Generon International and founder of Taylored Wisdom, for a powerful conversation about transforming leadership turmoil into deeper purpose, alignment, and connection.
Together, we explore why leadership can lose its meaning over time—and how renewal begins not by reinventing ourselves, but by reconnecting to what matters most. Susan shares how authentic alignment helps leaders move from exhaustion and pressure into inspired, purpose-driven action.
This conversation dives into the emotional realities leaders rarely talk about:
- The moment when work that once energized you starts to feel draining
- The difference between hustle and inspired action
- Why we say yes when we want to say no
- How fear of disconnection shapes leadership decisions
- The role of emotional safety in rebuilding trust and culture
- Why clarity and honest dialogue are essential for repairing fractured teams
We also explore the deeper human drivers of leadership—mattering, belonging, purpose, and connection—and how psychological safety is something leaders and teams create together.
This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and ask:
Where might current leadership challenges actually be pointing you toward greater purpose?
If you’re navigating change, burnout, misalignment, or culture disruption, this conversation will help you reframe turmoil as a signal—not a failure—and show you how secure leadership is built through emotional connection with yourself and others.
Connect with Susan Taylor on LinkedIn
Visit her website - TayloredWisdom.com
Register for her next in-person session here.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
In this episode of The Leader in You Podcast, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina unpack the real reason people feel “so sensitive” at work—and why it’s not a flaw, weakness, or lack of professionalism.
What we often label as sensitivity is actually the activation of emotional raw spots—deep relational sensitivities formed through past experiences of exclusion, being ignored, devalued, or feeling unsafe with people we depended on. These raw spots don’t disappear when we enter the workplace. They get triggered in everyday moments and quietly drive overreactions, withdrawal, defensiveness, and escalating conflict.
In this conversation, you’ll learn how raw spots develop, why they accumulate over time, and how they pull teams into negative cycles that undermine trust and performance. Dr. Lola explains how raw spots show up differently for pursuers and withdrawers—and how recognizing them allows leaders and L&D professionals to respond with empathy instead of judgment.
When raw spots are named and met with care, emotional safety grows, reactions soften, and connection becomes possible again.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
As the new year begins, many leaders set bold resolutions—yet struggle to create change that truly lasts. In this episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina explore one simple but powerful micro-habit that can fundamentally transform leadership: slowing down in moments of emotional intensity.
Rather than focusing on productivity hacks or self-improvement routines, this conversation dives into what really shapes leadership effectiveness—how we respond when emotions run high. Dr. Lola explains that most leadership breakdowns happen not because leaders lack intelligence or skill, but because they lose emotional balance in moments of stress, conflict, or urgency.
Using relatable metaphors from Argentine tango, yoga, and real-world leadership conversations, this episode shows how “slowing down” is not about doing less—it’s about holding your balance, staying emotionally present, and creating safety for others when it matters most.
Listeners will learn:
- What “slowing down” actually means in conversations with employees, colleagues, and teams
- How emotional reactivity and anxiety disrupt leadership balance
- Why the urge to fix, advise, or control often escalates conflict
- A set of simple, repeatable phrases leaders can use daily to create emotional safety
- How validation, reassurance, and presence unlock flexibility, trust, and collaboration
This micro-habit—pausing to acknowledge, validate, and emotionally tune in—helps leaders regulate themselves, de-escalate difficult interactions, and strengthen relationships over time. It’s a small shift with profound impact.
If you’re entering the new year wanting to lead with more clarity, confidence, and connection—this episode offers a grounded, human, and immediately usable starting point.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
Some leadership frameworks are born in classrooms.
Others are born in suffering.
In this deeply personal episode of The Leader in You Podcast, Dr. Lola shares the story behind the Emotional Connection (EmC) process—a journey shaped by years of workplace conflict, disconnection, and emotional pain, and ultimately transformed into a path of healing, clarity, and hope.
Rather than offering another set of leadership tips or behavior-change techniques, this conversation explores what actually happens to us under pressure, why so many leadership and conflict-resolution programs fail when emotions run high, and how emotional connection became the missing piece.
In this intimate interview, you’ll hear:
- How prolonged workplace suffering led to the creation of the EmC process
- Why logic and skills break down during conflict and stress
- What attachment science and neuroscience reveal about leadership under pressure
- How emotional safety restores balance, trust, and performance
- Why anyone—not just those with formal authority—can bring light into a struggling team
This episode is especially meaningful for internal trainers, HR professionals, and L&D/O&D leaders who work with leaders and teams in distress and are searching for approaches that create lasting change—not just short-term relief.
This is a conversation about tragedy, resilience, and the quiet power of emotional connection to bring light back into our work, our relationships, and ourselves.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Merry Brown—a philosopher-turned-mediator, ombuds, facilitator, and host of Conflict Managed—to explore how her unique journey from academia to workplace conflict resolution is reshaping the way organizations think about tension, triggers, and team relationships.
Merry brings a calm, grounding presence and a rare ability to connect the intellectual world of philosophy with the emotional realities of human behavior at work. Her story offers a refreshing reminder: conflict is not a failure—it’s information. It’s a signal that something in the relationship needs care, clarity, and connection.
This episode is especially meaningful for internal trainers, HR professionals, L&D strategists, OD consultants, and people leaders who want to shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive relationship building.
Together, we explore:
- How philosophy prepared Merry to navigate the deeper “why” behind conflict
- What actually triggers emotional reactions at work—and why people get stuck
- How personal narratives, assumptions, and old patterns quietly shape team dynamics
- The difference between healthy conflict and toxic conflict
- Practical ways to help teams slow down, reflect, and interrupt negative cycles
- Why emotional safety—not policies—is the real foundation for performance
- How to guide people who are constantly triggered or overwhelmed
- What it looks like to co-create small, sustainable agreements that rebuild trust
Merry also gives us a preview of her new book on generational dynamics and how age-related narratives fuel misunderstanding at work. Her insights bring immediate value to anyone trying to build inclusive, emotionally intelligent teams.
If your role involves supporting people through difficult conversations—or teaching leaders how to handle conflict with confidence and compassion—this episode will give you practical tools and a renewed sense of hope.
A meaningful, energizing conversation for anyone committed to creating workplaces where people feel seen, valued, and connected.
Connect with Merry Brown on LinkedIn
Visit her website - 3pconflictrestorateion.com
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
In this special and heartfelt episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and co-host Polina Marian welcome a uniquely insightful guest—16-year-old CEO, influencer, and long-time EmC practitioner, Elli Goldberg.
Elli shares her remarkable journey of navigating family transitions, growing through emotionally focused therapy, and applying the Emotional Connection (EmC) process to her relationships, her business, and the world of social media influence.
Despite her age, Elli brings an emotional depth and clarity that many adults struggle to find. She opens up about:
- How divorce, family challenges, and therapy shaped her emotional confidence
- What it’s like to manage conflict publicly in the influencer world
- How the EmC process taught her to slow down emotions and find her true feelings
- Why drawing emotional images is both the hardest and most transformative part of the process
- How empathy and emotional awareness changed the way she views people, relationships, and even online drama
- Why teaching kids and teens emotional language can change their lives—and yours
Elli’s voice offers a rare window into the next generation—one that is emotionally aware, deeply expressive, and committed to connection.
If you’re a parent, a leader, or someone who wants to understand emotional safety from a fresh and inspiring perspective, this episode is a must-listen.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...
In this heartfelt Thanksgiving-week episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and co-host Polina Marian explore a surprisingly common but rarely discussed experience at work—how even a small moment of feeling forgotten or unseen can shake an entire team.
Drawing from a real situation (shared with permission) with a CEO and CFO, they walk through how a simple birthday misunderstanding spiraled into days of emotional distance, avoidance, confusion, and team-wide tension. More importantly, they show how the EmC process helped the leaders reconnect, repair their bond, and restore safety and trust to the whole team.
You’ll learn:
- Why people “act weird” when they’re emotionally off-balance
- How disconnection at work follows predictable emotional patterns
- What raw spots, triggers, and fears get activated in everyday moments
- Why repairing quickly matters for your well-being — at work and at home
- Simple steps you can take to regain balance when you’re triggered
- How gratitude becomes more accessible when connection is restored
If you’re heading into the holidays feeling stressed, hurt, or disconnected, this episode offers a path back to emotional grounding — and a reminder that weird behavior is nearly always a sign of longing for connection, not a character flaw.
A comforting, insightful episode perfect for this season of gratitude, belonging, and reconnection.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
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LinkedIn
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
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EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and her daughter and co-host, Polina Marian, explore one of the most universal leadership challenges: how to keep your focus during stressful situations.
We often believe that staying focused means staying on the problem—the facts, the content, the mistakes, the timeline. But as Lola and Polina explain using the Emotional Connection (EmC) framework, true focus comes from shifting your attention away from the content and toward the underlying emotional experience—yours and the other person’s.
