Create Magic At Work®

In a world that often rewards silence over truth, this conversation invites us into the radical possibility that courage can be compassionate and compassion can be ferocious. Sandra Bargman joins Amy to explore how choosing authenticity over approval transforms the way we lead, speak up and refuse the quiet self-betrayal that so many of us have normalized. Together they peel back the layers of social conditioning, especially for women and leaders, and show how the simple act of pausing, breathing and telling the truth becomes a liberating spiritual practice. This episode reminds us that real compassion begins with ourselves and that the courage to be disliked is sometimes the most loving choice we can make. Key Takeaways : The Paradox of Ferocious Compassion - Learn how strength and tenderness can coexist and why true compassion sometimes requires uncomfortable honesty. Why Self-Betrayal Happens in Leadership - See how people pleasing, approval seeking and silence accumulate and undermine your integrity and confidence. The Courage to Be Disliked - Discover why speaking your truth is an act of self respect and how developing this muscle changes every room you walk into. Reclaiming Your Voice in Moments That Catch You Off Guard - Find approaches for pausing, breathing and responding instead of freezing, laughing it off or internalizing harm. Confrontation as Presence, Not Conflict - Understand how facing a moment directly, without attack or avoidance, becomes a deep expression of integrity. Practicing Boundaries With Compassion - Explore ways to assess your safety, values and intentions so you can decide when to stay, when to speak and when to walk away. About the Guest : Sandra Bargman helps leaders unlock truthful presence with a blend of vocal mastery, storytelling skill, and deep emotional intelligence. Drawing from decades as an actor, singer, director, and life counselor, she teaches people to express themselves with clarity, authenticity, and intention. Her holistic B.I.G. Approach brings together breath and body work, vocal strength, diction, silence, mindfulness, and story craft, giving clients the tools to communicate with confidence and purpose. Whether she’s coaching one-on-one or leading groups, Sandra guides people of all ages and professions to access their inner truth, sharpen their message, and step into bolder, more grounded communication. https://www.sandrabargman.com https://www.sandrabargman.com/podcast About Amy: Amy Lynn Durham, known by her clients as the Corporate Mystic, is the founder of the Executive Coaching Firm, Create Magic At Work®, where they help leaders build workplaces rooted in creativity, collaboration, and fulfillment. A former corporate executive turned Executive Coach, Amy blends practical leadership strategies with spiritual intelligence to unlock human potential at work. She’s a certified Executive Coach through UC Berkeley &amp; the International Coaching Federation (ICF) In addition, Amy holds coaching certifications in Spiritual Intelligence (SQ21), the Edgewalker Profile, and the Archetypes of Change . In addition to being the host of the Create Magic At Work® podcast, Amy is the author of Create Magic At Work®, Creating Career Magic: A Daily Prompt Journal and the founder of Magic Thread Media™ . Through her work, she inspires intentional leadership for thriving workplaces and lives where “magic” becomes reality. Connect with Amy: <a...

Gen Z was never the problem child of the workplace as much as a mirror showing leaders how our parenting and leadership habits shaped the next wave of employees. In this conversation, Amy talks with psychologist and author Dr. Andrea Mata about why the gentle parenting movement has unintentionally fueled the youth mental health crisis and how that shows up as “the American corporate tsunami” inside our teams. You’ll hear how overfocus on feelings, avoidance of consequences, and treating kids like peers can create adults who crumble after feedback, call in sick after small mistakes, or expect promotion on day one. Dr. Mata walks leaders through a better path built on high expectations with high support, frequent coaching style check-ins instead of once a year reviews, and scaffolding that builds emotional strength instead of enabling fragility. You’ll also hear how to respond when someone calls in sick after a breakup, how to work with parents who step into workplace conversations, and how to turn your own anger and frustration into a clear sense of passion and purpose in your career. Key Takeaways: Why Gentle Parenting Backfired - See how overfocus on feelings and partnership parenting can weaken emotional strength in young adults at work. Inside the Gen Z “Corporate Tsunami” - Learn why managers fire Gen Z faster, struggle with basic expectations, and feel blindsided by new workplace norms. High Expectations With High Support - Explore how clear behavior standards plus real coaching create confident, capable Gen Z employees instead of collapse. Feedback Without Fragility - Hear how to replace yearly reviews with short cycles, normalize discomfort, and use “exposure” to build feedback muscles. Scaffolding Skills Instead of Saving People - Get simple tell show do steps for teaching presentations, ownership, and independence without throwing people to the wolves. Turning Heartbreak and Hard Days Into Growth - Discover how to honor mental health days with empathy while still protecting results, planning, and team trust. About the Guest : Dr. Andrea Mata, PhD, is on a mission to throat-punch the youth mental health crisis and equip parents, educators, and leaders with the tools they need to raise emotionally strong kids and build resilient communities. Statistically, she shouldn’t be where she is today, growing up as the daughter of a Mexican immigrant in a gang-infested neighborhood on the Southside of Chicago. But Dr. Mata transformed her challenging upbringing into a source of strength, becoming a nationally recognized psychologist and speaker. She is the author of The No. 2 Parenting Book: Practical Tips for the Pooped-Out Parent and a leading voice in promoting authoritative parenting: a research-backed approach that combines high expectations with emotional warmth. Her insights have been featured on CNN, The Tamron Hall Show and in The Wall Street Journal, where she offers real-world strategies for navigating parenting, behavior, and mental health with clarity and confidence. With advanced degrees from Valparaiso University and Kent State University, Dr. Mata founded BrightSpot Families and partnered with the Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Toledo. Known for her direct, relatable style, she delivers practical tools with just the right mix of science, humor, and real-life grit. https://www.andreadmata.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdremata/ https://www.instagram.com/drdremata/ About Amy: Amy Lynn Durham, known by her...

