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.
Tag: inner-game
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.
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...
Bridging the Gap for Effective Leadership in the Workplace with Ophelia Byers
In this episode, Rosie discusses the inner game of leadership with Ophelia Byers, CNO of Atlantic Health System and Founder & Principal of SitchRoom LLC. Together, they talk through self-awareness and owning emotions and limitations for effective leadership, aligning intentions and impact, prioritizing on-the-job growth, and supporting employees in applying their learnings. Check out this episode to understand the need for and significance of clear expectations, shared mental models, and relationship-based leadership.