Through a compelling real-life example from a global organization, Lola illustrates how a leader transformed a tense, disconnected moment into a breakthrough of understanding, empathy, and reconnection—not by fixing the problem, but by slowing down and focusing on raw spots, triggers, and emotions.
You’ll learn:
- Why stressful conversations knock us off balance
- How focusing on content keeps teams stuck
- How to quickly shift your focus to what actually matters
- The specific questions that help people express vulnerability
- The role of co-regulation and co-creation in emotionally safe teams
- How staying focused on emotional experience resolves problems more effectively—and prevents them from repeating
If you’ve ever found yourself reacting, shutting down, defending, or trying to fix things too quickly, this episode will give you a simple, powerful roadmap for staying grounded and creating connection—even in the hardest moments.
Watch or listen to the full episode to learn how emotional focus can transform your conversations, your leadership, and your team culture.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this insightful episode of The Leader in You, Polina and Dr. Lola Gershfeld sit down with Dr. Jamie Goff, author of The Secure Leader, to explore how attachment science shapes leadership, team relationships, and the emotional culture of the workplace.
Jamie shares her personal journey—from teaching emotionally focused therapy (EFT) to stepping into leadership and realizing how her own attachment patterns showed up in her role as a department chair. A single moment with her administrative assistant (“You have to let me do my job”) became a turning point that opened her eyes to how deeply our relationship histories influence our leadership behaviors.
Together, we explore:
- Why leaders don’t show up at work as “blank slates”—they bring their whole relational history with them
- How avoidant or anxious patterns quietly shape leadership decisions, conflict, and collaboration
- The emotional courage it takes to go beneath the surface and own your fears and needs
- Why emotional attunement and high expectations are not opposites—they strengthen each other
- Practical tools from The Secure Leader to increase emotional awareness, regulate reactivity, and move toward earned security
- How connection creates resilience, clarity, and healthier conversations—even during difficult moments
This episode is warm, relatable, and filled with powerful insights about what it truly means to be a secure leader—one who fosters trust, emotional safety, and a connected culture.
Where to Find Jamie’s Work
- Website: drjamiegoff.com
- Book: The Secure Leader
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this heartfelt episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld speaks with Niamh Hannan, EmC Certified Trainer in Ireland, about what it truly means to bring people home—to themselves, to one another, and to emotional safety at work.
Fresh from leading a two-day EmC Master Class in Ireland, Niamh shares moving stories of leaders and coaches who discovered how to transform disconnection into trust and teamwork through the Emotional Connection (EmC) process. Together, Lola and Niamh explore:
🌱 How emotional awareness builds safety, confidence, and connection.
💬 Why structure in the EmC process helps people open up safely.
🌍 The universal need to belong—across cultures, teams, and virtual spaces.
🤖 How to keep the human factor alive in an AI-driven world.
This episode reminds us that no matter where we are—in the office, online, or across continents—home is not a place, but a feeling we create through emotional connection.
✨ Connect with Niamh:
Visit https://niamhhannan.com/
or connect with her on https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamhhannan/
to learn more about her work and upcoming trainings.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this episode, Polina and Dr. Lola unpack what happens when workplace conflicts take an unexpected turn — what they call “the curveball.” Whether it’s defensiveness, shutdown, or denial, these moments often derail even our best intentions to connect.
Together, they explore how emotional disconnection fuels these reactions and how leaders, managers, and teammates can use the EmC process to slow things down, recognize protective behaviors, and create safety for real conversations to happen.
Tune in to learn:
- Why “curveballs” in conflict are really protection signals, not attacks
- How to spot the pursuer–withdrawer cycle and use the right phrases to rebuild trust
- What managers can do to help two people reconnect without taking sides
- Why expressing emotion is like putting down a heavy bag of bricks — freeing both the heart and mind
Join Polina and Dr. Lola as they show how even the toughest moments can become opportunities for healing, connection, and growth at work.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
What happens when two aerospace engineers just can’t get along—and a manager decides not to force a resolution?
In this insightful and entertaining episode from Day 2 of the ATD OrgDev Conference, Dr. Lola Gershfeld, Polina Marian, and guest Matt Gjertsen with Better Everyday Studios uncover how a workplace conflict turned into an unexpected story of connection, understanding, and emotional growth.
Matt shares a true story about two teammates who went from frustration to friendship—not through confrontation, but through simple, human moments of care. Together, we explore why emotions are contagious, how safety and empathy reshape team dynamics, and why no amount of AI or automation can replace genuine human connection.
Get ready for laughter, science, and inspiration—from handshakes and hugs in boardrooms to the power of emotional attunement that can transform entire teams.
🎧 Listen in to discover how turning conflict into connection can unlock trust, collaboration, and creativity at work.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this lively conference edition of The Leader in You Podcast, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and her daughter and co-host, Polina Marian, bring listeners behind the scenes at the ATD OrgDev Conference in Houston — joined by special guest Beth Messick, leadership coach and advisory board member for OrgDev.
Together, they unpack key insights from keynote speaker Galen Emanuele, who used the principles of improv — especially the “Yes, And” mindset — to illustrate how openness, flexibility, and emotional presence transform team dynamics and connection at work.
From playful improv exercises to deep reflections on emotional triggers, presence, and body awareness, this conversation bridges performance and neuroscience — showing how saying yes (and meaning it) creates trust and emotional safety in organizations.
You’ll learn how:
- The “Yes, And” approach mirrors emotionally safe communication in teams.
- Presence helps us tune into others’ emotions beyond just words.
- Disconnection and indifference can feel more painful than outright “no.”
- Emotional awareness allows leaders to expand flexibility and repair trust.
🎧 Tune in for a powerful mix of laughter, learning, and lived experience — and discover how Emotional Connection and improv thinking together can build more responsive, resilient teams.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
When conflict and loneliness take over your workplace, your body and mind pay the price. In this episode, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina Marian explore the powerful link between emotional connection and well-being — drawing from the landmark Harvard Happiness Study and decades of attachment science.
Discover how the EmC Process helps you repair relationships, restore safety, and reawaken joy at work. Because when we feel seen, supported, and secure, everything — from performance to health — begins to thrive.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
What if the key to transforming your team’s culture, connection, and performance wasn’t another system or strategy—but something far more human?
In this episode, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina Marian reveal the secret ingredient to true team transformation: self-awareness. Drawing from real data in the Team Emotional Safety Assessment (TESA), they share how one company’s 13% increase in self-awareness led to stronger relationships, fewer conflicts, and measurable improvements in emotional safety and productivity.
You’ll hear how the Emotional Connection (EmC) process helps teams identify emotional triggers, repair disconnections, and create secure bonds that unlock collaboration and trust. Lola and Polina also discuss the ripple effect of awareness—how it spreads through teams, reduces wasted time in conflict, and amplifies engagement and ROI.
If you’ve ever wondered what truly drives lasting change in a team, this episode will open your eyes to the emotional science behind transformation.
👉 Listen now to discover the secret ingredient to team transformation—self-awareness.
For more information on the Team Emotional Safety Assessment, click here.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this episode of The Leader in You Podcast, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina explore a powerful new framework for understanding conflict and restoring balance - L-TEMPO. Just like dancing, relationships move to a rhythm, and emotions are the music that guides us.
El TEMPO stands for:
- L – Longing for connection
- T – Triggers
- E – Emotions
- M – Meaning
- P – Protective behaviors
- O – Organizing
Together, Lola and Polina break down each step, showing how teams and leaders can use this simple yet transformative process to repair disconnections, regulate emotions, and return to accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement. You’ll also hear how even humor and music can become tools for emotional balance—turning tense moments into opportunities for connection.
Whether you’re navigating workplace conflicts, family dynamics, or team challenges, this episode gives you a practical way to understand and work with emotions, so you can create secure and thriving relationships in any setting.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this episode, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and psychologist Niamh Hannan unpack what happens when workplace dynamics feel like a game of Pac-Man—one person chasing, the other running away. They explore how this destructive pattern shows up in meetings, teams, and leadership, and why it leaves everyone anxious, stuck, and disconnected.
More importantly, they reveal how the EmC Reconnection Process helps teams step out of the game and into genuine connection, trust, and collaboration. From de-escalation to bonding conversations, you’ll learn practical tools to stop the cycle and build a thriving workplace culture.
To get in contact with Niamh Hannan:
Niamh Hannan on LinkedIn
niamhhannan.com
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this episode of The Leader in You Podcast, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina Marian respond to the shocking news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination — not with politics or speculation, but with a focus on what truly matters: how leaders, teams, and organizations can process collective trauma and its ripple effects in the workplace.