Workplace angst is rising, even among high achievers, and Dr. Shonna Waters is here to explain why so many people feel unsafe, unseen or stuck in their growth. You’ll hear how security, significance and growth shape our wellbeing at work and why leaders must design cultures that support those needs. Together, we explore the risks of altitude sickness in leadership, how power can pull leaders away from the truth, and what it takes to stay connected with compassion and clarity. You also get a grounded look at AI and why people need a hopeful vision to move through this moment with confidence. This episode invites you to rethink how you lead, how you support your team and how you create a workplace where people feel valued and able to thrive. Key Takeaways : Why Workplace Angst Is Rising – See what causes discomfort at work even for people who appear to be thriving. The Three Needs Every Employee Shares – Get a clear look at how security, significance and growth shape energy and engagement. How Leaders Lose Perspective – Spot the signs of altitude sickness and what happens when leaders drift away from real insight. Building Psychological Ergonomics – Discover how small shifts in systems and habits create healthier, calmer workplaces. Leading Through AI Without Fear – Explore ways to guide teams through change with clarity and a hopeful message. Creating Cultures That Support Humans – See how connection, trust and simple daily practices help people feel respected and valued. About the Guest : An award-winning organizational psychologist and executive, Shonna is a recognized thought leader in HR, psychology, and business with over 100 articles, technical reports, book chapters, and books and over 100 conference talks, keynotes, and panels. With a background in consulting and executive leadership roles, Shonna has advised organizations on people strategy and transformation across various sectors. At BetterUp, she stood up and led teams in behavioral science, strategic partnerships and alliances, and executive advisory, driving research-backed insights to enhance organizational performance. https://www.drshonnawaters.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonna-waters/ About Amy: Amy Lynn Durham, known by her clients as the Corporate Mystic, is the founder of the Executive Coaching Firm, Create Magic At Work®, where they help leaders build workplaces rooted in creativity, collaboration, and fulfillment. A former corporate executive turned Executive Coach, Amy blends practical leadership strategies with spiritual intelligence to unlock human potential at work. She’s a certified Executive Coach through UC Berkeley &amp; the International Coaching Federation (ICF) In addition, Amy holds coaching certifications in Spiritual Intelligence (SQ21), the Edgewalker Profile, and the Archetypes of Change . In addition to being the host of the Create Magic At Work® podcast, Amy is the author of Create Magic At Work®, Creating Career Magic: A Daily Prompt Journal and the founder of Magic Thread Media™ . Through her work, she inspires intentional leadership for thriving workplaces and lives where “magic” becomes reality. Connect with Amy: https://createmagicatwork.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/create-magic-at-work <a href="https://www.facebook.com/112951637095427" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

