What if the secret to scaling leadership across 70,000 people wasn’t strategy, but staying human?
Rosie catches up with Brian Garish, an unapologetically people-first leader who brings equal parts strategy, humility, and heart. From mopping floors at Walgreens at 16 to guiding global teams across 20+ countries, Brian shares real talk about staying grounded, leading with courage, and putting purpose over ego.
They dive into the art of listening at scale, why leadership is about how you make people feel, and how culture isn’t what’s on the wall, it’s what happens in the halls.
Laughter, reflection, and practical gems unfold, highlighting what it means to lead more humanely, whether at the helm of a global organization or creating impact in everyday spaces.
Tag: connection
From Commander to Facilitator: Leading by Design with Alain Hunkins
What if the real secret to great leadership isn’t about being in charge, but about being in tune with people?
Rosie sits down with Alain Hunkins, author of “Cracking the Leadership Code” and a man who’s worked with over 3,000 leadership groups across 29 countries. Together, they explore what it really means to lead in today’s world (hint: it’s way less about commanding and way more about connecting).
From redefining leadership as a learnable skill to unpacking the three Cs (Connection, Communication, and Collaboration), this episode dives deep into the systems, habits, and mindsets that create truly human workplaces. Alain challenges us to look in the mirror, get curious instead of defensive, and build workplaces where people actually want to show up.
Rosie in My Pocket: Listening with a Spirit of Service
Ever catch yourself “listening” but really just waiting for your turn to talk? Or maybe you jump in with advice before the other person even finishes?
I’ve been there too. In this episode, I flip the script on how we think about listening and challenge us to trade quick fixes and snap judgments for something deeper: listening with a spirit of service.
Instead of making conversations about us—whether through commiserating, tuning out, or problem-solving—I share how we can quiet our inner dialogue and truly tune in. When we listen this way, complaints transform into clues about unmet goals, people feel genuinely seen, and connection grows stronger.
Listening isn’t just a skill—it’s a superpower that helps others shine and allows us to build more meaningful relationships.
Rethinking “Lonely at the Top” with Nick Jonsson
We often hear the phrase “it’s lonely at the top,” but what if that loneliness isn’t limited to executives and is something we all carry in different ways?
Rosie sits down with Nick Jonsson, the world’s leading voice on executive loneliness, to uncover why disconnection has become an epidemic and what we can do about it. Nick’s story is both raw and inspiring, as he opens up about his personal battle with isolation, burnout, and the turning point that reshaped his life.
Together, they explore why leaders hesitate to be vulnerable, how silence becomes dangerous, and why trust deepens when we ask for help. Most importantly, Nick shares his five practical steps for overcoming loneliness, tools that don’t just apply to executives, but to anyone navigating the pressures of modern life.
This conversation is a reminder that leadership is human, connection is essential, and none of us are meant to do it alone.
Dr. Rosie Ward on the People First! Podcast with Morag Barrett
I knew this conversation would be good… but I didn’t expect it to be THIS much fun. I had the absolute joy of joining Morag Barrett on her People First! podcast, and it honestly felt like reconnecting with an old friend. We laughed, we got real, and we dug deep into what it truly takes...
Leading Change Without Losing People with Summer Miller
What if leading change didn’t have to feel like dragging people uphill in a snowstorm, but instead felt like inviting them on a mission they actually want to join? In this episode, Rosie chats with Summer Miller, a self-described logical, linear thinker who has mastered the art of leading change with heart.
From massive corporate transformations to her own journey of building empathy muscle, Summer brings the receipts on what it really takes to guide people through disruption. Think: fewer mandates, more conversations. Fewer top-down decisions, more fingerprints from your team. They unpack why most change efforts fall flat and how to reframe change as growth by focusing on connection, curiosity, and communication.
Whether you're leading a company, a team, or just trying to navigate your own next chapter, this episode is full of practical gems you'll actually use.
How Asking for Help Transforms Teams and Results
Leaders — asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign you’re human. And it’s how we create the kind of psychological safety and connection that truly transforms our teams. I joined Matt Poepsel, PhD, on his “Lead the People” podcast to discuss the power of vulnerability, why we tend to resist it,...
Rosie in My Pocket: Toxic Positivity
Tired of hearing "It'll be fine" when things feel anything but? 🌟
In this episode, Rosie breaks down toxic positivity—why it hurts more than it helps—and shares how the Stockdale Paradox (gritty facts + gritty faith) can transform tough moments. With inspiration from Brene Brown and Mark Brackett, Rosie shows you how to lean into discomfort, embrace authentic connection, and still shine bright.
✨ Let’s get real, get gritty, and never let anyone dull your sparkle! 💫
Rosie in My Pocket: Resets
Hit pause. Reset. Shine. 🌟
In this episode, Rosie uncovers the magic of resets—those pivotal moments that let us let go, realign, and move forward with clarity. From team workflows to personal connections, discover how hitting reset can transform how you work, live, and lead.
Ready to let your sparkle shine? Tune in!
Magical Phrases with Rana DeBoer
Discover the magic of words in leadership!
In this episode of Elevate Your Leadership, Rana reveals science-backed phrases that transform conversations, build trust, and create alignment. From “Help me understand” to “What’s your story?”, these powerful tools foster deeper connections and unlock team potential.
Ready to elevate your leadership with a touch of conversational magic? Tune in now!