We introduce the Emotional Connection (EmC) process, a step-by-step method to:
- De-escalate emotions and create emotional safety
- Restructure conversations to repair relationship injuries
- Integrate daily practices that strengthen bonds and resilience
✨ For a visual of the three stages of the EmC process, watch this episode on YouTube — you’ll see the model in action.
📍 And join us at the ATD OrgDev Conference in Houston, TX, on October 21st, where we’ll be presenting two sessions:
- From Conflict to Connection
- Navigating Difficult Conversations
🔑 Key Takeaways from this episode:
- National and global tragedies impact how people show up at work.
- Safe emotional expression is the foundation of trust and resilience.
- Leaders set the tone for how teams process trauma and rebuild connection.
- The EmC process provides practical tools for moving from conflict to connection.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more conversations on emotional safety, leadership, and workplace connection.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this engaging episode of The Leader in You Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Alaina Szlachta, author of Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring. Alaina shares her inspiring journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, and why thinking like a researcher can transform the way we make decisions—whether in leadership, learning, or life.
Together, we explore:
- Why data isn’t just about numbers, but about noticing patterns and insights.
- How fear of failure often hides behind resistance to measurement.
- Practical ways leaders can use data and feedback to build stronger teams and cultures.
- Why shifting from rigid models to a mindset of curiosity opens doors to creativity, resilience, and impact.
This conversation blends science, storytelling, and practical wisdom to help you embrace data without fear—and to see it as a powerful ally in creating meaningful change.
📩 Contact Dr. Alaina
To learn more about Dr. Alaina Szlachta’s work or connect with her directly:
- 🌐 Website: www.dralaina.com
- 📧 Email: alaina@bydesigndevelopmentsolutions.com
- 🔗 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/drszlachta/
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this episode of The Leader in You Podcast, Dr. Lola Gershfeld reveals the secret to creating and sustaining healthy team relationships. Drawing from attachment science and the Emotional Connection (EmC) process, she shares how teams can move beyond surface-level communication to build trust, resilience, and true emotional safety.
You’ll discover:
- Why traditional conflict resolution misses the heart of the problem.
- How to recognize the hidden “dance of disconnection” that derails teams.
- The power of bonding conversations to repair and strengthen relationships.
- Practical steps leaders can take to create safety, engagement, and collaboration.
Whether you’re a leader, manager, or team member, this episode offers practical insights and a proven roadmap to transform the way your team relates, works, and grows together.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this week’s episode of The Leader in You Podcast, Dr. Lola Gershfeld takes on some of the most common — and challenging — questions about team dynamics and workplace relationships.
What happens when one teammate thrives on emotional connection while another prefers to stay task-focused? How do we stop labeling colleagues as “too emotional” or “too shut down”? And what’s the one small action you can take today to infuse your team with safety, trust, and connection?
Drawing on attachment science and the Emotional Connection (EmC) process, Dr. Gershfeld shares real-life stories, practical insights, and heartfelt wisdom to help you:
- Recognize and break negative cycles that keep teams stuck
- Avoid pathologizing colleagues’ coping patterns
- Bring emotions back into the workplace as a source of strength, not weakness
- Create powerful moments of human connection that shift team culture
Whether your team feels stuck in conflict or simply wants to grow closer, this episode will open your eyes to the emotional music beneath every workplace interaction — and how tuning in can transform the way you work together.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
When a team feels “off,” the damage goes deeper than missed deadlines—it erodes trust, safety, and connection. In this solo episode, Dr. Lola Gershfeld reveals how to spot the subtle signs of disconnection, shift the “emotional music” that drives team dynamics, and repair relationships before it’s too late. Learn how leaders can create a culture where people feel safe, valued, and ready to collaborate.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this riveting and emotionally charged episode, dive into a viral workplace scandal that rocked social media—the infamous kiss-cam moment at a Coldplay concert featuring the CEO and Chief People Officer of Astronomer, both of whom resigned.
Licensed therapist Jack Gershfeld joins to explore the deeper emotional and relational dynamics behind infidelity, both in personal relationships and in organizational settings. The episode explores the three phases of infidelity (distraction, substitution, and replacement), the concept of moral disengagement, and how secrecy corrodes trust.
Dr. Lola shifts the focus to the organizational impact: how betrayal at the top shakes the psychological safety of teams, traumatizes employees, and breaks trust throughout the company. She argues that companies must create emotionally safe spaces for leaders and employees to express vulnerability, prevent disconnection, and respond to crises with openness—not suppression.
🔥 The episode ends with a powerful call to action: leaders and boards must ask themselves—are we creating spaces where people can turn to one another, feel seen, and stay connected—even in crisis?
To connect with Jack, visit www.couplestlc.org.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this insightful episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina dive into the transformative power of holding two truths—a leadership practice rooted in emotional attunement and attachment science. When workplace conflict arises, the common instinct is to choose sides or find fault. But what if the real solution lies in honoring both emotional truths simultaneously?
Together, they explore how this skill helps leaders stay balanced, dissolve defensiveness, and turn disconnection into connection.
Whether you’re a manager navigating team dynamics or someone seeking healthier communication at work, this episode offers practical wisdom—and maybe even a few golden nuggets—to help you lead with presence, compassion, and connection.
🔗 Explore more: emcleaders.com
🧭 Take the Team Emotional Safety Assessment: emcleaders.com/tesa
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this powerful episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola and Polina sit down with bestselling author and leadership expert Ryan Gottfredson to explore what it really takes to become a better leader—and a better human.
Drawing from his new book Becoming Better: The Groundbreaking Science of Personal Transformation, Ryan shares his personal journey of healing, the difference between horizontal and vertical development, and how trauma—even unrecognized-can limit emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
You’ll learn:
- Why adding more “skills” isn’t enough and why you need to upgrade your internal operating system
- How trauma and emotional neglect can quietly shape our leadership
- The essential role of healing in becoming an emotionally intelligent leader
- Daily tools to support nervous system regulation, self-awareness, and personal growth
- Why courageous leaders are the ones willing to face discomfort—and how to start that journey
🔗 Learn more about Ryan by clicking here
Vertical Development Assessment click here LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangottfredson/
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
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Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
What if your leadership challenges are hidden in the coaching styles you don’t use? In this engaging and insightful episode, we’re joined by David Morelli and Alexandria Scobee from OwlHub to explore their groundbreaking Respect Coaching Styles framework—a powerful tool that helps leaders and teams unlock human connection, improve communication, and drive performance.
We talk about how the seven coaching styles (Rallyer, Educator, Strategist, Provocateur, Explorer, Confidant, and Transformer) shape our conversations and relationships at work. Learn how understanding these styles can help leaders move from default behaviors to intentional choices that build emotional safety and engagement.
We also dive into:
- Why self-awareness isn’t enough without relationship awareness
- How behavior change leads to long-lasting culture change
- The surprising connection between attachment theory and coaching effectiveness
- What it really means to “coach toward” a teammate, not away from them
Whether you're a manager, team member, or coach, this episode offers practical wisdom, humor, and heartfelt connection.
🔗 Visit owlhub.com to take the free coaching style quiz.
You can connect with David Morelli on LinkedIn
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this powerful episode, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina Marian introduce two transformative techniques—“Slice It Thinner” and “Catch the Bullet”—designed to help leaders and teams foster emotional safety and connection in the workplace.
You’ll learn:
- Why people often shut down or react in conflict—and how to slow things down and make room for vulnerability.
- How “slicing it thinner” helps transform emotionally impossible conversations into small, doable moments of connection.
- What it means to “catch the bullet” when defensiveness or reactivity shows up—and how to respond with empathy instead of escalation.
- How these techniques support bonding conversations that lead to trust, repair, and emotional safety on your team.
With engaging stories—from a corporate executive to a waterfall adventure with kids—this episode will leave you with actionable insights to help your team shift from reacting to responding, from conflict to connection.
✨ Whether you’re a leader, HR professional, coach, or team member, this conversation offers a fresh, emotionally focused lens to elevate how you lead and relate.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
Making the leap from doing the work to leading the people—it’s one of the toughest transitions in any career.
In this eye-opening episode of The Leader in You, Polina and Dr. Lola talk with Matt Gjersten, founder of Better Everyday Studios, about what really happens when high performers step into management. Together, they explore the emotional hurdles new leaders face, like delegation, feeling valued, and navigating team dynamics.
You’ll learn:
- Why being great at your job doesn’t mean you’re ready to lead others
- How fear and expectations derail delegation and trust
- What simple emotional tools help managers create a safe, connected team
- How small moments of care can transform team culture
Whether you're stepping into leadership or guiding someone who is, this conversation is full of “aha” moments and practical wisdom.
Connect with Matt Gjersten on LinkedIn or visit his website, Better Everyday Studios.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this powerful episode of The Leader in You, we unpack the explosive conflict between Elon Musk and President Trump—and more importantly, what it reveals about leadership, emotions, and disconnection at the highest levels.