What if the strongest culture strategies aren't crafted in boardrooms, but in breakrooms, maintenance closets, and one-on-one hallway conversations? In this episode, Amy Lynn Durham is joined by Todd Wuestenberg, Chief Culture Officer at Haverkamp Properties, to explore how culture becomes tangible when ordinary people are empowered to create extraordinary impact. Drawing from his agricultural roots and over two decades in leadership, Todd offers a grounded, people-first perspective on building cultures that truly care. Together, they unpack three pivotal ideas: Culture as Stewardship: Why true culture means caring for people, not just hitting KPIs. From Posters to Practice: How to move from laminated values to lived behaviors through everyday recognition and leadership modeling. Measuring What Matters: How honest, third-party culture surveys can spark real dialogue, realignment, and renewed trust across departments. Todd and Amy also explore the power of peer-to-peer recognition, redefining the "customer" within departments, and how "work-life harmony" is the new standard for a healthy workplace. Listen if you're ready to stop chasing performance and start cultivating purpose. 🎧 Create Magic at Work® is hosted by Amy Lynn Durham, executive coach and founder of Create Magic at Work®, where spiritual intelligence meets modern leadership. Additional Resources: Connect with Todd on LinkedIn Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Culture means caring for people, processes, and the organization. Leadership must model values, not just display them. Peer recognition builds authentic workplace connection. Culture starts with micro-teams, not top-down mandates. Work-life harmony replaces outdated balance expectations. Captivate Feed

Ever ignored your gut and paid the price? Cari sits down with beloved teacher and mindfulness pioneer Trudy Goodman for a soul-stirring conversation about intuition, trust, and healing the parts of ourselves we've hidden away. Trudy vulnerably shares the ways denying her intuition led to deep personal pain, and how reclaiming it helped her rebuild a life of wisdom, creativity, and self-love. 🌱 The episode dives into the spiritual paradox of "no-self" vs. self-work, the nuanced dance between confidence and vulnerability, and how the practice of meditation can lead us not away from our messy truths, but straight into them. 🧘‍♀️ Trudy's stories will crack you open, make you laugh, and leave you thinking differently about what it really means to "heal." If you're ready to start reclaiming the parts of yourself you've pushed aside, head to http://www.bravedirections.com/5daystotruth to sign up for "Five Days to Truth"—a free guided meditation series to help you begin that process with clarity and care. It's a powerful companion to this work, and my gift to you. Follow along on Instagram @cari_jacobs_sf for more inspiration! Additional Resources: Follow Trudy on Instagram - @trudy_goodman Learn more about InsightLA Connect with Cari on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Intuition is trustworthy. Learn to listen and retrain it. Self-confidence grows through compassion, not perfection. Healing is messy, ongoing, and incredibly human. Vulnerability fosters true connection and belonging. Meditation uncovers inner wisdom and emotional clarity.

In a world obsessed with artificial intelligence, what if the future of work actually belongs to authentic intelligence? In this episode, Amy Lynn Durham sits down with Brian Gorman, author of Leading Into the Age of Wisdom: Reimagining the Future of Work, to explore how leaders can reclaim humanity at the heart of business. Together, they unpack three essential shifts: 💡 Reclaiming the Human Core: What truly separates wisdom from AI, and why empathy and discernment may be our most vital leadership tools. 🔄 Rethinking Work: How to move from time-based pay to energy- and results-driven work, and why flexibility creates more humane workplaces. 🔮 Leading Into the Age of Wisdom: What wisdom circles teach us about collective intelligence and how to lead from presence, not power. Brian and Amy also discuss how fear of AI can become an invitation to rediscover purpose, how wisdom emerges from collaboration, and how unlearning old paradigms can open us to a more conscious, connected future of work. Listen if you're ready to lead not to control, but to liberate. 📘 Grab Brian's book, "Leading Into the Age of Wisdom", and connect with him on LinkedIn. 🎧 Create Magic at Work® is hosted by Amy Lynn Durham, executive coach and founder of Create Magic at Work®, where spiritual intelligence meets modern leadership. Additional Resources: Get Brian's new book: "Leading Into the Age of Wisdom" Connect with Brian on LinkedIn Listen to Brian podcast: Qonversations: Powered by Quantuvos Learn more about Brian's work! Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Wisdom guides how we use AI-driven intelligence. We're entering a transformative Age of Wisdom. Human connection and empathy are workplace essentials. Measure productivity by energy, not hours. Leadership thrives through shared, collective wisdom.

