The Courageous Leadership Series: From Stuck to Sustainable: Future-Ready Leaders for Human-Centered Cultures


The leadership pipeline is crumbling. Gen Z doesn’t want in. Current leaders want out. So… what now?

In this episode of the Courageous Leadership Series, Dr. Rosie Ward brings it all home with urgent, research-backed insights into what it truly takes to become a future-ready, human-centered leader. This isn’t just another chat. Rosie unpacks the "why" behind her years of research and gives a bold reality check: without rethinking how we lead, workplaces will continue to feel lonely, disconnected, and unsustainable.

With Nikki Lewallen Gregory guiding the conversation, Rosie dives into sobering data on burnout, disconnection, and the leadership pipeline crisis, but also offers a path forward. Learn about her three-pronged approach to future-proof leadership that begins with inner work, strengthens team trust, and embeds systems for real, lasting change.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or questioned your place in leadership, this episode will reignite your sense of purpose and provide practical tools to lead with courage, connection, and clarity. Let’s build workplaces where people actually want to show up.

The Courageous Leadership Series: Understanding the Faulty Programs that Quietly Work Against Us


What if the biggest thing holding you back as a leader isn’t your skills or knowledge, but your inner operating system? <br
In this episode of the Courageous Leadership Series, I unpack the “faulty programs” we all unknowingly downloaded in childhood that continue to influence our thoughts, choices, and leadership today. From the Overachiever to the People Pleaser to the Control Freak, these subconscious scripts can quietly fuel burnout, silence our voices, or lead us to chase worth in all the wrong places.

Drawing on years of research and coaching hundreds of leaders, I reveal the seven core faulty programs (and their sneaky cousins) — and, more importantly, how to start upgrading them.

With Nikki Lewallen Gregory asking the tough questions, this candid conversation is packed with real-life stories, practical ways to spot your own faulty programs, and the courage it takes to rewrite them. This isn’t just leadership theory — it’s deep inner work that changes how you lead, love, and live.

Cracking the Code: Technical vs. Adaptive Leadership

In this episode of the Courageous Leadership Series, Rosie and Nikki dive into the messy world of change.

From a quirky ring-switching exercise to unpacking why we default to comfort zones, they explore the difference between technical fixes and adaptive transformations. Learn how faulty mental programs hold us back, what adaptive leadership really looks like, and why transformation isn’t a quick fix—it’s a journey.

Buckle up for some real talk, laughs, and lightbulb moments!

Gut + Science Podcast

Gut+Science Podcast: Future-Proofing Leadership with Dr. Rosie Ward

Leaders today face unprecedented challenges. The rapid pace of technological advancement, shifting workforce dynamics, and global uncertainties demand a new approach to leadership. I sat down with Nikki Lewallen Gregory on the Gut+Science podcast to discuss my groundbreaking research on future-proofing leadership. I discovered that many leaders are stuck in the “Stuckness Zone™,” where outdated...

Why Leaders Are Stuck and Change Is So Hard

🎙️Rosie and Nikki are back for the first installment of “The Courageous Leadership Series” of 2025!

Together, they dive deep into the messy, exhilarating, and oh-so-human side of leadership. Rosie unpacks her groundbreaking research behind future-proofing leadership—aka, upgrading your mindset so you can stop spinning your wheels and start leading with confidence.

Expect some eye-opening “aha” moments as she reveals the seven faulty programs secretly sabotaging your leadership, why impression management is draining your energy, and how to finally break free from outdated habits. Plus, they’ll spill the details on an exclusive discount for the Courageous Leadership Program (because investing in your growth is always a good idea).

Beyond the Story: Leading with Courage and Clarity

It’s time to tackle that pesky head trash! In this special Courageous Leadership Series episode, Nikki Llewellyn Gregory flips the script and interviews Dr. Rosie Ward about those self-limiting stories we tell ourselves.

From Rosie's "staircase of growth" analogy to uncovering triggers and rewriting the narrative, this conversation is packed with nuggets for becoming the best version of YOU. Plus, get a sneak peek into Rosie’s groundbreaking research on the seven most common “faulty programs” holding leaders back.

Tune in to uncover actionable tools for rewriting your story, leading with courage, and normalizing the beautiful messiness of being human.

Join Dr. Rosie Ward on January 29 for an exclusive webinar where she will unveil her research findings from coaching leaders. Discover the most common self-limiting stories leaders tell themselves, the areas they strive to improve, and how these narratives can hold them back. Gain actionable strategies to rewrite your stories and unlock your full leadership potential. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from real data and practical experiences!

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