Join Dr. Lola and Polina as they take you behind the scenes of what seemed like a political feud, using the Emotional Connection (EmC) process to explore the emotional undercurrents behind this very public fallout. This episode isn't just about two high-profile leaders—it's about how anyone can get stuck in negative cycles, and how to reconnect.
We talk about:
- What caused the rupture between Trump and Musk
- Why emotional safety and connection matter in leadership
- How to turn conflict into closeness—yes, even at the presidential level
💡 Whether you're leading a team or navigating workplace tension, this episode shows how emotional disconnection—not incompetence—is often at the root of conflict. And more importantly, how to repair it.
🎯 Plus, we share a special invitation to our FREE webinar on navigating difficult conversations, coming up!
🎟 Register for our FREE webinar: Navigating Difficult Conversations
🗓 June 24 | 12 PM PT
👉 Register here
📧 Email us at: Polina@emcleaders.com | Lola@emcleaders.com
📱 Or text: (714) 410-6642
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
Breakups don’t just happen in romantic relationships—they happen in companies, too. In this episode, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina expose the top cause of a culture “breakup”: surprise and emotional disconnection between leaders and their teams.
From sudden reorganizations to poor communication, they reveal how these hidden patterns quietly unravel trust—and how to rebuild it using emotional safety, vulnerability, and attachment-based communication. This episode gives you the words, tools, and insights to stop the breakup... and start the reconnection.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Lola and Polina unpack a real-life workplace conflict that began with a simple question — and rippled into a breakdown of emotional safety across an entire team. What seems like a harmless inquiry during a team meeting turns into a deeper exploration of fear, miscommunication, and the hidden impact of emotional disconnection.
Discover how leaders and teams can break the attack-defend cycle, rebuild trust through reconnection, and use the power of emotional awareness to transform team dynamics.
Plus, a first look at Dr. Lola’s new book, Evolve: How to Lead with Emotional Safety and Achieve Transformational Results, and the science-backed formula for optimal success:
Awareness × Expertise = Optimal Success
🧠 Learn why psychological safety starts with emotional safety — and how to create it, one conversation at a time.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
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EMC MASTER CLASS
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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
We're here for our last day at the ATD conference and excited to share the recap of our Authors Chat session this morning on the 5 Quick Wins to Better Manage Team Conflict! Make sure to listen to the end for the opportunity to get the link for a FREE Team Emotional Safety Assessment Tool!
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
Day 3 ATD Recap Takeaways: Our perspective and experience on day 3, sharing our favorite takeaways from these speakers, and our participation in a podcast with Matt Gjersten from Leadership Launchpad
- Simone Biles
- Matt Gjersten
- Scott Blanchard
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
When we thought we were fully prepared, it turned out we were in the wrong room. Mistakes happen all the time, luckily, we had the process to work with our difficult feelings and keep going anyway!
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
Day 1 at the ATD Conference: Special 4 Series Mini Podcast during our stay in Washington DC and our attendance at the ATD conference!!
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
What happens when unresolved childhood wounds resurface at work? In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Lola and Polina explore the emotional complexity of family-run businesses, the myth of “leaving emotions at the door,” and how emotional connection can rebuild trust and success.
⏱️ Episode Highlights:
- 04:00 – Two sisters take over their father's company—and old pain resurfaces
- 08:00 – Why “leave your ego at the door” is a myth that doesn't last
- 13:30 – The limits of cognitive change without emotional healing
- 16:45 – Emotions as the gateway to safety and long-term connection
- 22:30 – Lola’s own story of family business, conflict, and reconnection
- 30:06 – Rosa’s inspiring story: “You’ll be 60 anyway”
- 32:30 – A closing call to embrace emotions and lead with heart
If you're in a family business—or any business—this one’s for you.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
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EMC MASTER CLASS
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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this high-energy, insight-packed episode of The Leader in You, Polina and Dr. Lola Gershfeld dive deep into how emotional disconnection acts like a virus in organizations—hijacking collaboration, clarity, and trust.
Discover how to diagnose, understand, and heal emotional safety issues using the TESSA assessment. From a playful pitch about “undercover EmC agents” to powerful analogies about health and team dynamics, this episode will change the way you see workplace conflict.
⏱️ Timestamps:
- [00:29] Welcome & Polina’s “Undercover Boss” idea
- [03:57] What is TESA and how it helps identify emotional safety gaps
- [07:42] 💥 Mic drop moment: “Conflict is the inflammation. The virus is emotional disconnection.”
- [11:12] How emotional disconnection hijacks the brain and team performance
- [13:36] TESA = A brain scan for your team culture
- [16:43] How to interpret your TESA report and spot team vs. manager discrepancies
- [19:42] Why “undercover” evaluations break trust (and what to do instead)
- [22:22] How secure attachment styles affect perceived emotional safety
- [24:03] “We are fish—and relationships are our water.”
- [27:33] Moldy strawberries, toxic cultures, and how emotions spread
- [28:30] Final thoughts + see you at ATD!
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this episode of The Leader in You Podcast, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina dive deep into an insightful real-world scenario of dealing with an aggressive customer interaction. Polina shares a personal experience in a retail environment, where her skills in emotional awareness, self-regulation, and empathy allowed her to effectively defuse a tense situation. This engaging discussion reveals practical insights on recognizing emotional triggers, managing conflicts constructively, and fostering a psychologically safe workplace environment. Join us to discover actionable steps and emotional tools to transform difficult customer interactions into meaningful connections.
Topics Covered (with timestamps):
- Introduction & Context (0:00)
Welcoming listeners, Earth Day reflections, and connecting emotional safety with improving the world. - Incident Overview & Conflict Escalation (2:56)
Polina’s real-life example of an aggressive customer and a manager's triggering response. - Recognizing Emotional Triggers & De-escalation Techniques (8:31)
Steps Polina took to recognize stress, maintain empathy, and validate feelings during the customer conflict. - Why Managers Struggle with Emotional Regulation (10:07)
The importance of self-awareness, understanding personal triggers, and secure attachment in leadership roles. - The Power of Holding Emotional Fear (12:36)
Managing shame and fear through self-awareness, emotional growth, and recognizing personal patterns. - Repairing Workplace Relationships Post-Conflict (23:28)
Importance of reconnecting with team members, addressing embarrassment, and acknowledging efforts to rebuild emotional safety. - Consequences of Emotional Disconnection & Workplace Incivility (26:51)
How emotional neglect from leadership negatively affects employee motivation, performance, and retention. - Culture Defined by Conflict Management (29:49)
How conflict-handling defines organizational culture and the role of emotional intelligence in creating a thriving environment. - Conclusion & Takeaway (30:32)
Final insights and practical tips for cultivating emotional safety, conflict resolution skills, and transforming company culture.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
Why do we lose motivation, dread team meetings, or feel exhausted just walking into work? In this powerful episode of The Leader in You podcast, co-hosts Paulina and Dr. Lola Gershfeld unpack the true cost of workplace incivility—and it goes far beyond what we see on the surface.
Inspired by the short film Ripples and a riveting panel at SIOP 2025, this conversation explores how even subtle moments of disrespect or misattuned leadership can create a wave of emotional disconnection, leading to stress, disengagement, and turnover.
🎯 You’ll learn:
- What incivility really looks like (hint: it’s not always loud)
- Why your boss’s reaction might be shaped by their relationship wounds
- The neuroscience behind emotional safety—and how primal panic hijacks productivity
- Why traditional training fails, and how the Emotional Connection (EmC) process changes everything
- How emotionally connected teams outperform and outlast disconnected ones
💥 "If it puts a hole in someone’s soul—it’s incivility."
– Dr. Amy Grubb, FBI (as quoted in the SIOP panel)
This episode is for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone tired of normalizing disrespect in the workplace. You'll walk away with insight, strategy, and a fresh lens on how to heal the hidden wounds of workplace disconnection—and how to build a culture where people actually love coming to work.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
This episode of The Leader in You Podcast discusses the vital role of trust in workplace relationships.
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, Polina Marian, and Chip Simmons dive deep into how trust is not just about behavior but about authentic emotional connection and how the EmC process transforms the way organizations build and sustain trust. They explore real-life stories, including lessons from Chip's 9,000-person training journey, reducing turnover, and even making layoffs more human and healing. They emphasize that secure relationships drive performance, accountability, and well-being.
Tune into the episode to learn how to build authentic trust, repair broken bonds, and create work cultures where people feel valued and connected.
