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THIS Leader Podcast

Episode 34: Living Your Values

September 30, 2025

What if the secret to living your best life isn't found in productivity hacks or time management systems, but in something much deeper?

In this deeply personal episode, Claire shares how her father's Alzheimer's diagnosis shifted her entire perspective on what truly matters and why your values, not your to-do list, should be your North Star.

Discover how living in alignment with your core values can transform your leadership, reduce stress, and bring the deep fulfillment you've been searching for.

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Are you putting off your dreams until "someday" while drowning in daily urgencies?

Claire opens this deeply personal episode, sharing how her father's Alzheimer's diagnosis shattered her assumptions about having unlimited time to live the life she truly wanted.

After years of trying every productivity hack to escape burnout, Claire discovered the real solution wasn't about doing more; it was about aligning with what mattered most. Research shows that people pursuing goals aligned with their core values experience higher life satisfaction and greater resilience under pressure.

You'll learn practical ways to identify your values and use them as your internal compass for confident decision-making, transforming both your leadership and personal fulfillment.

Mock up of podcast episode on phone with air pods Episode #34: "Living Your Values" with Podcast cover art
THIS Leader Podcast
Episode #34: Living Your Values
24:07
 

"Values aren't abstract concepts. They're living, breathing parts of who you are. And when you're really clear about them, everything else starts to make sense."

Highlights from this episode:

In this deeply personal episode, Claire shares how her father's Alzheimer's diagnosis became a wake-up call about the urgency of living authentically. She explores why your values, not productivity systems, are the key to fulfillment and effective leadership.

The Personal Wake-Up Call

Claire opens with a touching note her father wrote: "Claire, I want to go to the grocery store with you." A year later, he no longer writes or speaks much due to Alzheimer's. This experience forced Claire to confront the reality that "someday" plans might never happen, shifting her entire approach to how she spends her time and energy.

The Science Behind Values

Research shows that people pursuing self-concordant goals (aligned with personal values) make more progress and report higher life satisfaction. Values clarification exercises lower cortisol levels, improve problem-solving under pressure, and reduce defensive responses when challenged.

Claire's Core Values:

  • Autonomy and freedom
  • Well-being and health
  • Connection and curiosity
  • Invention and creation
  • Maximizing potential (avoiding waste)

Three Areas to Audit Your Values:

  • Time: Does your calendar reflect what you say matters most?
  • Stress: How do you behave under pressure?
  • Measurement: Do you celebrate actions that align with your stated values?

The most effective leaders aren't those with the best strategies, but those crystal clear about what they stand for. When you live your values authentically, you create psychological safety for others to do the same.

Resources Mentioned:

Click here to get the "Living Your Values" Course

To learn more about my services, subscribe to my newsletter, and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! New episodes are released weekly, and we'd love for you to share them with others who might benefit.

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Episode transcript

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Transcript

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About your Host

Claire Laughlin, MA, Organizational Development Consultant

Hi! I'm Claire Laughlin, and I love helping leaders like you create workplaces where people truly thrive.

For over two decades, I've been rolling up my sleeves alongside teams and organizations, using hands-on methods that actually work (because let's face it - theory only gets you so far!). 

I specialize in teaching leaders how to engage their teams, helping managers become more effective facilitators, and showing people how to work better together.

I'm also a master facilitator for the Six Types of Working Genius® - a fantastic tool that helps you understand and leverage your natural talents.

When I'm not helping leaders like you build happy, high-energy workplaces, I'm enjoying a hike in the forest with my dog Fiona, spending time with my family or curled up with a great book.

Photo of Claire Laughlin looking at her dog

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Let's keep the party going!

We have tons of great episodes waiting for you! Check them out on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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Episode #32: Why Influence Outweighs Titles with Jessica Deakyne

What if the secret to career acceleration isn't talent or luck, but something much more intentional—something you can start influencing right now?

In this inspiring conversation with Jessica Deakyne, who transformed from transportation coordinator to COO in a decade, we explore how true influence comes through servant leadership, community building, and adding value to others' success. 

 

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Episode #33:

The Facilitative Leadership Toolkit

Why do some meetings energize teams while others drain them?

In this revealing episode, I pull back the curtain on facilitative leadership skills that transform ordinary meetings into powerful collaborative sessions where everyone contributes fully.

Discover five simple techniques you can use immediately to shift from being the person with all the answers to the leader who helps groups find the best answers together.

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