What does it really mean to lead without falling into burnout? In this episode, Amy connects with Ashley Cox, leadership mentor, author of "Transform Your Stories", and host of the Impact Ripple podcast, to unpack three common leadership traps that quietly sabotage even the most well-intentioned leaders. ✨ In this conversation, you'll hear about: The "worker bee," "niceness," and "helicopter" traps that drain leaders How reframing delegation as empowerment changes team dynamics The role of self-trust in building high-performance cultures Ashley's Fire Mapping method for getting to the root of issues Why authenticity and human connection still outperform old-school tactics 🎧 Tune in for a refreshing reset on how to lead with clarity, courage, and compassion, without doing it all yourself. Additional Resources: Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn Learn more at https://ashleycox.co/roadmap Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Delegation is empowerment, not abdication. Leadership requires self-trust above all. Worker bee habits lead to burnout. Authenticity creates trust and consistency. Clear expectations prevent recurring team issues.

What does it really mean to be a human-first leader in HR? In this episode of Create Magic at Work, Amy connects with Jenn Ayala, a seasoned HR executive with over 25 years of experience, to explore what it takes to transform HR from a rule-enforcer role into a people-empowering force for good. ✨ In this conversation, you'll hear about: Why Jenn believes kindness is the core of effective leadership How she overcame burnout and reclaimed her own well-being The powerful impact of "holding space" for employees in crisis What HR looks like across different generations Why praising others, especially when unexpected, builds powerful team culture 🎧 Tune in for a raw, grounded look at the emotional side of leadership, and how HR can be the heart of your organization. Additional Resources: Connect with Jenn on LinkedIn Listen to Jenn's DisruptHR talk Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Kindness creates trust and empowers authentic conversations Burnout is real, self-care must be intentional Every employee has a story worth understanding HR must evolve into strategic, human-centered partners Praise often and unexpectedly to build morale and trust

What does the future of leadership look like through Gen Z eyes? In this episode of Create Magic at Work, Amy sits down with JC Carr — an Territory Account Manager at World Emblem, entrepreneur, and social media influencer — to explore how the next generation is reshaping business, philanthropy, and work culture. ✨ In this conversation, you'll hear about: How JC built a successful exotic car brokerage while still in college Lessons Gen Z is bringing into traditional industries like manufacturing Why philanthropy and giving back are central to JC's leadership approach Lean management principles explained in a human-centered way JC's words of hope for Gen Z professionals navigating today's workforce The reminder that you're always one conversation away from a different life 🎧 Tune in for a refreshing, candid perspective from Gen Z and discover what the future of leadership might hold. Additional Resources: Connect with JC on LinkedIn Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Gen Z brings fresh perspective and identifies overlooked issues. Lean management enhances efficiency without eliminating people. Change creates opportunities for growth and innovation. One conversation can transform your entire career path.

What if the parts of yourself you've tried to hide are actually the keys to your healing? 🌱 Cari sits down with her longtime friend and trauma therapist Lisa Danylchuk, founder of the Center for Yoga and Trauma Recovery and author of "Yoga for Trauma Recovery." Together, they dive deep into the messy, magical process of turning life's pain into purpose. Lisa opens up about her experience with grief and how yoga became her lifeline, sparking a lifelong mission to help others heal through self-awareness and compassion. The two explore how even the so-called "trash," grief, shame, imposter syndrome, and the parts of ourselves we'd rather ignore, can actually hold the gold. 🧘‍♀️💛 If you're ready to start reclaiming the parts of yourself you've pushed aside, head to http://www.bravedirections.com/5daystotruth to sign up for "Five Days to Truth"—a free guided meditation series to help you begin that process with clarity and care. It's a powerful companion to this work, and my gift to you. Follow along on Instagram @cari_jacobs_sf for more inspiration! Additional Resources: Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn Learn more about How We Can Heal Listen to Lisa's podcast: How We Can Heal Connect with Cari on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Healing begins with gently approaching your pain. Avoidance often masks deeper emotions needing attention. Trauma recovery is unique for every individual. Inner healing directly strengthens external leadership impact. Self-awareness fosters genuine connection and resilience.

We've all read the data on how storytelling drives connection and empathy. But what happens when people go beyond storytelling and put their most vulnerable, transformative experiences on the page? In this episode, I sit down with Cynthia Gregory—award-winning writer, journaling advocate, and publisher of "Love Notes from the Soul" and the upcoming "Love Notes 2.0"—to talk about how personal narrative can reshape workplace culture, inspire human connection, and even shift our physical and emotional well-being. ✨ Why vulnerability on the page can create power in real life ✨ How storytelling acts as a catalyst for healing, empathy, and impact ✨ What happens when nonprofit leaders and corporate professionals share their truths ✨ The surprising neuroscience behind journaling and emotional regulation ✨ How Cynthia's own silent retreat sparked an anthology movement of everyday miracles This one hits deep. Together we explore why "Love Notes" isn't just a book, it's a movement for more compassionate leadership. If you've ever wondered whether your story matters, this episode is your sign. 📖 Grab your copy of Love Notes 2.0 Here > https://www.coachcynthiagregory.com/ Additional Resources: Connect with Cynthia on LinkedIn Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Vulnerability creates powerful connections at work and beyond. Personal stories can spark healing and transformation. Journaling improves emotional regulation and empathy. Authentic storytelling builds compassionate leadership. Every story shared gives others permission to share too.