In this episode, we talk about:
- [00:00] Welcome and Introduction of Chip Simmons
- [02:08] Lola's early experience with The Speed of Trust
- [03:36] Why trust-building efforts often fail without emotional connection
- [05:43] Chip's background and how the EmC process changed his leadership
- [10:04] Why people lie at work — The role of fear and disconnection
- [14:16] Managers and difficult conversations — letting people go with care
- [18:00] The power of secure relationships during tough changes (demotions, layoffs)
- [23:23] The problem with performance reviews and the need for relationship reviews
- [25:28] Can you create a workplace where you never have to fire anyone?
- [27:25] Managers and teams: Why both share responsibility for trust
- [29:53] Rethinking meetings: from transactional to relational
- [31:44] The dance of connection — differences, attachment, and emotional safety
- [33:19] How emotions affect trust and performance long-term
- [37:00] Why time alone doesn't heal disconnection — it takes intentional repair
- [39:38] Closing reflections — trust as the foundation for thriving organizations
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
This episode of The Leader in You Podcast discusses effective leadership and emotional connection strategies inspired by FranklinCovey's recent conference.
Lola and Polina explore delivering feedback effectively, nurturing human connections in remote work environments, and the role of emotional safety in team dynamics. They emphasize that genuine care and vulnerability are essential for effective leadership and team performance.
Tune into the episode to learn how to build emotional safety, deliver feedback that strengthens relationships, and maintain genuine connections even while working remotely.
In this episode, we talk about:
- [00:00] Introduction to today's topic
- [01:13] Lola shares insights from FranklinCovey's conference featuring Kim Scott on Radical Candor
- [03:51] Maintaining human connections remotely
- [06:39] The crucial role of emotional safety in the workplace
- [10:12] Understanding triggers and emotional responses at work
- [14:12] The importance of expressing emotional impacts rather than criticism
- [21:19] Challenges in interpreting emotional impacts accurately
- [25:02] Risks of withholding honest feedback
- [26:35] Vulnerability as a key to professional growth and team cohesion
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
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LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In a recent Oval Office meeting, President Trump, Vice President Vance, and President Zelensky found themselves locked in a tense exchange—one that perfectly illustrates the negative cycle that derails communication, fuels mistrust, and blocks collaboration.
The conversation quickly spiraled into blame, frustration, and defensiveness, mirroring the destructive pattern known as Find the Bad Guy—where the main move is mutual attack, accusation, or blame.
🔴 The problem? When we feel hurt or vulnerable, we instinctively react with self-protection, often losing emotional safety in the process.
This cycle is all too familiar—not just in politics, but in leadership, business, and everyday relationships.
So how do we break free?
The Path to Creating Safety & Rebuilding Trust
✅ Recognize the Cycle – The real issue isn’t the person, it’s the pattern. When we feel cornered and flooded with fear, we hyper-focus on what the other person just did, but rarely see the impact of our own responses.
✅ Acknowledge Emotions – Our emotional world shrinks when we either numb out or lash out. Without recognizing emotions as our compass, we are effectively lost. Listen to what’s beneath the reaction, take time to organize and acknowledge emotions, and stay present in the conversation.
✅ Shift from Blame to Understanding – The more we attack, the more we appear dangerous to the other person. This negative pattern has to be shut down before trust and safety can be built. The real villain isn’t any individual—it’s the cycle itself.
When leaders understand these steps, they can deescalate conflict, transform conversations, and restore trust in their teams.
presidenttrump #presidentzelensky #meeting #russia #meetingwithrussia #trumpandzelensky #conflict #russiaconflict
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
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RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
This episode of The Leader in You Podcast explores the power of emotional awareness to foster stronger relationships in the workplace and at home.
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, Polina Marian, and Niamh Hannan discuss how the Emotional Connection (EmC) process creates safety for emotional expression, helps identify underlying emotions, and improves professional and personal relationships. They highlight how emotions impact workplace performance, parenting, and overall well-being.
Tune into the episode to learn how emotional awareness can transform leadership, enhance connection, and improve communication at work and home.
In this episode, we talk about:
- [00:00] Welcome & Introductions
- [00:49] Why understanding emotions matters in the workplace
- [04:13] The EmC Process: A roadmap for emotional awareness
- [06:00] The power of specificity in naming emotions
- [10:16] The impact of emotional intelligence on personal relationships
- [13:10] Why traditional performance reviews create disconnection
- [15:14] How emotional triggers impact behavior and decision-making
- [18:16] Emotions as the next frontier in workplace leadership
- [21:48] The key to building connections with children and employees
- [25:00] How the EmC process naturally integrates into personal relationships
- [27:44] Disconnection and workplace performance: The brain-science link
- [29:40] Closing thoughts & next steps
Follow Niamh Hannan on LinkedIn
Follow Polina Instagram @lifewithfivekids
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
Did you know the most common communication mistake in the workplace is not responding? It leads to disconnection, misunderstanding, and emotional distress.
In Episode #35 of The Leader in You Podcast, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and her daughter Polina explore how to uncover emotional triggers, repair relationships, and foster thriving teams.
➡️ The Top Communication Mistake: Not Responding (1:48 - 3:22)
➡️ Understanding Why People Don’t Respond (5:26 - 8:09)
➡️ The Slow Motion Camera Tool (8:25 - 10:39)
➡️ Repairing Emotional Injuries in Teams (13:21 - 15:51)
➡️ The Role of Trainers and Managers (17:50 - 22:34)
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this episode, Jenna Wohlwend hosts an engaging conversation with Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Niamh Hannan, a Certified EmC Trainer, exploring the Emotional Connection (EmC) certification process—a proven framework for cultivating emotionally intelligent and connected workplace cultures.
Niamh Hannan, a certified EmC trainer, shares her powerful experiences and insights on how EmC has transformed her work in corporate and leadership development.
Together, they delve into the importance of emotional connection, revealing how the EmC process equips leaders with practical tools to navigate complex relationships while boosting employee engagement, strengthening team cohesion, and enhancing training outcomes.
This insightful discussion also underscores why EmC certification is an invaluable asset for Talent and development professionals. It empowers them to guide leaders in creating emotionally secure environments that foster learning, collaboration, and high performance.
To contact Niamh Hannan, visit her website at https://niamhhannan.com/
Connect with Niamh Hannan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamhhannan/
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
In this episode, we address the growing importance of mental health at work, especially in the wake of rising post-pandemic stress. Join us as we explore three key areas where leaders can make a difference:
- The Rising Tide of Workplace Stress (3:05 – 5:42)
- Workplace stress is surging, with 41% of employees at peak levels. Relational conflicts compound stresses, making emotional well-being a top priority.
- Emotional Well-being as the Foundation (5:42 – 16:14)
- Emotional well-being underpins mental health. Disengagement often signals poor mental health, stemming from disconnection with colleagues or managers.
- The Power of Secure Relationships (19:24 – 31:51)
- Secure relationships are essential for well-being and productivity. Leaders can foster trust, open communication, and emotional safety to create a supportive work environment.
Conclusion: Mental health isn’t just about programs—it’s about building strong connections. By prioritizing emotional safety, leaders create workplaces where trust, engagement, and success thrive.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team. CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
EMC MASTER CLASS
CONTACT US
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc
Connect with Polina Marian:
LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids
Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...
This episode is dedicated to healthcare professionals who strive to create secure relationships within their teams and with their patients.
With a very special guest, Mary Koloroutis, we talk about “Fostering Healing Connections: Relationship-Based Care in Healthcare.”
Mary is the past CEO of Creative Health Care Management (CHCM), where she facilitated remarkable results, including improved patient engagement, clinician satisfaction, and a more resource-efficient work environment. As a leader at CHCM, Mary excelled in staff and team development and work process improvements.
With CHCM, Mary engaged leaders throughout organizations by providing relationship-based consultation services, innovative education programs, and some of the industry's most celebrated products.
Her work is grounded in the Relationship-Based Care Model, focusing on leveraging the power of relationships to create healing environments where patients and families truly feel cared for.
She is also the co-creator, author, and editor of the Relationship-Based Care series and co-author of "See Me As A Person: Creating Therapeutic Relationships with Patients and Their Families."
We are thrilled to have Mary Koloroutis with us to discuss the importance of creating secure relationships within teams and patients and why attachment and emotional connection are key in fostering these relationships.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Resources from this episode: * Emotional Connection * The Connected Culture * EmC Master Class
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders
Visit our website: www.emcleaders.com
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
Linkedin: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @emcleaders
Dr. Lola Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist and has been devoting time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC ...
Every now and then, someone comes along who completely transforms the way we understand interactions, relationships, and the conflicts within them. Traditionally dominated by classical behavioral approaches and changing mindsets, Dr. Sue Johnson viewed relationships not as bargains but as bonds.
Inspired by John Bowlby, the father of attachment theory, Sue blazed a trail that revolutionized the field of relationships. This transformation began in the 1980s.
Today, no relationship model has more robust outcome studies than Sue’s work on emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for couples. Sue has authored many books, including Hold Me Tight and Love Sense.
