
THIS Leader Podcast
with Claire Laughlin
THIS Leader podcast explores the transformational, high-impact secrets that turn ordinary people (like you!) into extraordinary leaders!
Leadership transformation awaits!
I'll show you how to navigate complex challenges and improve your impact. Join me each week for real talk about leadership that works in the real world.
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I see you, leader...
Let me guess - your to-do list is a mile long, your team needs support, and you're wondering how you'll get it all done without working another late night?
I get it. I've spent 20 years working with leaders just like you who are trying to do it all (and feeling pretty exhausted in the process).
Here's the thing - it doesn't have to be this way.
I love helping dedicated leaders like you find a better way to lead. One that doesn't require superhuman energy or 60-hour workweeks!
You know what I've discovered? Most leadership advice sounds great in theory but falls apart in the real world of back-to-back meetings and constant fires to put out. That's why I focus on practical solutions that actually work.
Think of my podcast as your weekly leadership toolkit - full of bite-sized strategies you can try out right away. Pop in your earbuds during your morning walk or weekend chores, and let's tackle:
- Building teams that don't need constant hand-holding
- Delegating work (and actually trusting it'll get done right)
- Creating breathing room on your calendar
- Leading in a way that energizes you instead of burning you out
Join me each week for real talk about leadership that works in the real world.
Because you deserve to be the kind of leader who builds great teams AND has time for family dinners, workout sessions, and even a full night's sleep!
Ready to transform your leadership journey? Hit subscribe and let's get started. Your future self (and your team) will thank you!
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Hi! I'm 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!).
What lights me up? Watching leaders discover their potential, teams learn to communicate in ways that build trust, and organizations transform into places where people genuinely want to be. With an MA in my toolkit and 20+ years of management experience, I bring practical know-how to every challenge.
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.
My approach? It's all about meeting you where you are and finding solutions that fit your real-world challenges. As a listener to my podcast, you'll walk away with practical strategies that create lasting change.
Want to build a more engaged, energized workplace? Follow along on the THIS Leader Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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Latest Episodes

Episode #16
Leaders Shape Culture with Guest Jonathan Bissell
Leadership expert Jonathan Bissell joins me in this episode to explore how to shift from reactive "downstream" leadership to intentional "upstream" development that actually creates the culture you want. You'll walk away with clear, actionable strategies to develop your people and yourself.

Episode #17
The Power of Mentorship with Femi Omotesho and Kara Reddig
Kara Reddig and Femi Omotesho from the City of Elk Grove join me to unpack how they built a thriving mentoring program now in its fourth year. We explore the practical steps for creating meaningful mentor-mentee relationships and why mentoring might be the leadership accelerator you've been missing.

Episode #18
Keys for Connection with Jared Fujishin
What if exceptional leadership isn't about having all the answers, but about genuinely connecting with people? Communication expert Jared Fujishin shares his "connection's key is less of me" framework that transforms authority-based leadership into influence-driven leadership that creates real trust and loyalty.

Episode #19
You Have the Right to Love Your Job
You have the RIGHT to love your job—and I'm going to show you how to claim it. In this bold episode, I challenge the idea that workplace misery is "just the way it is" and share a powerful framework for creating the culture you deserve. Discover your role in building a workplace that's both happy AND highly productive.

Episode #20
Taming the Chaos (Special Episode)
In this special AMA "Ask Me Anything" episode, I tackle two common leadership challenges: uniting a fractured team after leadership turmoil and moving from managing individuals to leading unified execution. Discover practical frameworks and processes to transform chaos into clarity and form the collaborative, high-performing team you need.

Episode #21
Freedom, Conflict & The Path to Self-Awareness
What if better leadership isn’t about learning more, but remembering who you are?
In this powerful episode with Roxanne Harrison, we explore how the Enneagram and Qigong can help you shift from reactive habits to conscious, grounded leadership. Discover why you’re not a problem to fix—but a mystery worth leaning into.

Episode #22
Project Management for The Rest of Us
Tired of projects that start with good intentions but end in chaos, missed deadlines, and frustrated team members? In this energizing episode, I share my "Project Management for the Rest of Us" approach that gets real results without overwhelming complexity. Discover the five-step collaborative process that transforms project planning from a dreaded task into an engaging team experience that actually works.

Episode #23
The Hidden Cost of Artificial Harmony
Is your team's commitment to harmony actually holding you back from making breakthrough decisions? In this episode, I explore the hidden costs of artificial harmony and why smart leaders sometimes avoid the strategic conflict that could transform their teams. Discover practical tools to move beyond polite agreement into productive disagreement that builds trust and drives better results.

Episode #24
Growth by Design
Are you leaving your professional growth to chance? In this inspiring episode, I challenge leaders to shift from "accidental learning" to intentional development that accelerates your career and impact. Discover my proven framework for creating a strategic learning portfolio that transforms professional development from a luxury into a powerful competitive advantage.

Episode #25
Change Agility with Stefka Anderson
How do you balance the need to move quickly in a changing world with the need to engage your workforce in decisions that impact them? In this conversation with Stefka Anderson, HR Director for Global R&D at Driscoll's, we explore how they created a "Change Agility" program that helps people across disciplines and time zones engage constructively and swiftly in change.

Episode #26
5 Silent Culture Killers
Are subtle, silent forces slowly destroying your team culture without you realizing it? In this essential episode, I expose 5 Silent Culture Killers that well-meaning leaders overlook: small, correctable issues that gradually erode energy, focus, accountability, and trust.
Discover how to spot and eliminate these sneaky culture destroyers before they sabotage your team's potential.

Episode #27
Workplace Boundaries with Irene van der Zande
Setting boundaries at work isn't just about protecting your time; it's about creating the foundation for healthy relationships that drive productivity and joy.
In this practical conversation with Irene van der Zande, founder of Kidpower International, we explore how to set and respect boundaries with confidence, kindness, and clarity.

Episode #28
The Brave Choice that Transforms Relationships
Have you ever been grossly misinterpreted by someone who was very certain that they knew your motives?
In this transformative episode, I explore how our brains are wired to misinterpret others' behavior in the most negative way possible and share the life-changing principle that everyone acts from their own "good reasons." Discover three powerful strategies to bridge the gap between your interpretations and others' intentions, transforming conflict into curious conversation.

Have a great episode idea?
Have a burning question you want to hear answered on the podcast? We want to hear it! Send us your episode ideas and questions using the form below. We can't wait to hear your brilliant ideas!

Want to be a guest?
We love having guests on the podcast! If you're interested in joining Claire as a guest, fill out the interest form below and tell us a little about you and the magic you'd bring to the show!