We've all seen the programs promising to "fix" your money mindset. But are they truly helping women step into power, or just selling us the same story in a shinier package? In this conversation with Suzanne Longstreet, master mindset coach, NLP trainer, and co-author of The Millionaire Codes, I ask the questions many of us are secretly thinking: ✨ Do women actually need more money mindset coaching, or do we need a new system altogether? ✨ How much of our struggle is "limiting beliefs" vs. systemic barriers like patriarchy and pay inequity? ✨ Why confidence often trumps competence in the workplace (and how that leads to narcissistic leaders). ✨ What it takes to stop apologizing, start owning your authority, and rewrite the rules of leadership. This one gets real. I bring the spice, Suzanne brings the strategies, and together we unpack what it really means for women to lead, earn, and receive with clarity and confidence. 🔮 Plus: Suzanne shares insights from The Millionaire Codes, how NLP can shift trauma and phobias, and the one simple daily practice that can rewire your brain to receive more. If you've ever wondered whether "money mindset" is a tool or a trap, this episode is for you. Additional Resources: Connect with Suzanne on LinkedIn Follow Suzanne on Facebook Get Suzanne's book - "The Millionaire Codes" Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Clear mental blocks with NLP to boost confidence. Confidence often outweighs competence in leadership perception. NLP enables fast transformation and bold action. Systemic barriers still limit women, often reinforced by other women. Practice receiving. Ask for help to prevent burnout.

Red flags. Green flags. And the invisible signs of a toxic workplace that too many of us ignore until it's too late. This episode brings you the powerful story of Kaitlyn Rios — her journey through burnout, the near-breaking point that changed everything, and the creation of Faced With Grace, her nonprofit dedicated to helping women navigate toxic work environments with courage and clarity. 🎧 Listen in as Kaitlyn and I dive into: The subtle red flags of a toxic workplace you might be missing The "green flags" and glimmers that point to healthy, life-giving environments Her deeply personal turning point that sparked Faced With Grace Practical tools to set boundaries, honor your values, and know when it's time to leave This episode is more than a conversation — it's a call to pause, take inventory of where you are, and reimagine what's possible when we lead from integrity and compassion. If something in this episode resonates, let's turn reflection into action: ✏️ Journal on your values — are you living in alignment? 🔗 Share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that they're not alone 🧘‍♀️ Take one micro-step today to protect your energy and honor your worth Your story matters. Your well-being matters. And together, we can create workplaces where people truly thrive. Additional Resources: Follow Faced with Grace on LinkedIn Learn more about Faced With Grace Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Red flags aren't always obvious, be sure to trust your gut. Green flags show up as safety, openness, and alignment. Boundaries protect energy and model healthy leadership. Values are the compass for career decisions. Exit with grace: protect your health and professionalism.

What if the parts of yourself you've spent years pushing away are actually the keys to your biggest growth? 🌱 Cari sits down with Stanford professor, executive coach, and therapist Henry Most for a deep yet playful dive into shadow work. Together, they explore Carl Jung's framework for how we become our truest selves, why anxiety might just be a sign that hidden treasures are knocking at the door, and how leaders can move from constant "doing" to authentic "being." Henry gets real about his own story, from childhood dynamics to a life-shaking crisis that became a turning point, and shares how everyday practices like pausing, breathing, and listening to the body can transform the way we live and lead. If you're ready to start reclaiming the parts of yourself you've pushed aside, head to http://www.bravedirections.com/5daystotruth to sign up for "Five Days to Truth"—a free guided meditation series to help you begin that process with clarity and care. It's a powerful companion to this work, and my gift to you. Follow along on Instagram @cari_jacobs_sf for more inspiration! Additional Resources: Connect with Henry on LinkedIn Connect with Cari on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Shadow work reintegrates the parts of ourselves we've suppressed. The first half of life builds ego; the second seeks authentic Self. Anxiety can signal suppressed parts pushing to surface. Leadership growth means shifting from doing to being. Transformation can come through small daily practices.