Lola and her husband, Jack, attended the Hold Me Tight workshop years ago and noticed a correlation between patterns in couple relationships and patterns in workplace conflicts. Lola then began applying some of these techniques and strategies within teams and boards and saw transformative changes.
Lola then flew to New York to study with Sue Johnson. Based on Sue's work and research in attachment and emotionally focused models, Lola developed the Emotional Connection process, or EmC, to apply in work and team relationships.
EmC has now been integrated into over a thousand cases to reduce workplace conflict, improve team dynamics, and transform company culture with outstanding results.
On April 23, 2024, we received the sad news that Sue Johnson had passed away at age 76. To honor her immense influence on the development of the EmC process, we dedicate this podcast to Dr. Sue Johnson.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Resources from this episode: Emotional Connection * The Connected Culture * EmC Master Class*
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders.
Visit our website: www.emcleaders.com
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
Linkedin: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @emcleaders
Dr. Lola Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist who has devoted time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC process and has used EmC to solve over 1,000 cases. She is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture, which explore the importance of addressing emotions in the workplace for building strong and connected relationships, improving team dynamics, and preventing conflicts.
This episode of The Leader in You Podcast marks the third anniversary of the book Emotional Connection: The EmC Strategy. Co-authors Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Ramin Sedehi discuss the profound role emotional connection plays in effective leadership.
Ramin reflects on his personal journey to becoming a visionary leader and his partnership with EmC, emphasizing that leadership is more about being in service to others and seeing the unseen rather than acquiring it off the shelf.
Lola shares her motivations for co-authoring the book, which arose from her experiences with miscommunication and conflict in the workplace. She describes her realization that emotional connection can prevent isolation and conflict, likening the importance of secure relationships in the workplace to family dynamics.
In this episode, we talk about:
- [02:54] Inspiration behind the Emotional Connection book
- [18:26] Defining the term “emotional connection”
- [24:40] The A.R.E. acronym - the key question in attachment relationships
- [36:00] Ways to apply emotional connection in leadership
- [51:15] Hopes and goals for Emotional Connection in organizations
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Resources from this episode:* Emotional Connection * The Connected Culture * EmC Master Class
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders
Visit our website: www.emcleaders.com
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @emcleaders
Dr. Lola Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist and has been devoting time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC process and has used EmC to solve over 900 cases. She is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture, which explore the importance of addressing emotions in the workplace for building strong and connected relationships, improving team dynamics, and preventing conflicts.
**Connect with Ramin Sedehi:
LinkedIn: Ramin Sedehi**
**In this insightful podcast episode, Jenna Wohlwend and Lola Gershfeld are joined by Haley Cooper, CEO of Savvy Fundraiser, to explore the unique challenges faced by nonprofit organizations.
Through engaging in conversation, they delve into the importance of emotional connection, effective communication, and conflict resolution within nonprofit teams.
Drawing from their experiences, they share valuable strategies for fostering collaboration, advocating for professional development, and driving organizational success.
Tune into the episode to learn the transformative power of building authentic relationships, fostering emotional connection, and prioritizing personal growth within nonprofit organizations.**
In this episode, we talk about:
- [00:00] Introduction
- [06:12] Common challenges with nonprofits
- [12:48] Surprises working with nonprofits
- [17:09] Areas the team starts to get stuck
- [18:25] Having difficult conversations
- [20:59] Steps to overcome challenges
- [30:33] Areas that leaders can improve
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Resources from this episode: Emotional Connection * The Connected Culture * EmC Master Class*
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders
Visit our website: www.emcleaders.com
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
Linkedin: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @emcleaders
Dr. Lola Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist and has been devoting time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder and CEO of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC process and has used EmC to solve over 900 cases. She is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture, which explore the importance of addressing emotions in the workplace for building strong and connected relationships, improving team dynamics, and preventing conflicts.
Connect with Haley Cooper, CFRE
Linkedin: Haley Cooper
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser Visit her website: www.thesavvyfundraiser.com
This episode of The Leader in You Podcast discusses the benefits of intensive team sessions to improve productivity and trust.
Dr. Gershfeld explains that when toxicity or finger-pointing occurs, addressing the underlying relationship disconnect is key to repairing those relationships and changing negative patterns that the company may be stuck in.
In this episode, we talk about:
- [01:47] What are intensive team sessions?
- [04:55] How is it different from regular conflict resolution training?
- [09:40] What is the benefit of using intensive?
- [21:43] Key takeaway
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Resources from this episode:
- Emotional Connection
- The Connected Culture
- EmC Master Class
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders
Visit our website: www.emcleaders.com
Connect with Lola Gershfeld:
Linkedin: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @emcleaders
Dr. Lola Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist and has been devoting time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder and CEO of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC process and has used EmC to solve over 800 cases. She is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture, which explore the importance of addressing emotions in the workplace for building strong and connected relationships, improving team dynamics, and preventing conflicts.
In this podcast episode 27, titled "Not Feeling Great at Work? Understanding Emotions and Relationships," Jenna and Lola went deep into exploring the profound impact of emotions and relationships on individuals' well-being and productivity in the workplace. They discussed why some people may not feel great at work, touching on feelings of unappreciation, rejection, undervaluation, and being underestimated.
In this episode, we talk about:
- [01:55]The role of emotions at work.
- [04:09]Attachment theory and emotions.
- [19:10]Empathy and positive affect
- [26:50]Three Phrases for Leaders.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Resources from this episode:
- Emotional Connection
- The Connected Culture
- EmC Master Class
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders
Visit our website: www.emcleaders.com
Connect with Lola Gershfeld:
Linkedin: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @emcleaders
Dr. Lola Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist and has been devoting time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder and CEO of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC process and has used EmC to solve over 800 cases. She is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture, which explore the importance of addressing emotions in the workplace for building strong and connected relationships, improving team dynamics, and preventing conflicts.
In this episode of the "Leader in You" podcast, Jenna and Lola explore the impact of childhood behaviors in the workplace and challenge the notion that emotions should be suppressed in a professional setting.
They discuss the importance of understanding and embracing emotions, shedding light on the negative effects of demeaning comments and the need for a balanced approach to emotional expression. The podcast emphasizes the role of co-regulation, creating a safe space for emotional communication, and the transformative potential of acknowledging and valuing emotions in the workplace.
In this episode, we talk about:
- [01:16]Childhood behaviors in adulthood.
- [02:31]Negative effects of comments.
- [07:02] How to improve emotional communication?
- [15:41]Creating a supportive work environment.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Resources from this episode:
- Emotional Connection
- The Connected Culture
- EmC Master Class
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders
Visit our website: www.emcleaders.com
Connect with Lola Gershfeld:
Linkedin: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @emcleaders
Dr. Lola Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist and has been devoting time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder and CEO of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC process and has used EmC to solve over 800 cases. She is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture, which explore the importance of addressing emotions in the workplace for building strong and connected relationships, improving team dynamics, and preventing conflicts.
During Episode 25 of the Leader in You Podcast, Jenna and Lola dove into the hard yet relevant discussion of trauma and how we process it in life and in the workplace.
They talked in depth about how we navigate this territory both personally, biologically, and at work and what companies and leaders can do to support their teams going through it.
Whether it’s world news trauma or personal experience trauma, it shapes our emotions, and recognizing it and learning how to tackle it is crucial for healthy people and healthy relationships.
In this episode, we talk about:
- [01:27] What is Trauma?
- [02:42]How trauma affects our personal sense of safety and self, as well as our ability to regulate emotions?
- [06:26]Three stages of The EmC Leaders process which help manage trauma.
- [17:35]The main thing?Slow down.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Resources from this episode:
- Emotional Connection
- The Connected Culture
- EmC Master Class
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders
Visit our website: www.emcleaders.com Connect with Lola Gershfeld:Linkedin: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @emcleaders
Dr. Lola Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist and has been devoting time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder and CEO of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC process and has used EmC to solve over 800 cases. She is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture, which explore the importance of addressing emotions in the workplace for building strong and connected relationships, improving team dynamics, and preventing conflicts.
This episode of The Leader in You Podcast discusses success and failure in the workplace. Lola and Jenna talk about attachment theory and how having secure relationships with managers and coworkers allows employees to feel supported and thrive in their roles. On the other hand, insecure relationships can lead to feelings of failure or anger when disagreements and problems arise.
Dr. Gershfeld explains that when toxicity or finger-pointing occurs, addressing the underlying relationship disconnect is key to repairing those relationships and changing negative patterns that the company may be stuck in.
In this episode, we talk about:
- [02:07] What defines success and failure in the workplace?
- [07:30] The 3 components you need to create secure relationships at work
- [17:35] Toxic environment or finger-pointing in the workplace? This is how you can handle it in a healthy way
- [25:10] The first thing you can do to start addressing differences in opinion and toxic behavior in your team
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Resources from this episode:
- Emotional Connection
- The Connected Culture
- EmC Master Class
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders
Visit our website: www.emcleaders.com Connect with Lola Gershfeld:Linkedin: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @emcleaders
Dr. Lola Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist and has been devoting time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder and CEO of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC process and has used EmC to solve over 800 cases. She is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture, which explore the importance of addressing emotions in the workplace for building strong and connected relationships, improving team dynamics, and preventing conflicts.
This episode of The Leader in You Podcast discusses the importance of emotional connection not just in the workplace, but in the coaching space. You can become a better coach or mentor by understanding the concepts of attachment and emotional connection.
Lola and Gary explore these concepts and some specific techniques you can use to repair a damaged relationship. They also emphasize how focusing on emotional connection can improve teamwork, reduce conflicts, and build a better organizational culture.
By slowing down conversations and exploring each person's emotions, needs, and perspectives, we are able to nurture our relationships and find new positive ways of engaging with each other.
In this episode:
- [03:57] Improving team dynamics by looking at attachment
- [09:29] Two things you can do to break a negative cycle in the workplace
- [13:57] Separation Anxiety: What happens in our brain when we face disconnection at work
- [25:15]Bringing emotional connection to your coaching sessions
- [30:20] The one thing coaches need to pay more attention to
- [34:43] Understanding how you might be triggering others (and how you can change that)
- [38:00] Creating a safe space for people to share their emotions as a coach
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive. Resources from this episode:
- Emotional Connection
- The Connected Culture
- EmC Master Class
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders
Visit our website: www.emcleaders.com Connect with Lola Gershfeld:Linkedin: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @emcleaders
Dr. Lola Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist and has been devoting time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder and CEO of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC process and has used EmC to solve over 800 cases. She is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture, which explore the importance of addressing emotions in the workplace for building strong and connected relationships, improving team dynamics, and preventing conflicts.
This episode of The Leader in You Podcast discusses emotions in the workplace. Dr. Lola explains that emotions drive our interactions and connections with others. She discusses how understanding primary emotions like fear, sadness, and shame can help people better understand what they're feeling and communicate more effectively. She also talks about surface emotions versus deeper softer emotions, and how slowing down to identify emotions can help people feel less overwhelmed.
Tune into this episode to learn how developing emotional intelligence can make teams more productive and collaborative, as well as help people feel happier and grow in their roles.
In this episode, we talk about:
- [02:12] The misconceptions around emotions in the workplace
- [05:29] Understanding emotions and how they impact our actions at work
- [09:51] Understanding the three levels of emotions and how you feel them in your body
- [17:30] How to acknowledge and respond to emotions according to who you are
- [21:06] How to show emotion without hurting or overwhelming people around you
- [25:13] What happens when you start mastering your emotions and sharing them at the workplace
- [29:10] Lola’s two tips to tap into your emotional intelligence and create an emotionally healthier work environment
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive. Resources from this episode:
- Emotional Connection
- The Connected Culture
- EmC Master Class
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders
Visit our website: www.emcleaders.com Connect with Lola Gershfeld:Linkedin: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @emcleaders
Dr. Lola Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist and has been devoting time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder and CEO of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC process and has used EmC to solve over 800 cases. She is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture, which explore the importance of addressing emotions in the workplace for building strong and connected relationships, improving team dynamics, and preventing conflicts.
This episode of The Leader in You Podcast discusses how millennials experience fear in the workplace – and how building emotional connection and establishing trust and safety through vulnerability can help minimize that fear.
Lola and Nadia explore how fear physically manifests and impacts behaviors. They also emphasize that both employees and managers have roles to play in cultivating relationships where people feel comfortable and safe expressing their emotions.
Tune into the episode to learn how you can create security, connection, and ultimately more productivity and collaboration in your team. In this episode, we talk about:
- [01:17] Did millennial participation trophies create a generation of workaholics?
- [04:01] Nadia shares the fear she experienced when moving to a new state to start a new job
- [07:25] What happens in our bodies and minds when we feel fear
- [12:21] Recognizing how important the relationship between the boss and direct reports is to our brain
- [17:41] What can we do as leaders to create a work environment where people don’t feel afraid?
- [19:13] Vulnerability is key to building strong relationships in the workplace
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive. Resources from this episode:
- Emotional Connection
- The Connected Culture
- EmC Master Class
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders
Visit our website: www.emcleaders.com Connect with Lola Gershfeld:Linkedin: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @emcleaders
Dr. Lola Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist and has been devoting time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder and CEO of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC process and has used EmC to solve over 800 cases. She is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture, which explore the importance of addressing emotions in the workplace for building strong and connected relationships, improving team dynamics, and preventing conflicts.
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfel. Welcome to our podcast, The Leader in You. Taking care of the teams you care about.
Dr. Lola
Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist and has been devoting time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder and CEO of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC process andhas used EmC to solve over 800 cases. She is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture, which explore the importance of addressing emotions in the workplace for building
strong and connected relationships,improving team dynamics, and preventing
conflicts.
If you are interested and you are serious about being a better leader and a better human, today’s episode will help you on your path as we explore the importance of team dynamics that will help you to tap into the emotional connection to bond with people and create a stronger team culture.
In this episode, we talk about:
- the A.R.E. Relationship: how accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement drive emotional state and productivity.
- overcoming sabotaging factors: 5 things that sabotage team productivity.
- strategies for success: recognizing patterns, effective communication, embracing vulnerability, and fostering support.
- the Impact of emotional connection: elevating team performance, creativity, and well-being.
- and more!
If you missed the previous episode, make sure to catch up on #18: The Role of Emotions in Employee Engagement.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Resource Links:
Find out more about Emotional Connection here.
- Emotional Connection
- The Connected Culture
- EmC Master Class
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
Website: www.emcleaders.com
Linkedin: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @emcleaders
Welcome to our podcast, The Leader in You. Taking care of the teams you care about.
Dr. Lola Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist and has been devoting time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder and CEO of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC process and has used EmC to solve over 800 cases. She is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture, which explore the essence of team relationships, attachment, and emotions to transform company cultures.
We understand the difficulties that arise as a team leader. Take your team to the next level by creating a deeper connection! Focus on building a bond within the team by centering emotions.
In this episode, Dr. Lola Gershfeld shared some wonderful insights in her presentation including:
- Making space for emotions
- Offering impact vs. feedback
- Setting the stage for safe conversations
- Validating emotions
- Making the most of weekly check-ins
If you missed the previous episode, make sure to catch up on #18: Improve Employee Engagement By Centering Emotions.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Resource Links:
• Find out more about Emotional Connection here.
• The Connected Culture
• The EmC Master Class
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders
Instagram: @emcleaders
Website: www.emcleaders.com
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfel. Welcome to our podcast, The Leader in You. Taking care of the teams you care about.
Dr. Lola Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist and has been devoting time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder and CEO of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC process and has used EmC to solve over 800 cases. She is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture, which explore the importance of addressing emotions in the workplace for building strong and connected relationships, improving team dynamics, and preventing conflicts.
If you are interested and you are serious about being a better leader and a better human, today’s episode will help you on your path as we explore the importance of team dynamics that will help you to tap into the emotional connection to bond with people and create a stronger team culture.
In this episode, we talk about:
- power of emotions in creating a positive interactions
- impact of ineffective ways of getting our needs met in our team relationships
- importance of recognizing triggers that create workplace conflict
- value of acknowledging bodily sensations to de-escalate responses
- step-by-step process for communicating effectively to others
- and more!
If you missed the previous episode, make sure to catch up on #17: How To Improve Team Dynamics.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Resource Links:
Find out more about Emotional Connection here.
- Emotional Connection
- The Connected Culture
- EmC Master Class
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:
Website: www.emcleaders.com
Linkedin: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @emcleaders
Welcome to our podcast, The Leader in You. Taking care of the teams you care about.
Dr. Lola Gershfeld is an organizational psychologist and has been devoting time to working with teams and companies to explore the deeper dimensions of employee engagement, team dynamics, and workplace conflicts. As the founder and CEO of EmC Leaders, Inc., Lola has trained hundreds of people in the EmC process and has used EmC to solve over 800 cases. She is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture, which explore the essence of team relationships, attachment, and emotions to transform company cultures.
If you are interested and you are serious about being a better leader and a better human, today’s episode will help you on your path as we explore the importance of team dynamics that will help you to tap into the emotional connection to bond with people and create a stronger team culture.
In this episode, we talk about:
- the importance of team dynamics in building strong relationships within the workplace.
- strategies to improve work interactions include having healthy and positive relationships with team members and expressing emotions constructively.