Four years. 80+ countries. Countless conversations that have changed the way we think about leadership. This episode takes you behind the mic — celebrating four years of Create Magic at Work®, the sparks that started it all, and where we're heading next. 🎧 Listen in as I share: The story of how this podcast was born. Favorite moments and guests who brought chills and tears Why the human voice is more powerful than ever in the age of AI What's next for leaders navigating burnout and change This anniversary isn't just about the podcast. It's about you. Every listener, every share, every review — you've helped grow this into a global conversation. If something in this episode resonates, celebrate with me: ⭐ Rate and review the show 🔗 Share an episode that gave you chills 🙌 Bring your own magic into the world of work The adventure of life continues — and the boldest chapters are just ahead. 👉 Join the movement: Register here for From Exhausted to Aligned Additional Resources: Energetic Alignment registration page Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Wisdom and compassion are essential to curing burnout. Human connection through voice matters, especially in the AI era. Leadership is about authenticity, not perfection.

Is HR missing its heart? For years, HR has been viewed as a rule enforcer, but what if it could be a source of healing and transformation instead? Samm Smeltzer, HR Intuitive, visionary, and healer, joins Amy to share her journey from corporate frustration to founding The HRart Center, a restorative community reimagining the role of HR. Through her unique blend of intuition, Qigong, and leadership development, Samm helps leaders release old energy, reclaim authenticity, and bring more humanity back into work. This is about restoring HR's true purpose: helping people thrive. 🎧 In this episode: How Samm went from aspiring musician to award-winning HR leader and healer Why embracing intuition changed her leadership and her work The surprising ways Qigong helps leaders reset and show up differently How organizations can shift from performance-only coaching to whole-person growth Why presence, authenticity, and energy clearing are the missing links in modern leadership ✨ Ready to rethink HR's role in creating healthier workplaces? Samm shows how leaders can integrate both strategy and spirit to create cultures rooted in presence, authenticity, and care. 📲 Learn more about The HRart Center: https://hrartcenter.com 📲 Join the Energetic Alignment event here: https://www.hrartinstitute.com/share/cXTd68bAgWX32wjv?utm_source=manual Additional Resources: Energetic Alignment registration page Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: HR's impact starts with the well-being of its own practitioners. Intuition is a leadership strength, not "woo." Qigong helps leaders release stress and reset. Coaching should include practices that clear energy. Servant leadership builds legacies beyond self.

Is your workplace silently wounding your people? From subtle exclusions to outright abuse, most professionals carry career wounds, but rarely have the language or tools to name them. The result? Burnout, disengagement, and nervous systems stuck in survival mode. Dr. Marie Gervais, leadership coach, author of "The Spirit of Work," and host of the Culture and Leadership Connections podcast, joins Amy to unpack her groundbreaking TED Talk on career trauma and what leaders can do about it. 💥 This is about healing the unseen scars that keep people from thriving at work. 🎧 In this episode: What career trauma really is (and why almost everyone has it) How workplace loneliness and disconnection feed into deeper wounds Practical ways leaders can "buy time" to respond instead of react Why safety, encouragement, and emotional protection are the foundation of leadership Simple tools, from breathwork to virtues cards, that can transform workplace culture ✨ Want more "glimmers" in your workplace? Dr. Marie shares how noticing small moments of safety and connection can rewire our nervous systems and bring more joy back into work. 📲 Watch Dr. Marie's TED Talk on career trauma here: https://youtu.be/vRExzK9_0HQ?si=h2mxUresfGfbofbB Additional Resources: Connect with Dr. Marie Gervais Use the Energetic Alignment registration page Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Career trauma is real: Workplace wounds affect well-being and performance. Safety first: Healing begins when the nervous system feels safe. Pause to respond: Breath and time prevent reactive leadership. Encourage, don't criticize: Recognition builds trust and connection. Spot the glimmers: Small positive moments fuel resilience and joy.