- adopting a solution-focused approach when addressing mistakes or mishaps is emphasized.
- the importance of ongoing effort and a commitment to open communication and emotional connection in order to improve relationships
- offers valuable insights for individuals and teams looking to improve team culture and foster stronger relationships within the workplace.
- and more!
If you missed the previous episode, make sure to catch up on #16: Avoiding Workplace Conflict by Centering Emotions.
The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.
Resource Links:
Find out more about Emotional Connection here.
- Emotional Connection
- The Connected Culture
- EmC Master Class
If you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your team relationships in just 21 days. Check out our EmC Master Class.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: EmC Leaders
Instagram: @emcleaders
Website: www.emcleaders.com
Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld.
Conflicts arising in the workplace is inevitable. With people with all different mindsets coming together, it is important to remember what bonds us: emotions.
Join us, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Nadia Garcia, in our discussion to learn about the importance of emotions.
Are you experiencing negative cycles in your work relationship? Do you know that this pattern that you get stuck in can be restructured?
In the podcast, we discuss the emergence of automatic thoughts and protective behaviors that trigger the negative cycle and what steps can you take to change the pattern for better and more cohesive interactions.
Have you ever felt that you were continuing to have the same repetitive conflicts at work? EmC is an effective and necessary tool to reduce conflict and create a healthy, productive environment.
Join us for our podcast, Dr. Lola Gershfeld, Nadia Garcia, and special guest Polina Marian, to learn how to avoid negativity and create more positive interactions with your team.
EmC is based on the new science of attachment and emotional connection. It has been studied for over 30 years, and now we have a substantial map to how to create strong and connected relationships at work.
Listen to this podcast to learn how you can create a healthy culture in your team and organization.
What can we do to engage our employees more? How can we build more trust?
In this podcast, Nadia and Lola discuss the neuroscience behind trust and what we can do to increase trustworthy behaviors at work.
“When we feel safe and secure and we feel we matter to others we work better together, our potential and our resources come out. ” **— Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Haley Cooper is a host of the Lead with Heartpodcast and a founder of The Savvy Fundraiser. She inspires nonprofit leaders to take care of themselves FIRST (to make an even greater social impact). She offers strategic philanthropic solutions to help organizations maximize their resources and achieve their mission.In this podcast, Haley interviews Dr. Lola about how the Emotional Connection Process or EmC can help non-profit boards to be more effective in working together.
Dr. Lola Gershfeld** is a leading expert in the fields of board and team dynamics and thriving cultures. She is the developer of the Emotional Connection Process (EmC), which has demonstrated its effectiveness in over 800 cases.
Her book Emotional Connection, The EmC Strategy, outlines the roadmap to enhance and repair work relationships to create and nurture thriving cultures. Her upcoming book, The Connected Culture, delineates the habits that every individual can instill in their interactions to keep work relationships safe.
As the founder of EmC Leaders, Lola works with organizations, teams, and individuals to make an impact to create a shift for more positive and thriving cultures.
Please enjoy!
If the true goal is talent management and talent development, then we need to recognize that people have talent, and we need to put the effort into understanding what is it that we can do to provide a safe environment for people to use that talent.
Listen to this podcast to get some insight into how emotional connection can help you with talent retention.
In this interview, Ramin Sedehi, CSA of EmC Leaders, and Alejandro Tocigl, Co-founder and CEO of Miroculus, share how the Emotional Connection strategy (EmC) has transformed the organizational culture at Miroculus.
Miroculus is a growing biotech company building Miro Technology to meet the full challenge of biotechnology research and development – from NGS sample preparation to small molecule chemistry to synthetic biology. Their mission is to advance science and improve lives faster, together. Their vision is to make the most complex protocols easy and accessible to scientists everywhere.
For teams to accomplish their mission and stay focused on their vision, Alejandro recognized that teams need to be connected. He decided to use Emotional Connection as the way to connect with his team deeper and nurture team relationships so that they can create a culture where people feel safe to express themselves and collaborate freely.
For the past three years, they have seen a transformation through the integration of EmC, which helped them to stay resilient in times of uncertainty and stress, and become stronger together.
Leadership in organizations emanates out of courage to meet the challenges while caring for people and giving them a chance to thrive in their quest to meet business and social objectives.
Rocky Bandzeladze has over two decades of leadership experience in driving large-scale growth in financial organizations. He is an Executive Vice President and the Head of Business Banking at Banc of California and currently is pursuing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at Pepperdine University.
Three years ago, Mr. Bandzeladze started on his Emotional Connection (EmC) journey asking, "What can I do better to create an environment where people can thrive? How can I help them build stronger relationships with their colleagues?"
In this podcast, Rocky shares how using the EmC strategy has created a multidimensional shift for him, providing a roadmap of transformation and fulfillment in his style while helping his people meet their business objectives.
In this podcast, we focus on the critical shortage of talent and the importance of creating and fostering human-centered organizations.
Talent management strategy which is enhanced by the power of emotional connection has the opportunity to create a positive and productive environment. In addition, emotionally balanced employees engage more deeply, supporting each other and the leadership.
Emotional connection paves the way for people to bring their whole self to work, and have the safety and vulnerability necessary for full inclusion and diversity.
Drawing on cutting-edge research on adult attachment--and providing an innovative roadmap for effective leadership--Dr. Lola Gershfeld argues that leadership is most effective when it focuses on harnessing the power of emotional connection. The primary developer of the attachment-based Emotional Connection, EmC Strategy for individuals, teams, and organizations. The book, Emotional Connection, The EmC Strategy shows how effective leadership aligns perfectly with attachment theory as it provides proven techniques for unleashing the human potential, building resilient teams, and nurturing thriving cultures. The book respectively introduces key concepts and presents an in-depth case example. Special features include end-of-chapter summaries and reflection questions.
Order your copy of Emotional Connection, The EmC Strategy
We are excited to talk to you about Organizational Development and how it can translate into cultural transformation in your company or entity. Our goal today is for us to discuss the other side of the organization, its capacity. The building, fostering and developing of such critical facets as trust, curiosity, compassion, resilience, and creativity occupies the realm of leadership.
Our guest today, Dawn Reese, is the CEO of the Wooden Floor. Dawn has a remarkable leadership background in both corporate and non-profit organizations. She has worked in various C-suite positions before becoming the CEO. Dawn won the 2016 Center for Leadership award at Cal State Fullerton and sits on the board of advisors at the Center. We are delighted for Dawn to join us.
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DanDP1BR4EMYQ9epelJuz
CONNECT:
Website: https://www.emcleaders.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emcleaders/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/emcleaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emcleaders/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DanDP1BR4EMYQ9epelJuz
Listen to this special podcast as we explore the leadership journey of our invited guests, Louis Simmons "Chip" and Lola Gershfeld, and understand how they have been able to put their passion into action to make a difference on issues that matter to them the most.
We explore the importance of emotional connection in the leadership journey and the leader’s ability to build trust, increase resilience, and nurture innovation and creativity. In a lively discussion, we provide you with advice and thoughts to encourage the inner leader in you to emerge and flourish.
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DanDP1BR4EMYQ9epelJuz
CONNECT:
Website: https://www.emcleaders.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emcleaders/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/emcleaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emcleaders/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DanDP1BR4EMYQ9epelJuz
What is psychological safety? How does it relate to fields such as leadership, management, organizational development, strategy and vision, entrepreneurship?
What does psychological safety look like? What is the relationship between psychological safety and wellness, and which is the precursor to the other?
How can we develop and practice psychological safety? What is involved with developing a psychologically safe environment? What is the role of emotions and attachment in developing psychological safety?
How does the "self" play into this (what is the individual's responsibility as part of building a psychologically safe environment)? What can "I" do, and what should "others" do to help build a psychologically safe place?
What should we do when psychological safety is threatened or breached?
learn more at https://www.emcleaders.com/
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DanDP1BR4EMYQ9epelJuz
CONNECT:
Website: https://www.emcleaders.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emcleaders/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/emcleaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emcleaders/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DanDP1BR4EMYQ9epelJuz
We all have our share of failure. It is difficult. It is real. It creates anxiety and stress. But what is the underlying driver of fear of failure and how can we get comfortable with it?
Today, we are going to explore the realm of Failure and the fear and anxiety surrounding it.
With Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Dr. Kerri Cissna, we will explore their own remarkable journeys of courage, passion, drive, and of course, failures.
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DanDP1BR4EMYQ9epelJuz
CONNECT:
Website: https://www.emcleaders.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emcleaders/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/emcleaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emcleaders/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DanDP1BR4EMYQ9epelJuz
In this episode, we explore the importance of emotional connection and why it matters.
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DanDP1BR4EMYQ9epelJuz
CONNECT:
Website: https://www.emcleaders.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emcleaders/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/emcleaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emcleaders/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DanDP1BR4EMYQ9epelJuz