Are your top leaders quietly burning out? They may not say it — but you're seeing the signs: checked-out energy, decision fatigue, disengagement. And replacing them? Costs more than you think. In this powerful episode, returning guest Samm Smeltzer, founder of The HRart Center, joins Amy to unveil a groundbreaking leadership development experience: Energetic Alignment for Leaders — a transformative new partnership between CMAW executive coaches and HRart Center energy healers. 💥 This is burnout recovery and energetic healing journey wrapped in one. 🎧 In this episode: The real reason leaders walk away from roles they once loved Why "work-life balance" is broken (and what to build instead) What Qigong and Chinese medicine can teach us about leadership capacity A behind-the-scenes peek at the Energetic Alignment experience How coaching + energy healing = the support leaders actually need ✨ Want to experience this for yourself? We're kicking things off with a free 8-part webinar series in September — no pressure, just curiosity. 📲 Sign up at www.createmagicatwork.net to meet our team, ask your questions, and get a feel for what real leadership healing can look like. Additional Resources: Use the Energetic Alignment registration page Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Recover energy before pursuing leadership growth. Qigong + coaching boosts wellbeing and performance. Invest early to prevent burnout. Start with high support, then foster independence. Alignment sustains leaders better than passion bursts.

What if the parts of yourself you've been avoiding are actually the keys to your next big breakthrough? 🌟 In this episode, Cari takes you beyond the theory of self-discovery and into the how with a playful yet powerful five-step practice for "inner truth work." Inspired by the mesmerizing wire sculptures of Ruth Asawa, where light and shadow merge into one stunning whole, Cari shows how embracing every part of yourself can be deeply transformative. You'll learn when to dive in, how to stay safe while exploring your inner landscape, and why your body might be your best guide for uncovering those hidden gems. Plus, stick around for a guided meditation that turns these steps into an experience you can feel in real time. 🪞✨ If you're ready to start reclaiming the parts of yourself you've pushed aside, head to http://www.bravedirections.com/5daystotruth to sign up for "Five Days to Truth"—a free guided meditation series to help you begin that process with clarity and care. It's a powerful companion to this work, and my gift to you. Follow along on Instagram @cari_jacobs_sf for more inspiration! Additional Resources: Connect with Cari on LinkedIn Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Shadow work reveals hidden parts of ourselves for greater authenticity. Use the five-step process: Safety, Listening, Noticing, Expansion, Integration. Safety and embodiment come first before deeper exploration. The body communicates unresolved emotions through sensations. Integration happens over time through reflection and action.

What if the reason your wellbeing program isn't working… isn't the strategy, but how your people relate to wellbeing at work? In this episode, Amy sits down with Chase Sterling, founder of the Wellbeing Think Tank and one of the most respected voices in organizational wellbeing. With over 20 years of experience, Chase breaks down the myths, missteps, and magic behind what actually makes workplace wellbeing work. 🎙 What's inside: The difference between wellness programs and true workplace wellbeing Why "all you need to do is everything" might be the most accurate strategy What leaders at the top can do to ignite real change A breakdown of burnout, boundary-setting, and how to stop causing harm How Chase's nonprofit is leading with experts over influencers If your team is wrestling with burnout or disengagement—this is the episode. 🌀 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: wellbeingthinktank.org Additional Resources: Connect with Chase on LinkedIn Follow Wellbeing Think Tank on LinkedIn Subscribe to Wellbeing Think Tank on YouTube! Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Wellbeing at work is more than perks, it's about meeting real human needs. Programs don't change culture; leadership commitment does. Emotional energy from leaders impacts teams exponentially. Autonomy and psychological safety are essential for thriving. Stop chasing trends, start listening to your people.

Executive coach Traycee Mayer returns to share the story behind her new oracle deck. A leadership tool born from 17 years of travel, reflection, and synchronicity. What started as a collection of paths from hikes around the world became a deck used in executive coaching rooms, leadership retreats, and company workshops. And yes! Even the most skeptical teams are responding to it. In this episode, you'll hear: A horseshoe in the dirt, a message from the Universe, and the card that followed How Traycee uses the deck in 1:1 coaching and with teams Why these cards serve as "permission slips" to speak with honesty at work What it means to choose enchanted energy — even in seasons of struggle Creative ways to bring sacred slowness into fast-paced workplaces The Leader Paths Oracle isn't about bypassing difficulty. It's about noticing the signs — and leading from wholeness. 🎴 Order your deck or connect with Traycee at: https://beyouleadership.com/leaderpaths-deck 🪄 Tag us with your favorite moment @createmagicatwork and let us know what card you pull. Additional Resources: Get The Leader Paths Oracle Deck! Connect with Traycee on LinkedIn Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Pause to notice meaningful signs. Use cards to spark workplace reflection. Intuition is a valid leadership tool. Emotional insight boosts team connection. Nature can guide professional growth.

What if the reason your change initiative isn't working… isn't the strategy, but how your people relate to change? In this final episode of the Archetypes of Change™ Summer Series, Amy wraps the entire framework with real coaching stories, team data, and a call to action for every leader. 🎙 What's inside: A quick recap of all 5 archetypes How one team discovered their blind spots using AOC data A private coaching story of how an Edgewalker learned to speak to everyone on the team Why Create Magic at Work® uses this tool in real-time leadership transitions A challenge to apply what you've learned this summer If your team is walking the edge of a big change—this is the episode. DM @createmagicatwork or visit createmagicatwork.net to bring the Archetypes of Change™ to your org. Additional Resources: Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Every archetype adds value—collaboration is key. Team data reveals strengths and blind spots. Archetypes turn resistance into alignment. Coaching applied the framework in real time. Knowing your type boosts empathy and clarity.

In this final profile of our Archetypes of Change™ Summer Series, Amy Lynn Durham explores what it means to be an Edgewalker… and why your team needs them now more than ever. Edgewalkers are the visionaries who walk between worlds—grounded in reality, guided by intuition, and driven to shape the future before anyone else sees it. You'll hear: Why Edgewalkers often feel like outliers (and how to support them) How Amy discovered she was an Edgewalker—and what that meant for her leadership journey The five Edgewalker skills and qualities (this archetype is the only one with a matrix!) How executive coaching at Create Magic at Work® helps translate visionary ideas into strategy A powerful story about a client whose "wild ideas" ended up saving her company If you've ever felt like you don't fit neatly into the box—and that might be a good thing—this episode is for you. 🌀 Learn more about the Edgewalker Profile - https://createmagicatwork.net/shop/ols/products/edgewalker-profile-access Additional Resources: Take the Edgewalker Profile Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Edgewalkers sense the future before others. They balance intuition with strategy. Risk-taking is core to their nature. They often feel misunderstood or isolated. Teams thrive when Edgewalkers are supported.

What if the parts of yourself you've been hiding—your fears, your shame, your past—are actually your greatest source of power? In this episode of "Finding Treasures in the Trash," Cari Jacobs-Crovetto takes us on a deep dive into the shadowy stuff we usually try to ignore: shame, fear, and those not-so-glamorous childhood memories. Cari shares her own journey from debilitating panic attacks to powerful self-awareness, proving that the parts we often want to hide might just hold the keys to our greatest growth.✨ Stick around for a grounding 10-minute meditation that'll help you feel more at home in your body… because let's face it, the real treasure is you. 💎🧘‍♀️ If you're ready to start reclaiming the parts of yourself you've pushed aside, head to http://www.bravedirections.com/5daystotruth to sign up for "Five Days to Truth"—a free guided meditation series to help you begin that process with clarity and care. It's a powerful companion to this work, and my gift to you. Follow along on Instagram @cari_jacobs_sf for more inspiration! Additional Resources: Connect with Cari on LinkedIn Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: "Trash" symbolizes the hidden parts of ourselves we avoid. Everyone has a shadow, and others can feel it even if we can't. True healing starts by facing uncomfortable truths. Shadow work is ongoing, not a one-time fix. Meditation helps create safety within for deeper self-work.

Every team has one. They don't chase the spotlight. They don't demand recognition. They just quietly carry everyone — while no one notices how much they're carrying. They're the reason birthdays aren't forgotten. They're the one who stays late to make sure it all works. They're the first to ask: "How is this really impacting people?" 👉 But when change hits, their invisible labor stacks up… fast. 👉 And burnout starts long before anyone sees the cracks. In this episode of the Archetypes of Change™ Summer Series, we meet The Hearthtender — the soul of stability inside your organization. Inside: Why Hearthtenders are the glue you can't afford to lose The silent warning signs that leadership often misses How executive coaching helps Hearthtenders move from quiet service to empowered influence 🔥 At Create Magic At Work®, we deploy the Archetypes of Change™ framework inside organizations to help leaders navigate change without losing their people. If you're ready to lead change the right way, let's talk. Additional Resources: Discover Your Spiritual Intelligence at Work Connect with Amy Lynn Durham Learn More About Create Magic at Work More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Hearth Tenders Keep Teams Grounded: They foster connection, maintain routines, and support team morale during change. They Lead in the Present: Focused on today's needs, they help others stay steady through uncertainty. Unseen Risk of Burnout: Hearth Tenders may disengage if unrecognized or overburdened. Their Voice Matters: Involving them early in change helps avoid pitfalls and boosts team cohesion. Support Is Essential: Recognize their relational work, offer growth, and ensure they don't carry emotional labor alone.